The Nutritional Differences Between Freeze-Dried And Fresh Fruit - Tasting Table

"But how nutritious it is compared to fresh fruit depends on a few factors. Freeze-drying is actually pretty awesome at preserving the fruits' nutrients, such that research in Plants Journal described freeze-dried fruits as "a concentrated source of nutrients and phytochemicals." Aside from water, you're not missing out on much of the vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds present in the fresh version. In fact, up to 90% of nutrients can be retained."

"Freeze-dried fruits can't fully replace fresh. The catch? It depends on the fruit and how it's freeze-dried. Phenolic compounds (a class of antioxidants considered good for you) are a good example. In some fruits, levels drop after freeze-drying. But in others, like tomatoes, they actually go up - the rapid freezing breaks open cell walls and releases compounds that were trapped inside."

Freeze-dried fruit offers long shelf life and retains most vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, with up to 90% of nutrients preserved. Nutrient retention varies by fruit and processing method, so some antioxidant phenolic compounds can decrease while others increase when cell walls rupture during rapid freezing. Nutrition labels provide fiber, sugar, and protein content but typically omit specific phytochemical levels. Freeze-dried fruit's concentrated form makes it easy to overconsume, which can unintentionally raise sugar and calorie intake. Consumers should check nutrition information and control portion sizes to balance convenience with dietary goals.

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