An Introduction to Freeze-Dried Fruit
When fruit undergoes a process of freeze-drying (also known as ‘lyophilisation’) it’s a way of removing its moisture, while preserving its nutritional value. Conventional drying of fruit, especially when done at higher temperatures, can lead to a degradation of vitamins and reduce the benefits the body gets from consuming it.
Freeze-drying is also far better at preserving the shape and colour of fruit, which can make it look far better in a finished dish, or if you choose to rehydrate it. It also increases its shelf life massively, meaning it can be stored for years instead of just a few days.
Freeze-dried fruit also has a wonderful crispiness, and doesn’t suffer from the claggy chewiness of a lot of conventionally-dried fruit.
What does freeze-drying involve?
The freeze-drying process has three separate stages: firstly, the fruit is frozen, before the pressure is lowered significantly. This then enables the final stage to take place, during which the ice is removed from the product through a process of sublimation, which is when a solid is transformed directly into a gas, bypassing the liquid stage. This vapour is then funnelled away, leaving the product intact and moisture-free.
Is freeze-dried fruit healthy?
As freeze-drying fruit means it retains more than 90% of its nutrients, it’s just about as healthy as fresh fruit, but won’t go off nearly as quickly. Fibre levels are also maintained, making freeze-dried fruit a superb way to improve your gut health. Remember to bear in mind that it’s far lighter in weight than fresh fruit because the water content has been removed, so it contains more natural sugars per gram. Eating 100g of freeze-dried strawberries is equivalent to eating 1kg of fresh strawberries!
The ‘crispy’ texture brought about during the freeze-drying process is one of the most attractive properties of the finished product, and transforms fruit into something delightfully different. Children who may steer clear of fresh fruit normally are bound to be delighted with crispy freeze-dried banana slices or crunchy sliced cherries. It’s a great way for kids to get fibre and nutrients in their diet while feeling like they’re getting a treat!
Brilliant for cooks and foodies
Once you’ve discovered freeze-dried fruit, there’s no going back! Whether it’s whole fruits, slices or fruit powders, there are hundreds of applications in the kitchen for these fantastic ingredients. Our customers love using our freeze-dried fruits in cakes, cookies, crumbles, trail mixes and smoothies, or simply just munching them by the handful!
Freeze-dried fruit is good for your wallet too
Freeze-drying can reduce fruit to 10% of its fresh weight, so if you think freeze-dried fruit is expensive, multiply the cost by ten and you’ll see it’s actually pretty cheap! You won’t have to worry about it going mouldy or rotting either, as it will last indefinitely if kept sealed and away from moisture.
We’ve worked hard to find the most amazing freeze-dried fruit from all over the world, so come and have a look at our brilliant range here!