Almond Fingers and the Importance of Dried Fruit in Our Diet

Vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and many properties – dried fruit is a real cocktail of taste and benefits for our body, to the point that it is often counted among the so-called superfoods.

At breakfast, together with a yogurt, as a snack to break hunger before lunch or dinner, or in main meals to enrich salads or make the crust for fish, dried fruit is suitable to be consumed at any time of the day.

Its contribution to a healthy diet is essential. Consuming dried fruit regularly is important to ensure the body has the right amount of nutrients and improve some vital functions.

assorted nuts lot
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What are the nutritional properties of dried fruit?

Dried fruit, in general, is rich in dietary fiber, which stimulates intestinal transit and also has an anti-tumor function.

Contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, essential for the well-being of the cardiovascular system.

Fatty acids are those defined as good fats because they prevent inflammation of the body and counteract the rise in blood cholesterol levels.

Furthermore, dried fruit is rich in vegetable proteins and contains many mineral salts, such as iron, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, potassium, selenium, calcium, and phosphorus.

Precisely for this reason, those who follow a vegetarian diet should always consume it in abundance because, among the various benefits, it helps to supplement the iron that is usually assumed through the consumption of meat.

Dried fruit also contains many vitamins of groups A, B, and K.

The reality is this: in a healthy and balanced daily diet, dried fruit should never be lacking; in fact, adequate consumption regulated according to our energy needs certainly does not hurt.

Almond Fingers
A very simple Middle Eastern sweetmeat that is especially popular in Arab countries. 
Check out this recipe

How much dried fruit is recommended to eat?

If we ask ourselves how much dried fruit to eat in a day, we must first know that by itself, it does not make us fat: it has this effect if you eat after having already reached the daily caloric requirement.

On the contrary, a little dried fruit, with its high fiber content, makes you feel full and therefore also allows you to eat less and, therefore, lose weight.

Generally, it is recommended the consumption of no more than 15-30 grams of dried fruit per day.

round white ceramic bowl
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Contraindications: when it is best to avoid eating dried fruit

Therefore, this food is ideal for maintaining good health, but there are cases in which consumption should be avoided.

Dried fruit is not suitable for those who suffer from digestive system diseases and have chronic intestinal inflammation, colitis, and Chron’s disease. In fact, due to the high fiber content, this food could cause inflammation and worsen the problem.

In addition, people with diabetes, those who suffer from kidney problems, and those who are subjected to a low-calorie diet should avoid the consumption of dehydrated fruit because it is too rich in sugar and calories.

Recipe using dried fruit

Almond Fingers Recipe

Dried fruit is my recipe of the month.

Many dishes can be prepared with dried fruit.

Combinations for appetizers can be made with cheese by preparing dried fruit bites. You can think of accompanying pasta with zucchini and toasted dried fruit for the first courses or adding them to tasty and quick sauces.

If we then think of desserts, dried fruit is very suitable for garnishing desserts and ice cream and preparing excellent tarts.

I have prepared a recipe for you to make at home: Almond Fingers.

This is a very simple Middle Eastern sweetmeat that is especially popular in Arab countries. 

I love all types of nuts. And I also like Middle Eastern cuisine. The combination of dried fruits, rosewater, and cinnamon always intrigued me. It is such a delicious and complex mix of flavors.

Never miss a recipe

Ingredients for 40 – 50 pieces

  • 200 g ground almonds
  • 50 g ground pistachios
  • 50 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rosewater
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 12 sheets filo pastry
  • 115 g melted butter
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-step instructions on how to make these almond fingers:

Preheat the oven to 160ºC (325ºF). Grease with butter a baking tray. Mix together the almonds, pistachios, sugar, rosewater, and cinnamon.

Almond Fingers Recipe Step-by-step instructions

Cut each sheet of filo pastry into 4 rectangles. Work with one at a time, and cover the remaining rectangles with a damp dishtowel. Brush one rectangle with melted butter, and place a tablespoon of the nut filling in the center.

Almond Fingers Recipe Step-by-step instructions

Fold the sides and roll them into a cigar shape. Continue until all the filling has been used.

Place the ‘cigars’ on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then dust with icing sugar.

Almond Fingers Recipe Step-by-step instructions

Nutritional Information: 60 calories per piece

Almond Fingers Recipe
Almond Fingers Recipe
Almond Fingers Recipe

Enjoy it! Happy Baking!

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Almond Fingers

A very simple Middle Eastern sweetmeat that is especially popular in Arab countries. 
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 40
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g ground almonds
  • 50 g ground pistachios
  • 50 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp rosewater
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 12 sheets filo pastry
  • 115 g melted butter
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 160ºC (325ºF). Grease with butter a baking tray. Mix together the almonds, pistachios, sugar, rosewater, and cinnamon.
  • Cut each sheet of filo pastry into 4 rectangles. Work with one at a time, and cover the remaining rectangles with a damp dishtowel. Brush one rectangle with melted butter, and place a tablespoon of the nut filling in the center.
  • Fold the sides and roll them into a cigar shape. Continue until all the filling has been used.
  • Place the ‘cigars’ on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then dust with icing sugar.
Keyword almond fingers, middle eastern sweets, nuts sweets
Popsicle Society
Popsicle Society

I love traveling, cooking and enjoying this beatiful world. 
I’m a life lover! Simple as that!

18 thoughts

  1. These almost fingers look absolutely delicious and I shall have to give them a go. I try to incorporate dried fruit and nuts into my diet every day because despite what my mother says, then in moderation, I know that they really can be good for me. Magnesium, zinc and selenium are particularly beneficial for those with mental health issues, and as someone with a lifelong anxiety disorder, I try to make sure that my nerves are getting the calming nutrients they need. Usually I make up a mix of brazil nuts, dark chocolate buttons and dried cranberries to nibble on, though apple, cinnamon and raisin wholemeal pancakes are also my favourite breakfast. A great post, thanks for sharing!

    1. Thank you very much! Yes, what we eat is very important not only for our body but also for our mind! Dried fruits eaten in moderation, like with all other foods, are beneficial for our diet! The secret for a balanced lifestyle and a clear mind is to exercise and eat a little bit of everything! Apple, cinnamon and raisins are a great combination of flavors ☺️😋

      1. Never a truer word! Sadly I lost my Dad to leukemia at 60. Dad was very health conscious and ate salads and hummus like they were going out of fashion. Meanwhile Nan (Dad’s Mum) ate a little bit of anything she fancied and she went on to 83! Both of my grandmothers reached 80 and both of them weren’t afraid of a slice of cake or a little bit of chocolate. You’re right about exercise too, but I think the key is it has to be exercise that you enjoy. Gyms aren’t fun for me, but I love a good swim or a hike with my dog 🙂

      2. I’m sorry for your dad! He went well too soon! Unfortunately we never know what life brings us…we need to try our best to take care of us but also don’t deny ourselves the small pleasures in life. Exactly! Exercise doesn’t mean only gym…exercise means movement, things that you enjoy and keep you active…swimming, hiking (especially if you have a dog) is already a good exercise ☺️ We need to do things that we enjoy, we don’t need to force ourselves in doing things we don’t like, because then will become a chore…Enjoy life! And enjoy eating a little bit of everything! ☺️

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