Yogurt Gems (Natures Harvest Yogurt Coated Raisins)

Member Name: Praskipark

Product:	Natures Harvest Yogurt Coated Raisins
Date:	27/05/08 (321 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very tasty and a quick energy boost

Disadvantages: Too much fat and sugar in the coating

I thought I would have a day off from writing a travel review and write about something delicious and addictive instead. No it isn't chocolate as I am not a great fan like other members of my household - the review is about yogurt coated raisins.
If you like raisins and yogurt then you will definitely find these little gems delicious. Juicy raisins covered in a thick, smooth,creamy yogurt coating. I usually buy them in a 250 gm bag but you can buy them in smaller amounts. I tend to eat a whole bag in one day which is unlike me as it usually takes weeks for me to eat a box of chocolates and sometimes they have gone off by the time I get round to it. Yes, once you have tasted them you will be addicted.

They come packaged in a cellophane bag with a label on the front saying Natures Harvest. This is the manufacturer and can be bought from most health food shops and on line.

Here are a list of shops where you can purchase from:

Holland and Barret 250gm approx £1.79
Traidcraft (online) 100gm £1.10
Julian Graves 150gm £1.59
Goodness Direct (on line) 100gm - 91p
Humbug Traditional Sweets (on line) 250gm - £2.15
Country Products - 0.5kg - 33p

Usually advertised as a healthy snack but let's have a look at the ingredients and analytical values:

Raisins 42%, sugar, vegetable fats, whey permeate, wheat flower, yogurt powder (50%), dextrose, Emulsifier (E322), vegetable protein, modified starch, flavouring.

Typical Analysis per 100gm

Energy 1696kj/404kcal
Protein 2.6gm
Carbohydrates 63.6 of which are sugars 63.0gm
Fat 16.5gm of which are saturates 13.7gm
Fibre 1.0gm
Salt Trace

Well raisins are definitely good for you. The nutritional benefits range from nutrients -- such as natural sugars,potassium, fibres and antioxidant. The natural sugars are a great source of energy. Potassium is known to help to reduce blood pressure and as they have low salt content both these factors contribute to a healthy diet. Fibre in raisins helps to regulate intestinal function and along with tartaric acid which works together with fibre helps to keep the colon working properly. Quercetin which is an antioxidant, also found in raisins has been known to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Not so sure about the yogurt coating. Looking at the analysis it is high in carbohydrate and fats but if you take away the coating the taste will not be as yummy. So my suggestion is only to eat a few at a time not the whole packet. Great for kids as a treat at lunchtime but remember if anyone in the family has a nut allergy. they are packaged in bags and may have traces of nuts or seeds.

For all you enthusiastic and ambitious cooks out there here is a recipe for you to make your own ( info taken from the net).

YOGURT COATED RAISINS

2 c. raisins
8 oz. yourt cream cheese**
1/4 c. butter
6 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Place raisins in a steamer basket or strainer. Place over boiling water, but not touching it. Steam, covered for 5 minutes. Combine yogurt cream cheese and butter in heavy bottomed saucepan. Stir over low heat until butter is melted, cheese is soft and mixture is well combined. Transfer to large bowl of mixer. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until frosting is thick and creamy but not dry. Add vanilla. Stir in raisins gently. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let dry, uncovered for 4 hours or overnight. Makes 3 1/3 to 4 dozen clusters.

YOGURT CREAM CHEESE

Use as you would cream cheese or mascarpone cheese. Very spreadable and can be
very low fat.

1 quart plain yogurt, (Whole milk or low fat)

Line a large strainer or colander with cheese cloth. Place the strainer or colander over a bowl and then place the yogurt in the strainer and let drain overnight. Cover the bowl and strainer with plastic wrap so nothing will accidently drop into the draining yogurt. After 12 hours, take the cheese cloth and very gently squeeze any remaining moisture out of the cheese.
Empty the whey from the bowl and let stand another 8 hours. Place your cheese in a clean container and your yogurt cheese is ready to use.

It seems like a lot of faffing for me but some of you might like to try. I will stick to buying the packet.

Summary

Great snack when hungry and feelling low in energy. Addictive.
Hope you have liked this review and thanks for reading.

Summary: Great little snack!