Dried Strawberry

Price Comparison of Fresh Strawberry and Dried Strawberry

Advantages of Using Dried Strawberry

• Using 10 kg of strawberries in a crate, approximately 1 kg of dried strawberry is obtained, which can fit into a small jar.

• Due to volume reduction, the space required for storage has decreased significantly. The required volume has dropped to about 1/10 compared to the fresh version.

• Due to the reduction in volume and weight, it has become an easy-to-transport product. A truckload of fresh strawberries can fit into a 2-pallet space when dried.

• It does not need to be kept in cold storage conditions. Keeping it in a cool, dry, and dark place is sufficient for dried strawberry storage conditions.

• The growth rate of bacteria is proportional to the water content in dried strawberry. Since the water content of fresh strawberry drops from 90% to 10% during the drying process, water activity decreases, and bacterial growth in dried strawberry is limited. Limiting bacterial growth ensures a much longer shelf life.

• The historical development of dried products has generally occurred during periods of famine and war. Products like dried strawberry are strategic products for food security due to their long shelf life and ease of transport in terms of sustainable food production.

• As Kurucum Food, we continue to develop technologies related to dried strawberry production in partnership with our sister company, Eksis Industrial Drying Systems, a manufacturer of drying technologies. Our projects related to dried strawberry:

• Strawberry juice powder production

Dried Strawberry Nutritional Comparison Table

References:

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - FoodData Central. USDA Database
2. NutritionData
3. Diabetes.org - Glycemic Index Resources.

What is dried strawberry?

• We can answer the question of what dried strawberry is as follows:
  It is a product obtained by drying fresh strawberries, which has concentrated nutritional values and a long shelf life. The water in the fresh strawberry is evaporated, leaving the essence of the product. The resulting concentrated product, with reduced water activity and bacterial growth potential, is called dried strawberry.

• What changes when fresh strawberry is dried? Let's look at the ratios…

  • Fresh strawberry contains approximately 88-90% water.
  • This water content is an environment suitable for rapid bacterial growth and is a moisture level at which the product cannot last for a long time.
  • With the drying process, the water in the fresh strawberry is removed and the strawberry essence remains.
  • As a result, approximately 1 kg of dried strawberry is obtained from 10 kg of fresh strawberry.
  • As a result of drying, the shelf life of the product is extended and its nutritional values (carbohydrate, vitamin, protein, fiber ratio) increase.

• Dried Strawberry Varieties

  • Oven Dried Sliced Strawberry Chips:Cut to approximately 5 mm thickness. After drying, it drops to approximately 2 mm thickness.
  • Oven Dried Strawberry Powder: 0-1 mm:Produced by grinding dried strawberries with special systems.
  • Oven Dried Strawberry Granules:Produced by cutting and sieving dried strawberries of 1-5 mm thickness.
  • Oven Dried Strawberry Pieces:Produced by cutting dried strawberries of 3-8 mm thickness and sieving them with larger mesh sieves.
  • Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder:Produced by grinding freeze-dried strawberries of 0-1 mm with special systems.
  • Freeze Dried Strawberry Pieces:Produced by grinding freeze-dried strawberries of 1-5 mm with special systems.
  • Freeze-Dried Whole Strawberry: Whole strawberries dried using the freeze-drying method without cutting.
  • Freeze-Dried Sliced Strawberry: Strawberries that have been sliced and then dried using the freeze-drying method.

What Are the Uses of Dried Strawberry?

Industrial Applications:

1. Beverage Manufacturers:

   • Fruit Tea Blends: Dried strawberry adds natural flavor and color to tea blends. It can be used in winter teas, fruit teas, and detox teas.
   • Tea Bag and Instant Tea Producers: Strawberry can be used as a flavoring and coloring agent in tea bags and instant fruit teas.

2. Food Industry Applications:

   • Dessert and Snack Producers: Strawberry can be used in biscuits, cakes, granola bars, candies, and desserts. It is also a popular ingredient for desserts and cake decorations.
   • Frozen Food and Ice Cream Production: It can be used in frozen food products, especially in ice cream.
   • Biscuit, Cake, and Bakery Producers: Strawberry can be mixed into biscuits, cakes, and other baked goods. It also adds a colorful touch to pastries.
   • Desserts, Pudding, and Chocolate: Dried strawberry is used as a flavoring and coloring agent in desserts, puddings, and chocolates.
   • Muesli and Breakfast Products: Strawberry is used as a sweetener and coloring agent in muesli, cereals, and other breakfast products.

3. Functional Food Applications:

   • Diet Products and Snacks: Dried strawberry can be used as a plant-based snack for those on a diet. Its low-calorie nature makes it suitable for diet programs.
   • Detox and Digestive Products: Strawberry can be used in teas and beverages that support digestion and help eliminate toxins.

4. How to Use in Medicinal Products:

   • Natural Flavors and Colorants: Strawberry can be used as a flavor and color agent. These properties are particularly prominent in herbal teas and herbal supplements prepared for wellness purposes.

Home Use & Applications:

1. Homemade Beverages:

   • Tea Blends and Drinking Water: Dried strawberry can be brewed in hot water to make tea. It can also be used in natural fruit juice blends.
   • For Detox: Strawberry can be used as a natural sweetener and nutrient source in detox teas.

2. Snack Use:

   • In Snacks: Dried strawberry can be consumed as a snack or in functional snacks. It can be eaten with yogurt or directly as a snack.
   • Homemade Desserts: Strawberry is an ideal ingredient for homemade desserts and puddings.

3. White Sugar Alternative:

   • Natural Sweetener: Strawberry can be used to add a natural flavor to desserts. Additionally, strawberry can be preferred as a natural source of aroma instead of sugar.

4. Use in Snacks & Desserts:

   • Alone or with Desserts: Dried strawberry can be used in desserts and puddings, or sprinkled over biscuits, cakes, and other desserts for an appealing presentation.

5. Making Your Own Tea:

   • Preparing Tea at Home: Strawberry can be consumed as a tea on its own or in blends. It is especially preferred for its wellness and relaxing effects.