Freeze Dried Fruit — The new in thing Freeze dried fruit is among the hot favorite foods at this time when more and more people are into eating healthiest of the healthy foods. Freeze dried fruit is perfect for when you need something sweet and fruity, but you care about keeping your body healthyествоRead On… Busy professionals, outdoorsmen and women, health-conscious moms or anything in between – freeze dried fruit is for everyone.
In this article, we will be providing an in-depth guide to everything you need to know about freeze dried fruit. Through which you will learn the following: from the freeze drying process, its health benefits, and how to consume it. We’ll additionally consider the best freeze dried fruits on offer, so you can practically crunch down on this adaptable and nutritious snack your self.
What is Freeze Dried Fruit?
Freeze dried fruit is just like regular fruit, but after a special process that removes moisture and saves the structure, flavor and nutrients of the fruits. This includes subjecting the fruit to super cold temperatures first. That frozen fruit is then placed in a vacuum chamber, where the ice within the fruit undergoes sublimation; or rather it turns directly from a solid to a gas without ever passing through the liquid stage. It results in a dry, crispy fruit with a soft texture.
Freeze drying excludes most water from the fruit and locks in its flavor and nutrients, distinctly unlike any other method. It is this quality that makes freeze dried fruit perfect for long-term storage, light transport and of healthy snacks in between.
How Freeze Drying Works
Freeze drying is a highly sophisticated that includes multiple steps in order to preserve the fruits quality and nutritive value. The following outline provides a high-level overview of how the freeze drying process works:
Freezing
The fruit is initially flash-frozen to extremely low temperatures, typically -40°F (-40°C). This method will allow the fruit to freeze quickly in a process that helps preserve the cell structure of the fruit, so it does not turn into mush once you are ready to rehydrate it.
Primary Drying
Fruit is next put in a vacuum chamber, lowering the air pressure. This method causes the frozen water inside of the fruit to sublimate — turn directly into vapor without first melting. It crochets to shape, with the fruit still frozen at this stage.
Secondary Drying
Secondary drying occurs when most of the water is removed during sublimation. This will apply some low heat to all the remaining moisture. The process creates fruit with as little as 2% water remaining inside, leaving final product extremely dry and crispy.
Packaging
This freeze dried fruit is then kept in an air tight container, which does not let the moisture back inside. Good packaging is important to keep and store the fruits properly; these preservation properties have a shelf life of up to 25 years.
Benefits of Freeze-Dried Fruit
Health Benefits One of the reasons freeze dried fruit has become so popular is because it offers a range of health benefits. Unlike most heat-treated dried fruits — which may have fewer nutrients than fresh fruits — freeze drying retains about 90% of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in its fresh form. Some benefits that are associated with freeze dried fruit are:
1. Retains Most Nutrients
The low temperatures used and the sublimation process of freeze drying fruit make its nutrient retained are at nearly 100% of the food original nutrients. The result is that freeze dried fruit is highly nutritious and vitamin C, A, E as well as some minerals such as potassium and magnesium are maintained in high levels.
2. Low in Calories
As an added bonus, freeze dried fruit is naturally low in calories, so it well suited to those who are looking for weight maintenance or weight loss. Since the fruit is dehydrated, it has an increased fiber content so you feel full longer without adding extra calories to your diet.
3. Convenient and Portable
Portability — One of the most significant advantages to freeze dried fruit is its ability to be moved from place A to place B without fear of it bruising or becoming smushed. It is super lightweight and great for hiking, camping, taking with you on your travels or as a grab and go snack. It also requires no refrigeration and has a long shelf life, so it’s perfect for emergency preparedness or stocking up your pantry.
4. Sugar Free & Preservative Free
Note that most commercially dehydrated fruits have additional sugar or other additives like sulfites in them to prevent spoiling and to bring out sweetness. As compared with, the freeze dried fruit generally has no extra sugar added, no preservatives, or artificial ingredients so making it a somewhat more healthy and natural selection.
5. Promotes Digestive Health
Freeze Dried Fruitasto — Freeze dried fruit is high in fiber and this makes it better for your digestion. Fiber helps you poop — and supports a healthy gut by providing food for the good bacteria in your digestive system. This will help to avoid constipation and promote a regular metabolism.
How to Use Freeze Dried Fruit
Not only a grab and go snack freeze dried fruit makes an easy ingredient in many recipes Some great way to include freeze dried fruit in your meals and snacks:
Snacking
Easiest way to eat freeze dried fruit is directly from the bag. You cannot resist a piece of apple pie, but the appy is a crunchy, juicy treat that is as natural in its sweetness as it gets. It fits conveniently in your bag or desk drawer to give you an energy boost whenever you need it.
Smoothies
Freeze Dried Fruit Freeze dried fruits are great to add on top of a smoothie if you love making them. Dried fruit eliminates the need to add much water at all since it incorporates well into your smoothie. Freeze dried strawberries, bananas, blueberries or your favourite fruit for an extra flavour and nutrient kick
Baking
Dried fruit: freeze dried fruits can be great to use in baking projects and they add a beautiful pop of flavor and color! Add them to muffins, cookies or even a cake while baking! As you bake it, the fruit rehydrates a bit which ensures a nice little burst of flavor in your finished baked good.
Cereal and Oatmeal Toppings
Sprinkle freeze dried fruits on top of your cereal, oatmeal or yogurt for a healthy crunch and sweet boost to breakfast. Millet flakes are typically sweetened with spices, including Moroccan bohia-tree gum, cinnamon and fennel seeds to make muesli or granola mixes then sold as single serve portions.
Trail Mix
Homemade or store bought freeze dried fruit is a good idea as a trail mix component. It makes a great trail mix once paired with nuts, seeds and of course a few dark chocolate chips, or just on its own for an on-the-go snack for hiking, camping or well…any regular day at home.
Freeze Dried Fruit vs Dehydrated Fruit
The Pros of Freeze Dried vs Dehydrated Fruits- Which is BetterConsumers should remember that freeze dried and dehydrated fruits are two completely different things. Now that you know the differences, you can chose which type of dried fruit works best for your needs.
Moisture Content
Freeze dried fruit VS Dehydrated fruit The main difference between freeze dried and dehydrated fruit is the moisture content. Freeze dried fruit: 2% water, dehydrated fruit: 15-20% moisture. This variation in water content changes the texture — freeze dried fruit is airy, dry and crunchy while dehydrated fruits are chewy.
Shelf Life
Since freeze dried fruit has much lower moisture levels, it is able to endure longer storage lives than dehydrates fruits. Freeze dried fruit, when stored appropriately in an airtight container, has a shelf life of up to 25 years and is perfect for long term storage. Processed (dehydrated) fruit on the other hand, has a shelf life of 1—2 years.
Nutritional Content
It takes some processing, but freeze-drying is a better way to preserve the nutrients in those fruits than other methods. Both methods dehydrate the fruit, but using heat to dry out the fruit will make lose some of its vitamin and minerals (especially those that are more sensitive to heat, like Vitamin C).
Best Freeze Dried Fruits
Here are some of the best freeze dried fruit choices if you want to jump in:
1. Freeze Dried Strawberries
The best freeze dried fruit flavors in the world, strawberries are brightly coloured with a sweet taste that also works just like raspberries. Great for eating as a snack, blending into smoothies or topping yogurt or cereal.
2. Freeze Dried Apples
Crispy and satisfying, freeze dried apples by the handful are also a great way to get your sweet fix while out on a trail. It can be eaten raw, or used in baking recipes such as apple pie or muffins after rehydration.
3. Freeze Dried Bananas
Freeze-dried bananas are great on their own because they end up a little starchy or with sugar, and it brings out their natural flavors in an almost candy-like taste. They are perfect as a simple snack or to add in smoothies.
4. Freeze Dried Blueberries
Blueberries contain many antioxidants and vitamins, which are good for you to eat in any diet. Use in: oatmeal, cereal, baked goods and as a snack | What is it? Freeze dried blueberries → BUY
5. Freeze Dried Mango
If you are a fan of tropical flavors, then you need to try some freeze dried mangoes. It will fade slightly from its vibrant red to a rich winter color but maintain it delicious sweet-tart flavor that is great by itself or in smoothies.
Caring for Your Freeze Dried Fruit
The quality and shelf life of freeze dried fruit will be maintained if it is stored properly. Take a look at these freezing dried fruit storage tips:
Airtight Containers: When opened, always move your freeze dried fruit into an airtight container to maintain any moisture out.
Cool, Dry Place – Keep your freeze dried fruit in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight and humidity. Someplace like the pantry or a cupboard is good.
Vacuum Sealing for Long-If you plan to store freeze dried fruit for an extended period, consider vacuum-sealing the fruit to remove excess air and keep moisture out.
FAQs
What is freeze dried fruit?
Freeze dried fruit is comprised of fruit that has undergone dehydration, a technique that eliminates water content while preserving the nutritional worth within the fruit, flavor and structure.
Freeze Dried Fruit – Good or Bad?
True, freeze dried fruit does preserve almost all of the nutrients found in fresh fruit so it is a nutritious and vitamin, fiber, and anti-oxidant packed option as a snack for adults.
How long can freeze-dried fruit last?
Freeze Dried Fruit has been known to remain fresh for up to 25 years when stored correctly in an air-tight container and is great for food storage or emergency preparedness.
Rehydrating freeze dried fruit
Water or any other liquid where you could add the freeze dried fruit. This will suck the moisture and bring back its actual characteristic.
FREEZE DRIED VS DEHYDRATED FRUIT: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Freeze Dried Fruit has a lower moisture content and therefore keeps for much longer than dehydrated fruit. It also helps maintain the nutritional content and taste of the fruit.
Are freeze dried fruit suitable for baking?
Yes, you can bake with freeze dried fruit. You can even fold it into batters, sprinkle on top of muffins, or grind it to a powder and use it as a filling.
Conclusion
Freeze dried fruit is a convenient, nutritious, and versatile option for anyone looking to enjoy the health benefits of fruit without the hassle of fresh produce. From snacking to baking, freeze dried fruit fits seamlessly into a variety of diets and lifestyles. With its long shelf life, portability, and retained nutrients, freeze dried fruit is a fantastic way to keep a healthy snack on hand at all times.
Suggestions for Outbound Links:
- Learn more about the freeze drying process at National Center for Home Food Preservation.
- Explore the benefits of freeze dried foods at Healthline.