You can get the most enjoyment even out of over-dried dried apricots or prunes that have been sitting in the kitchen drawer for months. One clever method will help soften dried fruit and restore its original appearance.

Soaking in boiling water will result in a loss of flavor and nutritional value. Dried apricots, prunes, figs and dates in their normal state are soaked exclusively in warm water no hotter than 40 degrees. For over-dried fruit, that kind of heat is not enough. 

That is why homemakers are advised to use a steam bath. Place the fruit in a colander and hold it over boiling water for a few minutes. Do not hesitate to put a steamer to use if you have one at home. The treats will start returning to their former shape, which means they can once again be used as a snack or an addition to baked goods, according to the «Khozyaika Uyuta» Dzen channel.