What is Freeze Dried?

 Post #2 in the 30 Days of Favs blog party!

Since most of my favorite products are freeze dried, I thought I would make sure that everyone understood the process!

So lets talk about what freeze dried is.

Freeze dried food is flash frozen just like regular frozen foods.  They are both picked at the peak of freshness!  The produce is allow to ripen naturally.  But what sets it apart is the next step.  The food is then vaporized to remove 98% of the moisture.  It is then canned and sealed in oxygen proof cans which is what gives it its incredible shelf life.  And the freeze dried will not get freezer burn after a couple of months.   There is no difference in the cancer fighting nutrients.  Oh, and if your freezer goes out or your power is off for a while your freeze dried food is still safe and sound!

Dr. Gary Stoner, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Environmental Health Sciences at Ohio State University, has researched freeze drying for more than 20 years, and has learned that freeze-dried fruits retain almost all of their nutrients when compared to fresh fruit. His research has found that freeze-dried fruit helped prevent colon tumors.  In fact Dr. Stoner is so positive about the efficacy of freeze-dried fruits as a cancer treatment, he is developing an aerosol spray made from them as a possible treatment for lung cancer.

 Read more: The Effect of Freeze Drying on Vitamins | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5970299_effect-freeze-drying-vitamins.html#ixzz1I3EDt0X2

The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests what while the water and oxygen are removed from foods, the nutritional value of the food is not decreased or altered.  Freeze dried fruits and vegetables contain the same amount of antioxidants as their fresh counterparts, according to the American Dietetic Association.

SEE YALL TOMORROW FOR POST #3!

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Freeze Dried Versus Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Did you know that freeze dried produce is just as good if not better for you than the fresh that you get from your supermarket?  Surprised?  Most people that I talk to are!  Let me show you why.

 First lets talk about what freeze dried is.

 Freeze dried food is flash frozen just like regular frozen foods.  They are both picked at the peak of freshness!  The produce is allow to ripen naturally.  But what sets it apart is the next step.  The food is then vaporized to remove 98% of the moisture.  It is then canned and sealed in oxygen proof cans which is what gives it its incredible shelf life.  And the freeze dried will not get freezer burn after a couple of months.   There is no difference in the cancer fighting nutrients.  Oh, and if your freezer goes out or your power is off for a while your freeze dried food is still safe and sound!

Dr. Gary Stoner, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Environmental Health Sciences at Ohio State University, has researched freeze drying for more than 20 years, and has learned that freeze-dried fruits retain almost all of their nutrients when compared to fresh fruit. His research has found that freeze-dried fruit helped prevent colon tumors.  In fact Dr. Stoner is so positive about the efficacy of freeze-dried fruits as a cancer treatment, he is developing an aerosol spray made from them as a possible treatment for lung cancer.
 Read more: The Effect of Freeze Drying on Vitamins | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5970299_effect-freeze-drying-vitamins.html#ixzz1I3EDt0X2
 
The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests what while the water and oxygen are removed from foods, the nutritional value of the food is not decreased or altered.  Freeze dried fruits and vegetables contain the same amount of antioxidants as their fresh counterparts, according to the American Dietetic Association.

Fresh produce is usually picked before it is fully ripened.  Manufacturers want the food to look fresh and ripe when it hits the shelves.  Produce is often harvest too early and then later sprayed with plant hormones to speed up ripening.  Since the ripening occurs so quickly and often in some crowded box, the plant cannot develop as many nutrients and as much flavor as it would if it slowly ripened on its own.  This explains why a strawberry can have a beautiful deep red color but tastes like nothing.  And not to mention all the wax that is put on some fruit so it will look all shiny for you! Studies have shown that freeze dried food has more nutrients than fresh food that has been sitting at the grocery store for only three days.


So in conclusion, we know that we have been advised to get 7 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday!  While homegrown maybe the best it is not an option for the majority of Americans.  Freeze dried and fresh both have important cancer fighting nutrients, freeze dried does go through less processing and has less chemicals added to enhance their appearance.  Freeze dried is also light in weight, does not need refridgeration and has a long shelf life.  Since it is so convenient is it a favorite for campers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. 

Go to www.thrivingtexasmama.com to see the great selection of Freeze Dried Fruits and Vegetables that THRIVE has to offer!


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Dehydrated or Freeze Dried...Whats best for you? Home Store 101 #3

Dehydration and Freeze Drying - Two Preservation Methods, Compared and Defined

by Guest May 05 2010

submitted by Denis Korn

DEHYDRATED (aka AIR DRIED)

"Dehydrated" is a general designation for all foods that have had water removed. It includes a number of different products and dehydrating techniques. Methods of drying include:
          o Air drying
          o Spray drying
          o Drum drying
          o Belt drying
    * Most commonly, “dehydrated” is a term applied to vegetables, fruits, spices, and beans.
    * Spray dried items include milk powder, dairy and cheese powders, fruit powders, vegetable powders, egg powders, and oil powders.
    * Most dehydrated vegetables and fruits are dried at high temperatures for short periods of time.
    * Advantages of dehydration:
          o Reduced weight
          o Longer shelf life
          o Lower cost
          o No waste and compact
          o A large, easy-to-use variety of foods
    * Disadvantages of dehydration:
          o Many products - such as corn, peas, and green beans - have to be cooked to reconstitute, resulting in increased time and loss of nutritional value.
          o High temperature drying of some items reduces nutritional value and taste.
          o Texture of some products is altered from original.
FREEZE DRIED
Freeze drying is a specific technology that refers to foods which have been frozen and then dried at low temperatures in a vacuum chamber.  The moisture is drawn from the chamber, leaving foods with a very low moisture content.  This process is known as sublimation.
  
    * Advantages of freeze drying:
          o Foods retain the highest nutritional value, taste, texture and appearance.
          o Foods do not “shrivel up,” therefore retaining their original shape.
          o Foods reconstitute easily in hot or cold water and can be eaten dry if necessary; no cooking is required in preparation.
          o The only method used to dry meat products for long term shelf life.
          o The chosen method of drying by the military, pharmaceutical companies, supplement manufacturers, and those concerned with nutrition and flavor.
          o The lowest moisture content obtainable, resulting in long shelf stability.
          o Excellent for fruits, vegetables, and meats.
          o Very lightweight.
    * Disadvantages:
          o Energy intensive- requires special equipment.
          o Higher cost.
          o Limited number of processors.


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