You Ask, I Answer: Freeze-Drying
Are freeze-dried foods nutritious, or does that process destroy a lot of nutrients?
– Samantha Seidell
(Location withheld)
Freeze-drying is quite a nifty process. It simply consists of of freezing food and then removing moisture by manipulating temperatures and pressure.
It allows an entire meal (like, say, three-bean chili) to be shelf-stable for extended periods of time, without sacrificing flavor or the need to tack on boatloads of sodium and artificial preservatives.
When you’re ready to consume the freeze-dried meal, it’s simply a matter of adding water and heating! In the case of fruit, you can eat it as is for a crunchy treat.
Studies have shown that while freeze-drying affects vitamin C content to a certain degree, phytonutrients and antioxidants mostly remain intact. In fact, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables offer more nutrition than their canned counterparts.
Mary said on December 7th, 2009
Freeze-dried fruits are great on-the-go snacks. They’re not messy to eat like some fresh fruits and you don’t have to worry about them getting all bruised and unappetizing during your travels. There are quite a few companies that make them in portion controlled sizes like Funky Monkey, Brothers and Crunchies.
Holly said on December 7th, 2009
Yay! I can continue my (what I previously assumed was unhealthy) addiction to freeze dried fruit snacks. I can’t pass that shelf @ trader joes or whole foods w/o stocking up and there’s always something new. Freeze dried mangosteen? How could I resist?