How to Buy The Best Freeze Dried Fruit?

Have you ever tried eating freeze-dried fruit? Those of you who haven’t joined this trend yet will be surprised to find out that this variant of fruit resembles the fresh one, in terms of flavor, form, and aroma, solely differing in the amount of water.

Actually, for a fresh strawberry to be transformed into its freeze-dried variant, it has to be frozen and then have its water extracted, leaving a minimal amount of moisture. However, these products have a longer shelf life while containing the indispensable nutritive content, which contributes to their popularity.

In case you’re purchasing this type of product for the first time, there are a few factors to take into consideration prior to ordering it online or visiting your local greengrocer. These are the main tips to bear in mind when ordering your first package.

Choose between sliced or diced form

When shopping for freeze-dried fruit, you’ll be probably appealed by the price of the package, without considering the content you’re getting for that particular price. Anyhow, purchasing the lowest-cost product doesn’t guarantee the best deal.

In fact, the form in which you’re buying the freeze-dried fruit plays a major role in the mass of the product. For instance, purchasing it in a sliced or diced form isn’t the same in terms of weight, due to the amount of air in the container. The larger the pieces, the more air there is inside the package. Therefore, your bag of banana slices is going to be lighter than the one with banana dices.  Read more about the modified atmosphere, the internal atmosphere of a food package.

Check the net weight

When selecting a package of freeze-dried fruit, you’re supposed to check its net weight, as not all packages weigh the equal amount of grams. Although all packages look alike upon seeing them on the store shelf, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have the same net weight.

Since you can’t see through the package and inspect its amount visually, make sure you look for information on the container which states the net weight. Bear in mind that this weight is of the content inside the container, not including the mass of the bag itself. By checking this information on all the packages of freeze-dried fruit, you’ll be able to choose the one with the most affordable price.

Give it a try first

An important factor when purchasing freeze-dried fruit is giving it a try, prior to choosing your favorite among the numerous brands on the market. You have the alternative of ordering it online or buying it from your local greengrocer. Regardless of which option you’ll choose, make sure you ask for a sample.

In fact, most of the online companies where you can buy freeze dried fruit, provide their customers with tiny packages that serve the purpose of degustation. You can order a couple of samples in order to find the one that matches your taste and preferences. It’s more affordable to try various small packages until you choose the best one, instead of ordering normal-sized bags, which naturally cost more.

Know where it comes from

Regarding food safety, it’s important to discover the fruit’s country of origin in order to be entirely sure that the product is safe to eat as well as organic. However, since most of the manufacturers don’t put this information on the container, there’s no other way of finding out, then contacting the company itself.

Moreover, if the company is willing to give you an answer and even provide a proof to verify the information, then you have nothing to worry about. Anyhow, in case the company is reluctant to provide you with an answer, then probably the country of origin doesn’t comply with the standard food safety regulations.

Bear in mind that not all customers are interested in this aspect, so if you are genuinely concerned where the fruit originates from, make sure you get in touch with the manufacturer to get the required information.

Make sure it has the necessary vitamins

Although the fruit goes through the freeze-drying process, it doesn’t lose all the nutrients it normally contains. Actually, it keeps most of the nutritive value, thus containing the necessary amount of vitamin C and vitamin A. It’s vital to check this information, particularly when giving this type of product to children, who need their daily dose of vitamins.

Also, if you are planning to replace fresh fruit with its freeze-dried variant, you have to make sure it contains the optimal amount of vitamins. Your daily vitamin intake is the one protecting you from cardiovascular problems, boosting your immunity and rejuvenating your skin. Visit the following link: https://theconversation.com/health-check-whats-better-for-you-fresh-dried-or-frozen-fruit-81608, to learn more about the difference between fresh, dried and frozen fruit, in terms of nutrients.

Be careful with the number of portions

Another aspect to take into consideration when trying to consume freeze-dried fruit is the number of portions you are supposed to consume. Actually, when eating fresh fruit you are likely to get satiated faster, as it contains plenty of water. Thus, one or two portions of apple or banana will make you feel full.

However, in the freeze-drying procedure, water is removed from the fruits, leaving a low percentage of moisture. Therefore, eating a portion of this variant isn’t the same as eating one of the fresh type. In fact, you’re expected to eat more portions than before in order to reach the same level of satiety.

Anyhow, you don’t need to worry about eating a bigger number of portions, as the freeze-dried variant is high in fiber, thus preventing you from eating unhealthy snacks. Once you make this healthy snack part of your daily routine, you’ll improve the function of your bowel movements, finally ameliorating the function of your digestive system.

Wrap up

When shopping for this product, make sure you choose the right form, check the net weight, discover the country of origin and most importantly check the vitamin content!