Freeze Dried Strawberries

Japanese strawberries are rated as one of the most delicious strawberries in the world. They are noted for their great size, sweetness, and juiciness. There are over 312 varieties of strawberries in Japan, and today the most loved kind of Japanese strawberries are Beni-Hoppe, Tochiotome, and Amaou. In season from December to early May, Japanese strawberries are supposedly everyone’s favorite winter and spring fruits. The true season, however, spans from spring to early summer, commencing with the ones cultivated in southern Kyushu and finishing with the ones grown in the north. In the Kanto region, strawberries from Tochigi Prefecture — the main producer of strawberries in the country — are in season from March until early May.

Premium strawberries are popular as gifts, with flawless, carefully packaged berries costing several hundred yen each or more. However, prices are much fairer for somewhat less perfect berries, especially at this time of year. A common pastime in the spring is strawberry picking. Many strawberry producers open their greenhouses to the public, allowing you to pick all the strawberries you can manage within a given time. With strawberries being so popular, numerous distinctly Japanese desserts featuring them have appeared over the years. One of the most popular is freeze-dried fruit strawberries.

What is Freeze Drying?

Freeze drying is a process in which water is taken out of a product after it has been frozen. This process leaves the fruit with a crispy shell similar to the fresh version. Fruit's solid water molecules transform into a gas, departing the dish and dispersing. The fruit and berries are kept whole, and most of the nutrition is retained.

Additionally, the fruit tastes as it did before frozen since it retains most of its sugars. Freeze-dried fruits can be used in many of the same ways as fruits that have been sun-dried or dehydrated. For instance, you can add it to trail mixes, candy bars, and baked products. Unopened, freeze-dried fresh fruit can last 25 to 30 years only if stored under ideal conditions. Fruit that has been freeze-dried needs to be sealed in airtight, moisture-proof packaging after processing to keep it fresh.

What are Freeze-Dried Fruit Strawberries

Fruit that has undergone a technique to almost completely remove its moisture while maintaining flavor and nutrients is called freeze-dried fruit. They are shelf-stable fruits. One of the most famous freeze-dried fruit in Japan is strawberries. It has a dry, crispy texture, a light, airy weight, and a powerful, concentrated fruit flavor. Freeze-dried strawberry slices are preserved in their natural state, with all of the liquids removed.

Additionally, for both kids and adults, crunchy, freeze-dried strawberries can add some excitement and enjoyment to soft foods like yogurt and oatmeal. Vitamin C, antioxidants, and other elements that have important health advantages are abundant in strawberries. While some nutrients may be lost during the freeze-drying process, many of the vitamins and minerals that make strawberries a great healthy snack for a balanced diet will be kept.

How to Freeze Dry Fresh Strawberries?

Nowadays, a wide range of freeze-dried goods, including strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, are sold in most shops. Worry not if your local supermarket does not carry freeze-dried fruit strawberries. You can make your own freeze-dried fruit at home. All you need to prepare are dry ice, a 5-gallon cooler, Ziploc bags, and your favorite fruit.

Here are 7 simple ways to freeze strawberries at home:

1. Wash the fresh strawberries in cool water and dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.

2. Remove the strawberry stems and cut the strawberries into thin slices.

3. Place the strawberry slices in a Ziploc bag and press the air out.

4. Put a thick layer of dry ice on the bottom of your fridge and place the Ziploc bags with the strawberries on top of the dry ice.

5. Close the Ziploc lid on the cooler, but not too tightly. Allow for some air to escape while the ice melts.

6. Seal the Ziploc lid completely once all the ice has melted.

7. You can keep the strawberries in the cooler or store the Ziploc bags in a cool, dry place.

It makes sense why there is such a high level of interest in learning how to freeze-dry strawberries. They are tasty, easy to prepare, and full of nutrients. Freeze-dried strawberries have all the benefits of fresh strawberries, including dietary fiber and vitamin C. Freeze-dried strawberries provide various health advantages, including bettering immune system performance and blood sugar regulation. But wait, there's more! There are more strawberry products in Japan that you will surely enjoy. Check out the Muji White Chocolate Coated Strawberry in the Sugoi Mart. These frozen strawberry nibbles from Muji are covered in white chocolate. A snack that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity!