The taste and health benefits of cranberries are undeniable. The fruit of this plant has been known to humanity for centuries – we've long been consuming its preserves in jams, juices, and candied fruit. Raw cranberries are rarely eaten. But that's not all there is to cranberry consumption. Freeze-dried cranberries are now also available – these are significantly healthier than candied cranberries. Why? You'll find the answer below.
Cranberries are a rich source of vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, and E, as well as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, and iodine. They also contain plenty of tannins, citric acid, malic acid, and benzoic acid, a natural preservative. Their fruits have a characteristic sweet-tart flavor. Cranberries have many health benefits. They have long been used to treat kidney and bladder diseases . They have antibacterial properties, effectively supporting the body's fight against urinary tract infections. Cranberries also have antioxidant properties. They also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, including a heart attack.
Freeze-drying – what is it?
Freeze-drying is one of the food preservation methods. It involves freezing food and then drying it (freeze-drying). Most of the water is removed from frozen food—from 80% to as much as 96%. This method of food preservation guarantees, firstly , the retention of all nutritional values, such as vitamins, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and secondly, protects food from spoilage. Foods subjected to the freeze-drying process lose neither color nor flavor. This preservation method was first used during World War II at the request of the United States government. The goal was to create lightweight (in terms of weight) rations for the military. Freeze-dried products come in powdered or lumpy form. They can be hygroscopic, allowing them to dissolve much better than glassy or crystalline preparations. Freeze-drying is considered the most perfect form of food preservation. Freeze-dried food is very popular among active individuals.
Cranberries - Freeze-dried Organic Cranberries - Freeze-dried Organic
Cranberries: freeze-dried or candied?
Freeze-dried cranberries retain all their properties, from taste and aroma to vitamins and other nutritional values. They contain no sweeteners or preservatives. They can be used for:
- enriching muesli or breakfast cereals,
- compotes,
- desserts,
- porridges and snacks for children, and even fruit teas.
Candied cranberries are very sweet and are an excellent alternative to popular snacks like nuts or raisins. However, it's not a diet food – they contain a lot of sugar. This is due to the production process – candiing fruit involves preserving it by repeatedly frying it in an increasingly sweet syrup. All candied fruit (like cranberries) treated with this method is protected from spoilage by being soaked in approximately 70% sugar.
Freeze-dried cranberries are definitely better and healthier than candied ones.
Firstly, it contains all the vitamins and nutrients (just like fresh fruit), and secondly, thanks to the freeze-drying process, no sugar or preservatives are added to these cranberries. This makes them healthier and much lower in calories than candied fruit. The choice is probably simple.
