What are freeze-dried raspberries and why are they needed?
Raspberries are the perfect addition to morning tea or afternoon tea. Jam is made from the berries and added to muffins and cookies. However, in winter it is very difficult to find fresh, healthy and affordable fruits. Stores offer beautiful, but tasteless and expensive options. In this case, freeze-dried raspberries come to the rescue. What it is and how to use it, we will consider further.
What are freeze-dried raspberries?
Freeze-dried raspberries are the same raspberries, only freed from moisture. Sublimation begins with rapid freezing, which turns the liquid into ice crystals. Afterwards, the temperature is gradually increased and at the same time they begin to pump out air from the container with raspberries to a vacuum state. In this way, water is removed, which does not entail loss of shape of the berries. They retain taste, color and aroma.
Advantages and disadvantages of this harvesting method
With this preparation, raspberries do not lose their nutritional, taste and beneficial properties. It is stored for a long time, so it is used even in winter, when there are no seasonal products in stores.
Freeze-dried berries do not take up much space when stored. They have no significant drawbacks, except perhaps individual intolerance to the product.
Areas of use
Freeze-dried berries are used in cooking and folk medicine. They are added to cereals, biscuits, jams, chocolate, sweets and drinks: tea, compote, jelly.
Attention! Adults and children eat raspberries as a source of organic acids and microelements.It strengthens the immune system, normalizes digestion and increases performance. Berries are low-calorie, so they will not harm your figure.
The product is used in technological production: for the production of muesli and cereal bars, dietary and baby food, ice cream.
Where to buy ready-made freeze-dried raspberries and how much they cost
Most often, the product is purchased in specialized online stores. There are many offers on the Internet from well-known and local companies that will deliver fruits to any city. They will not be damaged during transportation.
Price for 1 kg — about 2,600 rub. (for 100 g - about 260 rubles).
How to sublimate raspberries at home
Sublimation involves not damaging the fruit fibers and carefully removing all moisture from them. This is done at home using an oven or infrared dryer.
In an infrared dryer
This household appliance is designed for drying berries, vegetables and fruits. Infrared rays evenly dry food, and they retain the benefits and taste as much as possible.
Fresh raspberries are washed and laid out on trays, the temperature is set to +210°C and left for 5–7 hours. It is recommended to change the trays every hour so that the fruits dry more evenly. Other berries are prepared using the same principle.
In the oven
Oven warm up to a temperature of +120°C and open the door. The fruits are laid out on a baking sheet covered with foil. Sublimation time is approximately 4 hours depending on the oven. During this time, the door is not closed to remove moisture.
Attention! You can prepare such raspberries at home, but they will still differ from freeze-dried ones under special conditions, which were first frozen, then heated and kept in a vacuum. Therefore, it is better to buy a ready-made product, as it differs in benefits and taste.
As with the first method, the fruits are periodically stirred with a wooden spoon.
How to use it
Raspberries are used to prepare various dishes: cereals, desserts, baked goods, sauces, toppings and drinks. The berries do not contain dyes or flavors, which means they are harmless to health and figure.
Housewives often add raspberries to chocolate, ice cream, and fillings for pies and pancakes. The fruit is made into a powder and added to cake or muffin batter or used as a topping for homemade shortbread cookies.
Benefits and harms
Raspberries are known for their antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is indispensable for colds, headaches, and flu. Moderate consumption of freeze-dried fruits improves skin tone and evens out complexion. Raspberries are low-calorie foods, which is important for those who adhere to a healthy or dietary diet.
Reference. 100 g of freeze-dried product contains 46 kcal, 0.5 g of fat, 8.3 g of carbohydrates, 0.8 g of protein.
Contraindications for eating berries: allergic skin reactions, individual intolerance and food poisoning. It is not recommended to eat berries for people with impaired kidney function: due to their diuretic effect, they will create additional stress on the organs. Fruits are prohibited for stomach pain and during exacerbation of gastritis and ulcers. In this case, even a small amount of berries will only do harm, not good.
How to store freeze-dried raspberries
Store it in a dry, dark and well-ventilated place (for example, in a kitchen cabinet). The ideal container is a glass, well-sealed jar, a bag made of natural cotton or linen.
Strongly smelling foods, such as spices or sauces, should not be placed nearby. If all recommendations are followed, raspberries can be stored for up to 2 years.
This is interesting:
How to dry raspberry berries and leaves at home
Finding out whether you need to wash raspberries before freezing and preparing the berries correctly
Conclusion
Freeze-dried raspberries are bought in special stores. It is distinguished by its benefits and long shelf life, which cannot be said about berries prepared independently. The fruits will decorate a slice of holiday pie or complement a raspberry cocktail. They are low in calories and rich in vitamins, desserts with them will not affect your figure and will lift your spirits.