What is Freeze-Dried Strawberry？

Freeze-dried strawberry is a form of strawberry that has had the majority of its water content removed through a process known as freeze-drying. This process involves freezing the strawberries, then reducing the pressure and increasing the temperature in a vacuum chamber, which causes the frozen water to sublimate, or change from a solid to a gaseous state. The result is a lightweight, crispy, and easy-to-store product that still retain a high percentage of the nutritional value, flavor and color of fresh strawberries.

Freeze-dried strawberry can be used in a variety of ways, such as adding to cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or baked goods. They can also be rehydrated by adding water and can be used in cooking and baking. They are also a great snack by themselves, they are sweet and light, and they can be used to decorate desserts.

 

How to made Freeze-Dried Strawberry？

Freeze-dried strawberries are made by a process called sublimation, which involves freezing the strawberries and then exposing them to a vacuum. This causes the frozen water in the strawberries to sublimate, or change from a solid to a gas, without passing through a liquid phase. The process is as follows:

Harvest and wash the strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries should be harvested and washed thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

Blanch the strawberries: Blanching the strawberries helps to preserve their color and flavor. This is done by immersing them in boiling water for a short period of time.

Cool the strawberries: After blanching, the strawberries should be cooled quickly in ice water to stop the cooking process.

Cut the strawberries: If desired, the strawberries can be cut into smaller pieces before they are freeze-dried.

Freeze the strawberries: The strawberries are placed in a freezer at temperatures of -40°F (-40°C) or lower.

 

Place the strawberries in a vacuum chamber: The frozen strawberries are placed in a vacuum chamber, where the pressure is reduced.

Heat the chamber: The chamber is heated to a temperature of around 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C)

Wait for the sublimation process: Water from the frozen strawberries will start to sublimate, or change from a solid to a gas.

Collect the freeze-dried strawberries: Once the sublimation process is complete, the freeze-dried strawberries can be collected and packaged for storage.

Note that the process might vary depending on the equipment and technology used, but the basic principle of sublimation remains the same.