What Is Freeze-Dried Fruit, and Is It Good For You?
Freeze-dried fruit snacks are popping up on grocery store snack shelves, and for good reason! These crunchy and sweet treats are a simple way to sneak in some fruit if you are craving something crunchy. If you haven't had freeze-dried fruit before, some say that the consistency reminds them of the dehydrated space ice cream they used to eat on field trips (in a good way)!
The process of freeze-drying fruit is a scientific and relatively costly process. Essentially, water is removed from the fruit in a way that the structure and shape of the fruit is preserved. If you are looking at a freeze-dried blueberry, for example, you will notice that the shape and size is the same as a fresh berry. The difference is the consistency; the freeze-dried option will be crunchy (like a blueberry chip!) while the fresh berry will be juicy. Since many fruits have a short shelf life due to their high water content, removing the water allows for the fruit to last longer without refrigeration.
Data suggests that freeze-dried fruit is a great option if you are looking for shelf-stable fruit options. Research published in Foods Journal explains that "although some losses in vitamins and other valuable biocompounds can be found after freeze-drying, this type of dehydration method is the best to preserve nutritional qualities when compared to other dehydration methods." Studies have shown that, when compared with other preserving methods, freeze-drying fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries improved retention of certain beneficial nutrients like antioxidants.
Freeze-dried fruits can be enjoyed on their own while on-the-go or added to cereals, oatmeals, or trail mixes. They are also great when you need a crunchy snack and are trying to stay away from the potato chips!