When discussing dried foods, the words "freeze-dried" and "oven-dried" are often thought to mean the same thing. The final output of freeze-drying and dehydrating food is fairly similar (e.g., dried food that can be stored for a long time), yet the two processes are extremely distinct and produce very different outcomes.
The phrase "dried food" encompasses a wide variety of foods that have had their water content decreased, whether by more traditional means like air or sun drying or by more contemporary means like dehydrators, freezers, or vacuums.
Let’s explore the key differences between oven-dried and freeze-dried food in India.
What is the key difference between these two processes?
One way to dehydrate food is by exposing it to the sun on days with low humidity and high temperatures. Another method is to use an electrical device with trays that have a fan on one side or the other, which forces air upwards or downwards, depending on the situation. The operator may adjust the air temperature in a dehydrator by turning a dial; the temperature varies from 95 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the food category. A combination of heat and wind is required to dehydrate food.
The optimal drying time for food is until 95% or more of the moisture has been removed; nevertheless, it is possible to dry food to a greater moisture content (lower percentage of moisture removed), but the shelf life will be much shorter. Ancient civilizations throughout the world used sun drying as a method of food preservation.
Food Dehydration
While dehydration has been around for a long time, freeze-drying is a more recent invention that came into use in 1906. However, it wasn't until the United States and Europe needed a way to distribute shelf-stable blood serum—which had previously required refrigeration—during World War II that freeze drying took off. The typical home just does not have the space or budget for the specialist equipment needed to do freeze drying, which is a far more involved operation.
The process of freezing food such as freeze-dried mushroom involves exposing it to very low temperatures, often -40F or below. A vacuum is created around the meal once it is frozen, and then the temperature is gradually increased. Sublimation is the process by which frozen liquids are transformed into vapor without first going through a liquid phase, and the heat energy is what causes the water to sublime. Commercial kitchens, not residential kitchens, usually use freeze-drying since it's a more involved procedure than dehydrating.
Texture - What a fluffy thing!
The moment you put freeze-dried or oven-dried food in your mouth, you won't be able to tell them apart. The difference in texture is entirely to blame for this!
A lot of dried foods, such as fruits and fruit leather, retain some of their pliability, but overall, the finished result is still rather tough. When dropped on a counter, oven-dried veggies like carrots create a loud plink! sound.
Squeezing freeze-dried food between your fingers gives it a crumbly sensation and reveals its porous, airy nature. Products that have been freeze-dried also have a lower weight but a larger volume. Some individuals have reported experiencing burns on their lips after consuming an excessive amount of non-rehydrated freeze-dried fruits. Frozen goods have a satisfying crunch, in contrast to the clunk! of oven-dried goods.
So, Aren't They Both Beneficial to My Health?
There is no loss of nutritional value when foods are oven-dried or freeze-dried. The longer the shelf life of freeze-dried goods, the more moisture they remove compared to oven-dried ones. Both dried foods may be preserved for more than a year with the right oxygen absorbers and high-barrier bags.
Because it is more porous, freeze-dried food rehydrates marginally better and somewhat quicker than oven-dried food.
The final decision between the two approaches—which both produce products with a long shelf life—usually comes down to factors like personal taste, budget, and intended use. Also, there are other preservation methods like Indiviudal Quick Freezing which helps you to enjoy fruits like IQF mango all around the year. If you are looking to buy top-quality freeze-dried products, contact Flex Foods.
