Freeze Dried Fruits include the process of freeze-drying which is a process where water or moisture is removed using vacuum pressure without using heat. They retain original shape and colour and become crunchy and airy. They are highly concentrated and pigmented making it easier to use. Examples are mango, strawberry, and pineapple.
Dehydrating Fruits are fruits where the water is removed over a period of time. It is usually removed by heat, sun drying, oven or dehydrator. They are more chewy , sticky or leathery in nature. They are darker in colour due to dehydration and heat exposure. Examples are raisins, apricots, dates.
How are they different from each other?
Process Method
Freeze Dried Fruits use vacuum to remove the water from the fruits. It does not use heat and is more advanced and structured better. Dehydrated Fruits use heat to remove moisture and the process time takes overnight or days and uses evaporation.
Texture
Freeze Dried Fruits have a chewy, crispy and airy texture. Since they are completely dry the original taste remains the same with the texture. Dehydrated fruits have a sticky, chewy and more dense texture.
Nutritional Value
In freeze dried fruits, the nutritional value i.e. vitamins and minerals of the original fruit remain the same. It does not get reduced during the process. In the dehydrating process, the nutritional value may get lost during the process like Vitamin C. However both have strong fibres and are suitable for diet.
Weight and Shelf Life
Freeze dried fruits are lightweight and easier to store. However being hygroscopic, they are advised to consume immediately or store in air tight containers. They are heat and refrigerator-free and can stay for a long time.
Dehydrating fruits still have moisture thus making it heavier than freeze dried fruits. They have long shelf life however shorter than
Uses
Freeze dried fruits can be used in multiple ways like in cereals, as toppings, smoothies, cakes and pastries. Also the fruit powder can be used as natural food coloring dye.
Dehydrating fruits can be used in smoothies, oatmeals, plain snacking or trail mix.
Dehydrating fruits may contain added preservatives unlike Freeze Dried Fruits. However, both are healthy and convenient ways of smart snacking. Choose your snack according to your taste.
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