If you’ve ever heard about freeze-dried foods, you know how these have transformed the industry. But, with the growing prevalence of freeze-dried meal, people have started comparing these with fresh ones. So, are freeze-dried foods healthier than fresh or should you stick to the fresh ones?
In this blog, we will dive into whether freeze-dried foods are raw and safe to eat. We will also discover what foods cannot be freeze-dried and the benefits of freeze-drying foods. So, shall we dive in together?
Is freeze-dried food raw?
When planning to switch to freeze-dried products, people often wonder if freeze-dried food is raw. So, yes, most often, freeze-dried foods are raw and are not cooked. Freeze-drying technology preserves the natural properties of fresh fruits like their flavour, taste and aroma. People who prefer a raw food diet may more likely prefer freeze-dried meal since these are minimally processed and uncooked.
But this is not the case with all freeze-dried products. Foods like meat, fish and eggs are often cooked before freeze-drying to ensure it’s safe to eat. With that, freeze-dried meals are also available in the market. As the name suggests, these meals are cooked before undergoing freeze-drying.
Is it safe to eat freeze-drying foods?
Though foods meant for freeze-drying indeed go through sophisticated technology, let us tell you that Mak Biotek’s freeze-drying retains around 99% of the nutrition. This process preserves all the nutritional value of the foods and preserves the goodness of the foods.
However, when water is removed from the fruit and vegetables, water-soluble nutrients like Vitamin C may also likely be removed. However, the nutrients that are lost during freeze-drying are often negligible. With that, freeze-drying foods have a dense flavour due to their low water content.
Is freeze-dried food worth more than fresh foods?
Now you must be wondering if it is worth switching fresh foods with freeze-dried products. So, here are a few points you must consider in this regard-
Nutritional Value
Do you know freeze-drying products contain more nutrition as compared to fresh foods? Fresh foods are harvested days before they are ripe and aren’t as fresh as you think. But, foods meant for freeze-drying are harvested only when they are fully ripe. It means they are more nutritious, and this nutrition is later locked up in the freeze-drying process.
Longer Shelf Life
With fresh foods, you always have to worry about using them within a certain period otherwise they would go state. However, this is not the case with freeze-drying foods. You can store these for as long as you want since these can survive up to 25 years depending on how you store them.
Taste and Cost
There isn’t much difference between the taste of fresh and freeze-drying foods. Fresh foods have a natural taste, but freeze-drying has a light and airy taste and texture. In terms of cost, freeze-drying foods are often more expensive due to the advanced process these go through. Fresh foods are more affordable but come with a few downsides.
What foods cannot be freeze-dried?
Yes, indeed, some foods cannot be freeze-dried because a certain amount of fat, sugar and moisture is essential for this process. Foods like fatty meats, bones, butter, chocolate, coffee beans, honey, jam, jellies, mayonnaise and syrups cannot be freeze-dried. Simply put, foods with high fat and sugar, high water and alcohol content and carbonated drinks cannot be freeze-dried.
What is the benefit of freeze-dried foods?
Adding freeze-drying foods to your diet can offer you many benefits. Some of the benefits of freeze-dried products are-
Lightweight and Portable
Unlike fresh foods, freeze-dried have low moisture content. It means you can carry them wherever you go and try to eat healthy. You can easily store them on your kitchen shelf or pack them in your bag and enjoy the nutrition.
Unique Texture
Since most of the water is removed from the foods during the freeze-drying process, it results in a unique crunchy and airy texture. No matter, if you’re eating freeze-dried mango or freeze-dried banana, most of them have a rich texture that will leave you within more.
Versatile
Freeze-dried products are so versatile that you can add them to all of your meals. If you’re craving a smoothie or healthy oats, freeze-dried fruits can be a handy option. Or, if you want to enjoy a rich and nutritious meal, with freeze-dried vegetables you can make soups, appetisers and even a main course. These are even handy if you want to have a delicious dessert or bake a cake or pudding, the choice is all yours!
Conclusion
Now you know if freeze-dried products are healthier than fresh ones and if you can switch to the former. We advise you to have a mix of both categories in your diet to complete your overall nutrient intake. If you’re planning to switch to freeze-dried products, Mak Biotek’s diverse range of freeze-dried products is a must-try!