Alhéjakat

Alhéjakat is a term of Arabic origin, most commonly referring to dried plums or prunes. The word itself is a plural form, derived from the Arabic word for plum. Historically, the practice of drying fruits, including plums, was a method of preservation that allowed for longer storage and transport. This process concentrates the natural sugars in the fruit, resulting in a sweeter, chewier product. Alhéjakat are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium and vitamin K. They are often consumed as a snack, added to baked goods, or used in savory dishes, particularly in cuisines with Arab influences. The use of alhéjakat in cooking can impart a distinct sweet and tart flavor profile. In some contexts, the term might also be used more broadly to encompass other dried fruits, though dried plums remain its primary meaning. The preparation of alhéjakat typically involves harvesting ripe plums and then drying them, either through sun-drying or mechanical dehydration.