Fresh and dried fruits are sometimes coated with sugar to make a more appealing snack or dessert, or to add a decorative element to pastry dishes.

The process is simple enough that it can be done at home. Usually a layer of egg whites or dissolved meringue powder is first applied. Then the fruit is dusted with confectionery or regular sugar. Afterwards the whole thing is left to settle for a few minutes to let the coating settle and stick.

There is a slight difference between sugar coated dried fruits and candied fruit although both types of products can be sugar coated. The former is simply dehydrated and then sweetened. The latter meanwhile undergoes more processing where the water content of the fruit is replaced with sugar.

The health risks of consuming too much sugar are well known which is why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends that you avoid this food. Continue reading about the negative effects of sugar coated dried fruits. Continue reading →