Understanding Preservation Methods: Freeze Drying vs. Dehydration
Choosing between freeze drying and dehydration for preserving food can be tough. So, is freeze dried better than dehydrated? In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of freeze dried food, using facts and Freeze N Dried product examples to show why it’s the top choice.
What Makes Freeze Drying Special?
Freeze drying, also called lyophilization, involves freezing food, lowering pressure, and taking out ice through sublimation. This method keeps the food’s taste, texture, and nutritional content, making freeze dried food more attractive than dehydrated products.
Dehydration Process: Limits and Drawbacks
Dehydration, on the other hand, removes water from food by applying heat. While it effectively preserves food, it often leads to a loss of flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
Nutritional Value: Freeze Dried Food is Better
When comparing freeze dried fruit to dehydrated fruit, the nutritional difference is big. Freeze dried food keeps up to 97% of its original nutrients, while dehydrated food only preserves about 60%. Thus, freeze dried food is the clear winner in terms of nutrition.
Taste and Texture: An Obvious Choice
Another area where freeze dried food shines is taste and texture. Freeze dried food rehydrates quickly and keeps its original shape, color, and flavor. Dehydrated food, however, can become hard, shriveled, and lose its taste.
Shelf Life: Freeze Dried Foods Stay Good Longer
When it comes to shelf life, freeze dried foods also have the edge. They can last up to 25 years when stored properly, while dehydrated foods have a shorter shelf life of around 15 years. This makes freeze dried food a great choice for long-term storage.
Examples of Freeze N Dried Products: Quality Proof
Freeze N Dried offers a wide variety of freeze dried products that show the superiority of this preservation method:
- Freeze Dried Strawberries: These tasty, ready-to-eat treats have a bright color, strong flavor, and a nice crunch.
- Freeze Dried Pineapple: With its tangy taste and good texture, freeze dried pineapple is a great snack or ingredient for recipes.
- Freeze Dried Mac and Cheese: Perfect for camping or emergency preparedness, this yummy meal rehydrates quickly and tastes just like homemade.
Freeze Dried Ice Cream: A fun and tasty dessert, freeze dried ice cream offers the same flavors and creaminess as regular ice cream, without the need for refrigeration.