Humankind, for a couple of millennia, has thought of fruit that way; but in the 21st century, our favourite fruits have been warp-speed shrunk, into thoroughly bite-sized, high-density, completely mouth-watering ready-to-eat snacks–the bite-sized round freeze-dried pear slice now available in many markets.
Introduction to Freeze Drying
Ever wonder what goes into freeze-dried foods, such that they can be both crispy and flavourful? Well you’ve come to the right place.
The Art of Freezing Fruit
Unlike what its name implies, freeze drying is more than simply freezing; the fruit is frozen, then put in a vacuum to allow the ice to sublimate into vapour that leaves behind a crisp, sugary piece of fruit. It has no moisture, but it is very full of flavour.
Benefits of Freeze Drying
In addition to that delicious crunch, you know you’re getting plenty of longevity – plus the freeze-drying process ensures that you won’t need any additives or preservatives, and not too many nutrients will ever be lost either.
Dive into the World of Pear Slices
Perhaps it’s time for pears – the appley, apple’s shy, misunderstood cousin – to have its own moment. This time, the fans are on point.
Why Pear Slices?
And pears – sweet, juicy, fibrous pears – these freeze-dried into super-concentrated, sterile-seeming little granules of ambrosia captured autumn’s essence, its sweet juice and fibre. I held the season itself in my hand.
Nutritional Facts
These sweet, spicy and nutty sliced pears brim with Vitamin C and dietary fibre, as well as an array of different antioxidants. So simple and delicious and so good for you to enjoy every day.
The Process of Freeze Drying Pears
But how do we get from a juicy pear to a crispy slice?
From Orchard to Packet
The journey starts from the orchards where when the pears are ripe enough one picks them, washes and slices them by hand, adding them to a freeze dryer machine in order to perform the magic of dehydration.
Maintaining Flavor and Nutrition
You might expect that such a transmutation diminishes the flavours of the pear, that something must be lost as the process happens. In fact, the flavours become more intense. And most of the fruit’s nutritional benefits are retained.
The Snack Revolution: Pear Slices
Snacks have evolved, and pear slices are at the forefront of this evolution.
A Healthier Choice
A slice of pear – one of those freeze-dried, no sugar, no preservative snacks that you tuck in your pocket or bag – don’t you just love afternoon munchies?
Versatility in Use
Besides gorging on them by themselves, a range of cereals and yogurts can now contain them, and they make great cake toppings. So versatile, that junk food.
Storing and Enjoying Your Pear Snack
Like all good things, there's a way to make them last.
Tips for Freshness
Put your pear slices in the refrigerator. Keep them in cool and dry place, in the same plastic zipper bag, so the pear slices keep their crisp texture.
Creative Ways to Consume
Drop them in smoothies, sprinkle them on salads or eat the Orbs by the fistful. Options abound, limited only by your imagination.
Conclusion
Freeze-dried slices or cubes or pieces of peeled, caramelised pear, whatever will work for you, will vastly alter our experience of the snacking world. Those advantages, their healthiness, their utility – they mean they are here to stay, and that next time people are going for something nutritious that still feels crunchy and sweet and slightly sour and a little salty, they’ll know what to put in their mouth.
FAQs
What makes freeze-dried pear slices different from regular dried pears?
But the nutrient content is much better retained with freeze-drying compared with dehydrating, although the bite is crunchy, which dehydrating doesn’t achieve – it’s also much chewier.
How long can I store my freeze-dried pear slices?
With good storage, that means they can stay sealed for two years without any loss of taste or nutritional properties before you open them.
Are there any additives in these pear slices?
No, most freeze-dried pear slices are 100% natural with no additives.
Can I rehydrate the pear slices?
Yep! Put them in water for a couple of minutes, and they’ll bounce right back.
Why are freeze-dried fruits more expensive than regular dried fruits?
Furthermore, although it’s supposedly the same thing, or at least that’s how it sounds, freeze-drying involves more steps, and thus it’s more likely that the nutrients and flavour will stay intact, and for those qualities some of the time, higher prices are justified.
