According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "drying is the oldest method of preserving food." When a food item is dried it eliminates the natural moisture in the food, which prevents spoiling due to bacteria and other organisms. There are a variety of methods used for drying food including sun drying, oven drying and dehydrator drying. Dried fruits are a healthy meal addition or snack because they are high in carbohydrates and fiber but low in fat.
Calories and Fat
A single serving of dried cherries, 1/4 of a cup, contains 120 calories, none of which come from fat. Dried cherries are a fat-free food.
Carbohydrates
Dried cherries contain 26 g of total carbohydrates in one serving. This includes 3 g of fiber as well as 17 g of sugar. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a daily fiber intake of 14 g for every 1,000 calories eaten.
Protein
There are 2 g of protein in 1/4 cup of dried cherries. Dried cherries are not a source of complete protein, meaning that they do not contain all eight essential amino acids. Pair them with a whole grain cereal for a complete protein meal.
Vitamins
One serving of dried cherries provides 25 mcg of vitamin A. According to the Food and Nutrition Board, adult females should consume 700 mcg of vitamin A each day and adult males should consume 900 mcg of vitamin A every day.
Minerals
There is 20 mg of calcium, 0.4 mg of iron and 5 mg of sodium in 1/4 cup of dried cherries. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends an intake of 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium for adult males and females. Adult males should consume 8 mg of iron daily. Adult females under 50 should consume 18 mg of iron and adult women over 50 should consume 8 mg of iron. The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium each day.
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