If you're looking for a snack that's not only wholesome but also delicious, give freeze-dried fruit a try!
Not only is it low in calories and high in fiber, but it's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are great for your body. Plus, since freeze-dried fruit has all the water removed, it's much more concentrated in flavor, making it a perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth or a satisfying addition to recipes.
Six ways to incorporate freeze-dried fruits into your diet:
Make your own trail mix
Mix freeze-dried fruit with nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits for a perfect on-the-go snack that’s easy to pack and will keep you energized throughout the day.
Add to smoothies
Add a handful of freeze-dried fruit to your favorite smoothie recipe for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Use as a topping
Sprinkle freeze-dried fruit on top of yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes for a pop of color and added crunch. It's a delicious way to start your day!
Make a fruit dip
Mix freeze-dried fruit with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or nut butter to create a delicious dip for fruit or crackers. It's perfect for a party or an afternoon snack.
Bake into muffins or bread
Mix freeze-dried fruit into your favorite muffin or bread recipe for a burst of flavor.
Make a fruit-infused cocktail
Add a few pieces of freeze-dried fruit to your favorite cocktail for a burst of flavor and color. It's a fun and festive way to enjoy freeze-dried fruit.
So, there you have it! Freeze-dried fruit is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in many ways. From eating it by itself, to adding flavor and nutrition to your baked goods, to creating colorful smoothie bowls and fruit dips, freeze-dried fruit is a wholesome and tasty addition to your diet. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
And you may be wondering, what is freeze-dried fruit?
Well, it's exactly what it sounds like. It's a fruit that has been frozen and then dried, removing all the water content. This process allows the fruit to retain its shape, color, and most importantly, its nutrients.
How is freeze-dried fruit made?
At Natierra, we start by freezing the fruit, then place it in a vacuum chamber. Next, the temperature is slowly raised, and the pressure is lowered, this causes the ice in the fruit to evaporate, leaving behind only the fruit's structure and nutrients. That process is what makes our snacks so crunchy! On average, freeze-dried fruit can last for up to a year after opening if stored properly in an airtight container.
Get inspired with this recipe for granola*:
Granola with Freeze-Dried Fruits
Ingredients
1/2 cup Organic Freeze-dried Bananas
1/2 cup Organic Freeze-dried Strawberries
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup honey
1/4 tsp Himalania Pink Salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup almonds
2 tbsp Organic Chia Seeds
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup of unsalted butter (TIP: for a dairy-free option you can substitute coconut oil for butter. Use a 1:1 ratio.)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 300 °F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Combine oats, nuts and chia seeds in a large bowl and mix them up.
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In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
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Pour the honey mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and toss until everything is evenly combined. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet to create one even layer.
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Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven for 30 min. When the granola is fragrant and golden at the edges you can remove it from the oven and use a rubber spatula to gently press it into the pan. Allow cooling completely.
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When the granola is completely cool, use a spatula to gently break it into pieces or if you prefer, put the entire pan into a large bowl and break the granola into pieces with your hands. Add the Organic Freeze-dried Strawberries and Bananas and mix.
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Enjoy it by itself or use it as a topping for smoothie bowls, yogurt, or ice cream!
* Recipe from homemakershabitat.com
