Freeze-Dried Fruits
Background
We have visited big and small farms across British Columbia to carefully select the best possible freeze-dried fruits in order to create some delicious tea. When soaked in hot water, these wonderful freeze-dried fruits smell, taste and look almost exactly like fresh fruits.
What are Freeze Dried Fruits?
Freeze-drying, technically known as lyophilization, is a process that involves removing the moisture from fruits while preserving their natural flavors, colors, and nutrients. Unlike traditional drying methods that often lead to a loss of vital nutrients due to high heat exposure, freeze-drying employs a combination of freezing and vacuum pressure to extract water in its frozen state. This process prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the cellular structure of fruits and lead to flavor and nutrient loss.
The fruits are first frozen to extremely low temperatures, causing the water inside to solidify as ice. Then, under low pressure, the ice crystals are directly transformed into water vapor through a process called sublimation. This vapor is then collected and removed, leaving behind the freeze-dried fruit with nearly 98% of its original water content removed. The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable product that retains the nutritional value and taste of the original fruit.
Nutrients Preserved
One of the most remarkable aspects of freeze-dried fruits is their ability to retain the majority of their original nutritional value. The gentle freeze-drying process minimizes the degradation of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, enabling freeze-dried fruits to retain most (97-98%) of their nutrients. Unlike dehydrated food, only 60-75% of the original nutrients are retained.
Better Shelf Life and Convenience
In a fast-paced world where convenience often dictates dietary choices, freeze-dried fruits stand out as a convenient option that doesn't compromise on quality. Their lightweight nature, extended shelf life, and portability make them easy to store and consume.
Adding Flavors, Aroma, Colors and Textures to Tea
Freeze-dried fruits possess an inherent ability to enhance the flavor profile of teas without overwhelming their delicate nuances. By harnessing the concentrated taste of fruits, this pairing can create a harmonious balance between the comforting warmth of tea and the invigorating zest of fruits. Imagine sipping a robust black tea complemented by the tanginess of freeze-dried cranberries. These combinations open up a world of possibilities, allowing tea enthusiasts to customize their brews to suit their preferences.
The addition of freeze-dried fruits also introduces a splash of color to your tea, transforming it into a visual masterpiece. The vibrant reds, yellows, and purples of freeze-dried berries and fruits dance in the swirling currents of tea, creating a picturesque spectacle that's as enchanting as it is appetizing.
Moreover, freeze-dried fruits contribute extra layers of texture to the tea-drinking experience. As they rehydrate in the hot water, they regain most of their original form, thus also adding chewing sensation while you are enjoying your perfect cup of tea.