Not perfect, but just as delicious: broken pieces, soft fruit or short best-before date.
Do you know that feeling? You're in the supermarket or ordering online and want to pick out a tasty snack. In front of you are dried fruits and freeze-dried fruits. At first glance, both look similar, after all, both are made from fruit. So you automatically ask yourself:
Aren't they essentially the same?
The short answer is: No. Although both varieties are made from fruit, they differ significantly. Not only in their production, but also in taste, consistency, and how they can be used in everyday life. Don't worry! You don't need to be a nutrition expert for this. Let's just look at the differences together.
What are dried fruits?
You've probably known about dried fruits for many years. They are made by gradually removing water from fresh fruits – usually with warm air.
This makes the fruits smaller, softer, and often a little sweeter in taste. This is because the water disappears, and the natural fruit sugar is perceived more strongly.
Perhaps you have already eaten dried strawberries, dried raspberries, dates, figs, or apricots. They all belong to the category of dried fruits and are perfect as a snack or for baking.
Many people like this soft consistency and intense, fruity taste.
What are freeze-dried fruits?
Freeze-dried fruits are produced in a completely different way.First, the fruits are frozen. Then, the water is removed in a special vacuum chamber, but without heating them strongly.This is precisely why the color, shape, and typical aroma are particularly well preserved.
Perhaps you have already tried freeze-dried strawberries, freeze-dried raspberries, or other freeze-dried berries.Then you certainly noticed immediately how light and crispy they are.
Many even describe the first taste as a little surprise: the fruits look almost fresh, but feel pleasantly light and become wonderfully crispy when bitten into.
So what is the biggest difference?
Just imagine two raspberries. One is classically dried. The other is freeze-dried. Although both were originally the same fruit, they feel completely different later on. A dried raspberry is soft, somewhat chewy, and has a compact consistency. A freeze-dried raspberry, on the other hand, is light, airy, and crispy. You'll notice the difference immediately with the first bite.
That's what makes many freeze-dried fruits so special. They offer a completely different taste experience than classic dried fruits, and that's precisely why both varieties have their own fans.
Taste – Do they really taste different?
Yes, and more so than many expect. Imagine you have two strawberries in front of you. One was classically dried, the other freeze-dried. Although both consist of the same fruit, they taste completely different.
Dried fruits are usually soft and taste a little sweeter. This is because water is slowly removed from them, and the natural fruit sugar is thus perceived more strongly.
Freeze-dried strawberries or freeze-dried raspberries, on the other hand, surprise many with the very first bite. They are light, crispy, and have an intense fruity taste that reminds many of fresh berries.
Which variety tastes better?
Honestly:
It all depends on what you're looking for. Do you like soft dried fruits? Then classic dried fruits are just right for you. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a light, crispy snack with an intense fruity taste? Then freeze-dried fruits might be perfect for you.
At myfruits, you'll find both, high-quality dried fruits and a large selection of freeze-dried fruits. So you can decide according to your taste and discover your favorite snack.
