Freeze-dried strawberry pieces

Price Comparison of Fresh Strawberry vs. Dried Strawberry per kg

Advantages of Using Dried Strawberry

• Using 10 kg of fresh 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. Compared to fresh, the required volume has dropped to about 1/10.

• 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. 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 for sustainable food production.

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

• Strawberry juice particle 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 Freeze-Dried Strawberry?

• We can answer the question of what dried strawberry is as follows:
  It is a product with concentrated nutritional values and a long shelf life, obtained by drying fresh strawberries. 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 long.
  • Through the drying process, the water in the fresh strawberry is removed, leaving the strawberry essence.
  • 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 increases 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 reduces 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 into 1-5 mm sizes.
  • Oven-Dried Strawberry Pieces: Produced by cutting dried strawberries into 3-8 mm sizes and sieving them with larger mesh screens.
  • Freeze-dried strawberry powder: Produced by grinding 0-1 mm freeze-dried strawberries using specialized systems.
  • Freeze-dried strawberry pieces: Produced by grinding 1-5 mm freeze-dried strawberries using specialized systems.
  • Freeze-dried whole strawberry: Whole strawberries that have been freeze-dried without being cut.
  • Freeze-dried strawberry slices: Strawberries that have been sliced and then freeze-dried.

How to store freeze-dried strawberry pieces?

Dried strawberry has a minimum shelf life of 1 year when stored under proper conditions. There are 3 main factors that reduce this period:

• Humidity
• Sunlight
• High temperature

To prevent a shortened shelf life, it should be kept in its original packaging in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight.

Where are freeze-dried strawberry pieces used?

What is its industrial use?

1. Beverage Manufacturers:

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

2. Where can it be used in food production:

   • Dessert and Snack Manufacturers: Strawberry can be used in biscuits, cakes, granola bars, confectionery, and desserts. Strawberry 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 Manufacturers: Strawberry can be mixed into biscuits, cakes, and other bakery products. 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, cereal, and other breakfast products.

3. How to Use in Functional Foods:

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

4. How to Use in Remedies:

   • Natural Flavors and Colors: Strawberry can be used as a flavoring and coloring agent. These properties are especially prominent in herbal teas and herbal supplements.

Home Uses? Where to Use?

1. Homemade Drinks:

   • Tea Blends and 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 snacks with functional benefits. 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. It can also be preferred as a natural source of aroma instead of sugar.

4. How to Use in Snacks and 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. Make Your Own Tea:

   • Brewing Tea at Home: Strawberry can be consumed as a tea, either on its own or in blends. It is often preferred for its soothing and restorative properties.