Strawberry Powder

Fresh Strawberry vs. Strawberry Powder Price Comparison

Advantages of Using Strawberry Powder

• Using 10 kg of fresh strawberries, you can obtain approximately 1 kg of dried strawberry powder that fits into a small jar.

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

• 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 stored in cold storage conditions. Keeping it in a cool, dry, and dark place is sufficient for strawberry powder storage conditions.

• The growth rate of bacteria is proportional to the water content in dried strawberry. During the drying process, the water content of fresh strawberry drops from 90% to 10%, which lowers water activity and limits bacterial growth in 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. Products like strawberry powder 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 strawberry powder products and production technologies in partnership with our sister company, Eksis Industrial Drying Systems, which is a manufacturer of drying technologies. Our projects related to dried strawberry:

• Strawberry juice powder production

Strawberry and Strawberry Powder Nutritional Values Comparison Table

References:

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

What is 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 fresh strawberries is evaporated, leaving the essence of the product. The resulting concentrated product, with reduced water activity and bacterial growth potential, is called dried strawberry. Strawberry powder is obtained by grinding these dried strawberries.

• What changes when fresh strawberries are dried? Let's look at the ratios…

  • Fresh strawberries contain 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 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 (carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, fiber ratio) increase.

• Strawberry Powder 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 thickness.
  • Oven-Dried Strawberry Pieces: Produced by cutting dried strawberries into 3-8 mm thickness and sieving them with larger mesh sieves.
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: Produced by grinding freeze-dried strawberries into 0-1 mm with special systems.
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberry Pieces: Produced by grinding freeze-dried strawberries into 1-5 mm pieces 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 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 ensure the shelf life is not shortened, it should be kept in its original packaging in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.

Where is Strawberry Powder Used?

What is its role in industrial production?

1. Ready-to-Eat Food Manufacturers

• Strawberry Flavorings and Syrups:
  Strawberry powder can be used in beverages, syrups, and flavoring mixes.
  • What is the benefit of strawberry powder? The sweet and fruity aroma of strawberry adds a natural flavor to drinks and offers consumers the taste of fresh strawberries.
  • What are the benefits of strawberry powder? 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.
  • What is the benefit of strawberry powder? Strawberry provides richness in both color and taste in desserts.
  • What are the benefits of strawberry powder? It makes desserts more attractive 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 nuts.
  • What is the benefit of strawberry powder? Strawberry aroma adds a delicious touch to snacks.
  • Benefits of Strawberry Powder? It offers a more practical and long-lasting alternative to fresh strawberries.

4. Food Supplements and Nutrition Products

• Strawberry Powder Blends and Vitamin Supplements:
  Strawberry powder is used to increase the nutritional value of food supplements and vitamin blends.
  • What Does Strawberry Powder Do? Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may support the immune system.
  • Benefits of Strawberry Powder? Strawberry powder can be added to nutritional products as a practical alternative to consuming whole fruit.

5. Flavored Beverages and Smoothie Mixes

• Smoothies and Instant Drink Mixes:
  Strawberry powder can be used as a flavor enhancer, especially in smoothie mixes and instant beverages.
  • What Does Strawberry Powder Do? Strawberry powder provides a rich taste and natural color to beverages.
  • Benefits of Strawberry Powder? It easily transfers the full flavor of strawberries into liquids like water or milk.

Home Uses? Where to Use?

6. Homemade Desserts and Cakes

• Strawberry Cakes, Tarts, and Puddings:
  Strawberry powder can be used in cakes, tarts, puddings, and other homemade desserts.
  • What Does Strawberry Powder Do? Strawberry powder adds both sweetness and a rich fruit aroma to desserts.
  • Benefits of Strawberry Powder? It can be used as an alternative when fresh strawberries are difficult to use.

7. Homemade Smoothies and Drinks

• Delicious and Nutritious Smoothie Mixes:
  Strawberry powder is ideal for green smoothies or other fruit blends.
  • What Does Strawberry Powder Do? Strawberry powder adds a sweet and refreshing flavor to smoothies.
  • Benefits of Strawberry Powder? 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.
  • What is Strawberry Powder for? Strawberry is a versatile ingredient that adapts to both sweet and savory dishes.
  • What are the Benefits of Strawberry Powder? It adds a distinct and fresh flavor 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.
  • What is Strawberry Powder for? Strawberry adds natural flavor and color to snacks, making them more appealing.
  • What are the Benefits of Strawberry Powder? It enriches them 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 facial care products.
  • What is Strawberry Powder for? Strawberry is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which may benefit skin health.
  • What are the Benefits of Strawberry Powder? It 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.
  • What is Strawberry Powder for? Strawberry powder gives yogurt and puddings a fresh strawberry taste.
  • What are the Benefits of Strawberry Powder? It can be used as a natural sweetener.