Storing and using dried fruit

- Storing dried fruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer keeps it fresher and prevents it from drying out and becoming too hard.

- If dried fruit does get too dry and hard, microwave it briefly with a little water in a covered container on low power, or soak it in hot water to plump it before adding to cake batters or bread dough. If you’re using dried fruit in a cooked dish, it will soften after a few minutes of simmering.