Freeze-dried strawberry powder

Price Comparison of Fresh vs. Dried Strawberry per kg

Advantages of Using Strawberry Powder

• Using 10 kg of fresh strawberries, approximately 1 kg of strawberry powder is obtained, which fits into a small jar.

• Due to volume reduction, the space required for storage is significantly decreased. The required volume is reduced to about 1/10th compared to fresh strawberries.

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

• It does not require cold storage conditions. Keeping it in a cool, dry, and dark place is sufficient for strawberry powder storage.

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

• The historical development of dried products has generally occurred during periods of famine and war. Fruit and vegetable powders 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 related to 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 powder production

Dried Strawberry Nutritional Value 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 Powder?

• We can answer the question of what strawberry powder 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. Grinding these dried strawberries produces strawberry powder.

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

  • Fresh strawberry contains approximately 88-90% water.
  • This water ratio is a suitable environment 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 strawberry powder is obtained from 10 kg of fresh strawberries.
  • 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 reduces to approximately 2 mm thickness.
  • Oven Dried Strawberry Powder: 0-1 mm:Produced by grinding dried strawberries using specialized systems.
  • Oven Dried Strawberry Granules:Produced by cutting and sieving dried strawberries into 1-5 mm sizes.
  • Oven Dried Strawberry Pieces:Produced by cutting and sieving dried strawberries through larger mesh screens into 3-8 mm sizes.
  • Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder:Produced by grinding freeze-dried strawberries into 0-1 mm sizes using specialized systems.
  • Freeze Dried Strawberry Pieces:Produced by grinding freeze-dried strawberries into 1-5 mm sizes using specialized systems.
  • Freeze Dried Whole Strawberry:Whole strawberries dried using the freeze-drying method without cutting.
  • Freeze Dried Strawberry Slices:Strawberries that have been sliced and then dried using the freeze-drying method.

How to Store Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder?

Dried strawberry powder 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 shorter shelf life, it should be kept in its original packaging in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.

Where is Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder Used?

What is its Industrial Use?

1. Ready-to-Eat Food Manufacturers

• Strawberry Flavorings and Syrups:
  Strawberry powder can be used in beverages, syrups, and flavoring mixes.
  • Function: The sweet and fruity aroma of strawberry adds a natural flavor to drinks and offers consumers a fresh strawberry taste.
  • Benefit: It can be easily used even when it is difficult to find strawberries in remote regions or out of season.

2. Ice Cream and Dessert Manufacturers

• How to Use in Ice Cream and Desserts:
  Strawberry powder is used to add flavor and color to ice creams, cakes, and other desserts.
  • Function: Strawberry adds richness to desserts in terms of both color and flavor.
  • Benefit: It makes desserts more appealing as a natural coloring and flavoring agent.

3. Seasoned Food Products and Snacks

• Strawberry Crackers, Biscuits, and Snacks:
  Strawberry powder can be used as a flavoring in snack products, biscuits, or crackers.
  • Function: Strawberry aroma adds a delicious touch to snacks.
  • Benefit: It offers a more practical and long-lasting option than fresh strawberries.

4. Food Supplements and Nutritional Products

• Strawberry Powder Mixes and Vitamin Supplements:
  Strawberry powder is used to increase the nutritional value by being added to food supplements and vitamin mixes.
  • Function: Strawberry is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may support the immune system.
  • Benefit: Strawberry powder can be practically added to nutritional products instead of consuming the fruit directly.

5. Flavored Beverages and Smoothie Mixes

• Smoothies and Instant Beverage Mixes:
  Strawberry powder can be used as a flavor enhancer, especially in smoothie mixes and instant beverages.
  • Function: Strawberry powder provides a rich taste and natural color in beverages.
  • Benefit: It easily transfers the full flavor of the strawberry fruit into liquids like water or milk.

Home Use and Applications

6. Homemade Desserts and Cakes

• Strawberry Cakes, Tarts, and Puddings:
  Strawberry powder can be used in cakes, tarts, puddings, and other homemade desserts.
  • Function: Strawberry powder adds both sweetness and a rich fruit aroma to desserts.
  • Benefit: It can be used as an alternative when using fresh strawberries is difficult.

7. Homemade Smoothies and Beverages

• Delicious and Nutritious Smoothie Blends:
  Strawberry powder is ideal for green smoothies or other fruit blends.
  • Benefits: Strawberry powder adds a sweet and refreshing flavor to smoothies.
  • Usage: It can be used as both a natural and functional sweetener.

8. Use in Homemade Sauces and Soups

• Strawberry Sauces and Soups:
  Strawberry powder can be used in recipes such as salad dressings, fruit-based soups, and dessert soups.
  • Benefits: Strawberry is a versatile ingredient that adapts to both sweet and savory dishes.
  • Usage: Adds a unique and fresh taste to various dishes.

9. Use on Snacks and Desserts

• Strawberry Crackers and Snacks:
  Strawberry powder can be used to add flavor to homemade crackers, cakes, or cookies.
  • Benefits: Strawberry adds natural flavor and color to snacks, making them more appealing.
  • Usage: Enriches both visually and in terms of taste.

10. Face Masks and Natural Cosmetics

• Strawberry Powder and Skincare:
  Strawberry powder can be used in natural face masks and skincare products.
  • Benefits: Strawberry is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which may benefit skin health.
  • Usage: Provides a natural addition to skincare and may soothe skin inflammation.

11. Flavoring Yogurt and Puddings

• Strawberry Yogurt and Puddings:
  Strawberry powder can be used to add flavor to homemade yogurts or puddings.
  • Benefits: Strawberry powder gives yogurt and puddings a fresh strawberry taste.
  • Usage: Can be used as a natural sweetener.