What is lyophilization/freeze-drying?

Freeze-drying: gentle fruit and vegetable processing that preserves vitamins

You’ll find freeze-dried fruits among the ingredients in Mendula granolas. We absolutely love these ingredients—they’re delicious, crispy, colorful, and not least, healthy. But what exactly is freeze-drying?

Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a special process that preserves fruits and vegetables while retaining their original flavor, nutritional value, and vitamin content. This method first gained popularity in nutrition science and space exploration, but today it's widely used in households and the food industry as well.

The freeze-drying process involves the following steps:

• Freezing: Fresh fruits or vegetables are frozen at low temperatures, preserving their shape and structure.

• Drying in vacuum: The frozen food is placed into a vacuum chamber where pressure is reduced. This allows the frozen water to sublimate directly into vapor without melting, avoiding moisture damage to the food.

Benefits of freeze-drying:

• Vitamin preservation: Unlike traditional preservation methods, freeze-drying minimizes the effects of heat and oxygen, helping retain the natural vitamin and mineral content of fruits and vegetables.

• Minimal nutrient loss: Freeze-drying preserves the structure and taste of food much better than traditional drying methods, which often result in significant nutrient loss.

• Long shelf life: Because moisture is removed, freeze-dried foods last much longer and are less prone to spoilage.

• Lightweight: Freeze-dried foods are significantly lighter than traditionally preserved or dried foods, making them perfect for hiking, camping, or travel.

How to use freeze-dried fruits?

• Quick and easy snacks: Freeze-dried fruits are convenient to eat and perfect for an active lifestyle.

• Colorful, nutrient-rich food: They’re packed with valuable antioxidants that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

• Smoothies, mueslis, and desserts: Freeze-dried fruits are excellent additions to smoothies, granolas, or even desserts.

• For those with allergies or intolerances: Freeze-dried fruits contain no additives or artificial preservatives, making them suitable for people with food allergies or sensitivities.

We can confidently say that freeze-dried fruits are a healthy alternative to processed sweets and snacks, helping to support a more balanced and nutritious diet.