Specialists in Freeze-Dried Fruit since 1995!
Low Temperature Freeze-Drying
The Freeze-Drying Process
At Totally Pure Fruits, we use freeze-drying, a cutting-edge dehydration method that preserves the taste, texture, and nutrients of fruits and vegetables in the most natural way possible. Freeze-drying is an advanced process that uses low-temperature vacuum pressure to carefully remove moisture from perishable items without compromising their integrity.
How Freeze-Drying Works
The freeze-drying process begins by freezing the product to an ultra-low temperature of -40°C in a blast freezer. Once frozen, the material is placed in a vacuum chamber, where the pressure is gradually lowered. This allows the frozen water in the product to sublime, transitioning directly from a solid (ice) to gas, without passing through a liquid state.
This slow, controlled process takes up to 7 days to complete, ensuring that all the delicate properties of the fruit or vegetable are preserved. Once finished, the freeze-dried product must be stored in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption, which helps maintain its quality and freshness.
Why Freeze-Drying is Different
Freeze-drying offers several significant advantages over traditional air drying and dehydration methods. Here’s how it stands out:
Shelf Life
Moisture content is the key to how long any dried food will last. Traditional air-dried and dehydrated fruits lose up to 70-90% of their moisture, significantly limiting their shelf life. Freeze-drying, on the other hand, removes an incredible 98-99% of the moisture, greatly extending shelf life without the use of preservatives.
For optimal preservation, we recommend storing freeze-dried products in a cool, dry place at temperatures below 25°C. This helps maintain the freshness and extends shelf life even further.
Nutrition
Unlike other drying methods that can deplete the nutritional content of fruits and vegetables, freeze-drying retains up to 95% of the nutritional value and 100% of the fiber. This means that once rehydrated, the product closely mirrors the nutritional value of its fresh counterpart.
In contrast, dehydrated foods often retain only 50-60% of their original nutritional value, as the higher heat used in dehydration can break down sensitive vitamins and minerals.
Taste & Texture
The flavour of freeze-dried fruits is remarkably close to that of fresh produce. Because freeze-drying uses minimal heat, the natural flavors of the food are preserved, making them more vibrant and true to their original taste. The result is a light, crisp, and crunchy snack with a burst of concentrated flavor.
In comparison, dehydrated foods can have a more chewy or dense texture, often resembling leather. Freeze-dried products, however, retain the shape, color, and crispness of the original food.
Weight
Because freeze-drying removes nearly all the moisture, the weight of the product is significantly reduced. Typically, freeze-dried fruit weighs only 12% of its fresh weight, making it an ideal, lightweight snack. In contrast, dehydrated fruit can weigh about 25% of its fresh weight, meaning it still retains a substantial amount of water content.
Why Choose Freeze-Dried Products?
Long Shelf Life: Perfect for storage and easy access for months or even years.
No Nasties: Our Freeze-Dried products are 100% natural with absolutely no additives!
High Nutritional Retention: Keeps vitamins, minerals, and fiber intact.
Natural Taste & Texture: Offers a fresh, crispy texture and vibrant flavor.
Lightweight & Convenient: Ideal for snacks, travel, and on-the-go.