Freeze-Dried Food: How to Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Fruit

Freeze-dried food is as healthy and flavorful as fresh foods, with the additional advantage of long-term storage. In ideal storage conditions, freeze-dried foods can last up to 25 or even 30 years, making them an excellent staple to have in the pantry in case of emergencies. And this is no different for freeze-dried fruits. 

Freeze-dried fruit can be eaten as a crunchy, tasty treat or rehydrated to retain its original form. This article shows you how to rehydrate freeze-dried fruit, as well as the needed water measurements to avoid mushy fruit.  

What Is Freeze-Dried Fruit?

A freeze-dried fruit is a fruit that has undergone a freeze-drying process known as lyophilization to have its moisture content removed. The fruit is frozen and then placed in a vacuum under low pressure, causing ice crystals to be sublime and turn them straight from solid ice to water vapor. 

This differs from traditional food dehydration as food dehydration uses heat and warm air to remove up to 95% of the moisture from fruits.

Freeze-dried fruit retains up to 98% of its nutrients but loses almost all of its water content. Because of this, the fruit offers a more concentrated flavor and a light, crispy texture. Unlike traditional drying, the freeze-drying process leaves the fruit’s shape and structure as-is. 

Freeze-drying comes with numerous advantages, such as: 

• Long shelf life (25 years or more) 
• Minimal preparation 
• Quick rehydration 
• Removes water without changing the fruit’s structure 
• Preserves the majority of the fruit’s nutritional content
• Maintains the original texture, aroma, and taste of the fruit when rehydrated
• Lighter than dehydrated fruit, making it travel-friendly 

Blackberries, strawberries, apples, bananas, apricots, and other fruit with high water content are prime candidates for this method of preservation. 

How Long Does Freeze-Dried Fruit Last

If left unopened and stored under the ideal conditions, freeze-dried fruit can last 25 to even 30 years while preserving the flavor and nutritional value. This makes them a tasty snack as well as an excellent food option for your emergency pantry. 

Freeze-dried fruit lasts a long time because the freeze-drying process removes 98% of the moisture content, eliminating the primary ingredient that causes spoilage. However, spoilage can also be caused by exposure to heat, light, oxygen, and pests.

By keeping freeze-dried foods in a vacuum-sealed mylar bag or air-tight container with oxygen absorbers, it helps extend the product’s shelf life because it protects the fruit from contamination. 

However, keep in mind that when the bag or container is opened, the shelf-life reduces to only 6 to 12 months.  

Some of the most common signs of freeze-dried fruit spoilage include mold, dark spots, unexpected changes in color and taste, and liquid oozing. 

If the freeze-dried fruit displays any of these signs, the product is unsafe for consumption and should be disposed of. 

Step by Step: How to Rehydrate Fruit

To rehydrate freeze-dried fruit, you simply have to follow the same process as rehydrating any other freeze-dried food. But the main difference is the time. Depending on the fruit you’re rehydrating, rehydration can take anywhere between a few seconds to several minutes. Here’s how to rehydrate freeze-dried fruit: 

Step 1: Place the Fruit in a Bowl 

Take your freeze-dried fruits and empty them into a deep bowl. 

Step 2: Add the Right Amount of Moisture 

To rehydrate freeze-dried fruits, you need to add the right amount of moisture to reconstitute them to their original state. 

The amount of liquid you need varies from fruit to fruit, so make sure to follow the measurements on the container or vacuum-sealed bag. 

If the package doesn’t come with instructions or if you’ve freeze-dried them yourself, add just enough water to pool at the bottom of the bowl.

You can use any type of liquid you want, including hot water, cold water, milk, or juice. Don’t be afraid to experiment! 

Step 3: Let It Soak 

Let the fruit soak in the bowl for 5 to 15 minutes or until they become as soft as fresh fruits. If you want to accelerate the process, place the bowl in the microwave and warm them up. 

And there you have it—you’ve successfully rehydrated your freeze-dried fruits. You can use the rehydrated fruits in cereal, smoothies, fruit salads, and cakes.  

How Much Water Is Needed to Rehydrate Fruit?

The amount of water needed to rehydrate fruit depends on the fruit itself. The higher the fruit’s original liquid content, the more liquid it needs. For example, freeze-dried watermelon needs almost twice the liquid of bananas during rehydration. 

The general rule of thumb to follow is for every cup of freeze-dried fruit, use about a cup of water. You want to add enough water to pool at the bottom of the bowl but not completely soak the fruit, lest you end up with mushy fruit. 

If you’re unsure of how much liquid to add, use the spritzing method. Spritz the fruit with room-temperature water, stirring as you go. You want to cover the fruit’s surface with liquid. Add as much water as you need to rehydrate the fruit.   

Summary

There you have it, folks; our guide to rehydrating freeze-dried fruits! Freeze-dried fruit can live up to 30 years in your pantry. It rehydrates quickly and retains most of the fruit’s flavor and nutrients, making it ideal for long-term storage and emergencies.

Rehydrating freeze-dried food is a relatively simple process that can be done with just water and a bowl.

Using a freeze-dryer to make freeze-dried vegetables, fruits, and other foods, is a relatively new way to preserve food. We have previously discussed traditional food preservation methods, but few are as tasty and as long-lasting as freeze-drying food. To learn more about freeze-dried foods, consider reading related articles on Soulful Prepper.