Dried Strawberry
Dried strawberry is a type of preserved fruit made primarily from strawberries. It belongs to the category of dried fruit and is widely loved for its unique taste and nutritional value. Here is a detailed introduction:
Production Process
Raw Material Selection: Usually, strawberry varieties with deep red color, dense texture, high hardness, intact fruit shape, resistance to boiling, and low juice content are selected. These characteristics ensure that the strawberries maintain their quality during processing.
Pretreatment: After removing the stalks and sepals, rinse repeatedly with running water and drain. Then, carry out color-protecting and hardening treatment to preserve the natural color and structure of the strawberries.
Sugaring: First, wash the fruits that have undergone the hardening treatment, add them to the sugar solution for soaking, and then cook them in sugar. This step enhances the sweetness and texture of the final product.
Baking and Shaping: Drain the sugar solution and bake until the surface is non-sticky. Avoid too high a temperature, which may make the texture of the preserves hard, or too low a temperature, which may prolong the time and affect the color. After baking, shape them into a flat conical shape, etc., and grade them according to size and color.
Characteristics
Taste and Flavor: They retain the sweet-and-sour flavor of strawberries. After processing, they have a chewy texture, with a sweet-and-sour taste, and you can chew on the strawberry seeds. Some products have a glutinous texture.
Nutritional Retention: They retain some of the nutrients in strawberries, such as vitamin C, glucose, fructose, citric acid, malic acid, etc., but some nutrients are lost during the processing.
Consumption Scenarios
Direct Consumption: They can be used as daily leisure snacks, enjoyed during work breaks or when resting at home to relieve hunger and relax.
Combined Consumption: Used as an ingredient in foods such as cookies, salads, yogurt, and cakes to enhance flavor and taste.
Storage Method
Generally, store them in a cool, dry, and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. In a normal-temperature and dry environment, the shelf life is usually 6-12 months. If the indoor temperature is high, they can also be refrigerated in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life, and the taste will be more refreshing.
Dried strawberries are not only a delicious snack but also a versatile ingredient that can be added to various dishes. Enjoy them directly or incorporate them into your favorite recipes to experience the unique charm of this preserved fruit!
