If you’re seeking a meal or snack alternative that is easy to carry and doesn’t require refrigeration, freeze-dried cherries might be a great selection for you.
What are freeze dried cherries?
Freeze-dried cherries are a type of dried fruit.
They are not really fruits at all, but rather dehydrated pieces of cherry flesh.
When they are frozen, the moisture inside them is locked away in ice crystals, leaving behind the cherries’ natural flavor and color.
Once they are dried, these crystals melt out, leaving behind only the cherry itself.
How are freeze dried cherries made?
Cherries are harvested when they are ripe, so freeze drying them removes some of their juice, which would otherwise make it difficult to keep them fresh for very long.
To dry them, the cherries are placed in a large chamber where cold air flows over them as they slowly lose their moisture.
It takes about 10 days for the cherries to completely dry.
What are the benefits of freeze dried cherries?
Because the cherries are already dried, they don’t need to be stored in the fridge.
If you eat them straight from the bag, they will last for months.
You can also add them to smoothies, cereals, salads, and other foods without worrying about spoilage.
Are freeze dried cherries healthy?
While they aren’t technically fruits, they still contain many of the same nutrients found in regular cherries.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), freeze dried cherries have high levels of vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and manganese.
They also provide potassium, magnesium, and iron.
How do freeze dried cherries taste?
The taste of freeze dried cherries is similar to that of the fresh ones, though they are slightly sweeter.
Some people think they taste more like candy than actual cherries.
However, if you’ve never tried them before, you may find yourself enjoying them just fine.
How long do freeze dried cherries last?
Since they are dried, freeze dried cherries will stay good indefinitely.
Just be sure to store them properly.
Ideally, you should leave them in their original packaging until you are ready to use them.
Where can I buy freeze dried cherries?
You can usually find freeze dried cherries at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Check online retailers too, since they often offer free shipping on orders over $25.
How much do freeze dried cherries cost?
Prices vary depending on the brand and retailer.
A 16 ounce bag of freeze dried cherries from Trader Joe’s costs around $4.99 while those from Costco run closer to $6.99 per bag.
How should I store freeze dried cherries?
Freeze dried cherries are best stored in their original packaging.
Don’t open them until you are ready to use them, and avoid exposing them to heat or sunlight.
Are there any recipes that include freeze dried cherries?
Yes, there are plenty of recipes that call for them.
For example, you can use them in granola bars, trail mix, oatmeal, muffins, and even pizza dough.
They can also be added to sauces, soups, ice cream, and stews.
How do I prepare freeze dried cherries?
There are two ways to prepare freeze dried cherries.
First, you can simply sprinkle them on top of whatever you’re eating.
Or, you can soak them in hot water for 15 minutes before using them.
- Soak freeze dried cherries in warm water for 15 minutes before adding them to your recipe.
- Dry and grind freeze dried cherries into powder form.
Do freeze dried cherries work well as a snack?
They do! You can eat them alone or combine them with nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, or walnuts.
They can also be mixed with cereal, yogurt, and smoothies.
How do freeze dried cherries taste in smoothies?
Smoothies are an excellent way to incorporate freeze dried cherries into your diet.
They blend easily, and they won’t break down the fibers in the blender blades like whole berries would.
Try this recipe:
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup freeze dried cherries
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ tablespoon honey
- Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth.
Can I substitute freeze dried cherries for raisins?
No, you cannot.
While both fruits are dried, they are completely different.
Raisins are dried grapes, and they contain lots of sugar.
Freeze dried cherries are simply dried cherries.
There is no sugar in them whatsoever.
Cherry Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 freezer
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherries
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 2 cups cherries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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