Freeze dried fruits have become increasingly popular over the past few years as a nutritious snacking option. Among them, freeze dried kiwi dices stand out for their exceptionally high vitamin C and antioxidant content. Their low moisture and crunchy texture make them easy to enjoy on their own or incorporate into various recipes. In this blog, we'll explore the many uses and benefits of this wholesome pantry staple.
Nutritional Benefits of Freeze Dried Kiwi Dices
Ounce for ounce, freeze dried kiwi packs more nutrients than fresh kiwi. Since the water is removed during processing, the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber are concentrated (1). Just a quarter cup of freeze dry kiwi dices meets the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. They also provide a decent amount of vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, copper and fiber (2). The vibrant green flesh gets its color from antioxidant plant compounds like carotenoids and polyphenols (3).
Specifically, freeze dried kiwis are packed with vitamin C, containing over 200% the daily value per serving. This important antioxidant supports immune function, iron absorption, and collagen production (4). The concentration process also retains hearty doses of vitamin K, delivering about 15-25% DV. This fat soluble vitamin plays a vital role in proper blood clotting. Additionally, freeze dried kiwis provide vitamin E, an essential nutrient that protects cell membranes and DNA from oxidative damage. They also supply folate, copper, and fiber in moderate amounts.
The bright green hue of freeze dried kiwi dices comes from chlorophyll as well as carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein. These plant pigments function as antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and lower inflammation. Polyphenols are another antioxidant group abundant in kiwis, with compounds like epicatechin, gallic acid, and quercetin found in high concentrations (5). The skin of the kiwi fruit boasts even more phenolics. Together, these diverse antioxidants make freeze dried kiwis an extremely healthy addition to one's diet.
Snacking Ideas
On their own, freeze dried kiwi dices make for a delicious high-fiber snack to munch on. Their sweet and tart flavor combined with a lightly crisp texture is quite addictive. The sugar content is a bit elevated at 15 grams per quarter cup serving, but the fiber tempers absorption. For something similar but less sugary, try the green-fleshed kiwi species hayward. It has 50% less natural sugars than the common gold variety while retaining exceptional vitamin C levels (6).
For variety, try mixing freeze dried kiwi with other dried fruits like mango, pineapple or strawberries. A handful of this antioxidant-rich combo will give you an energy lift any time of day. The blend of flavors and textures takes snacking to the next level. Dried pineapple contains inflammation-fighting bromelain while mango provides a sweet tropical twist (7). Strawberries bring vibrant red hues from polyphenols called anthocyanins.
You can also incorporate freeze dried kiwi dices into homemade trail mixes along with nuts, seeds, coconut flakes and dark chocolate chunks. Try using almonds for bone-building calcium and vitamin E or walnuts for heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Chia and pumpkin seeds offer magnesium, iron, zinc and plant-based protein. Unsweetened coconut supplies MCTs that may support memory and weight loss. And cacao nibs or dark chocolate morsels bring mood-lifting theobromine and antioxidants. The options for crafting nutrient-dense DIY trail mixes are endless.
Baking and Cooking
The minimal moisture in freeze dried kiwi slices allows them to retain their shape quite well when subjected to heat. So they work wonderfully in baked goods, releasing bursts of bright flavor and pleasant chewiness to recipes. Try adding them to quick breads, muffins, cookies, granola and cereal bars. They'll make tasty additions to recipes like banana chocolate chip muffins, zucchini slice, or breakfast cookie energy bars.
For something new, mix a handful into the batter for green fruit flavored treats like kiwi lime pie bars, matcha brownies or pistachio cake. Freeze dried kiwi's concentrated sweet-tart taste can balance out strongly flavored ingredients. For savory dishes, sprinkle them atop pizzas or flatbreads right before baking for a fun twist. You can also use them to make sweet and savory salsas, chutneys or relishes to accompany meats and cheeses. Those with a fondness for spicy flavors can even craft kiwi habanero hot sauce for an extra kick.
Salad Toppings
Crunchy, vibrant freeze dried kiwi makes for an unconventional yet delicious topping for green and fruit salads. They provide pockets of sweetness to balance out bitter greens and savory ingredients like cheese or smoked tofu. To assemble an antioxidant-rich salad, try layering mixed baby greens, shredded purple cabbage, avocado, freeze dried kiwi, cherry tomatoes, pecans, and chickpeas. Dress it with a citrusy vinaigrette and sprinkle feta, plant-based bacon bits or slivered prosciutto over the top. You can also use diced kiwi pieces to adorn yogurt bowls, oatmeal, smoothie bowls and desserts like ice cream sundaes.
Beverage Enhancements
For an exotic infusion in drinks, simply add a few pieces of freeze dried kiwi dices to water, iced tea, lemonade or cocktails. They'll impart mild sweetness and beautiful flecks of green throughout. Blend them into smoothies too for extra nutrition and a whimsical confetti-like appearance. Those little dice truly elevate the aesthetics of beverages. You can also use them to craft "healthy" spins on cocktails. For example, a kiwi mojito with club soda and mint or kiwi margarita over rocks with agave nectar.
DIY Gift Ideas
Because of their impressive shelf life and versatility, freeze dried kiwis make fantastic homemade food gifts. Create one-of-a-kind gift baskets or jars using them as an ingredient in combinations like:
- Trail mixes with nuts, seeds and chocolate
- Tea blends with dried berries
- Hot chocolate mix with marshmallows
- Salad dressing mixes with olive oil and vinegar packets
- Spice rubs for meat and veggies
With a handwritten mason jar label and ribbon, such thoughtful edible creations are sure to delight lucky recipients. For inspiration, check out sites like Pinterest that offer countless recipes for attractive DIY food gifts featuring freeze dried produce. You can customize combinations based on the recipient's preferences - whether they love baking, snacking healthy or unwinding with hot beverages.
Creative Ways to Use Freeze Dried Kiwi
Now that we've covered the basics, here are some novel ways to enjoy this versatile pantry staple:
- Stir into plain or vanilla yogurt for a quick nutrient-packed breakfast
- Mix with whipped cream cheese for a pretty fruit dip
- Blend into hummus, nut butters or seed spreads
- Toss with farro, quinoa or rice dishes
- Mix into pancake, crepe or waffle batter
- Sprinkle over cottage or ricotta cheese toast
- Mix into tuna, chicken or egg salad
- Add to mascarpone and use as a tart filling for crostini
- Mix with vanilla protein powder and almond milk for a post-workout smoothie
- Swirl into oatmeal, chia pudding or overnight oats
- Top frozen Greek yogurt bars or fruit popsicles
- Mix with cream cheese and stuff into crepes or sandwich cookies
- Add to your favorite bars, energy balls or granola treats
- Infuse in simple syrups for a vibrant cocktail mixer
- Blend into lemon curd or fruit jam
As you can see, the possibilities are endless for livening up meals and snacks with these concentrated bits of kiwi deliciousness!
Storage Tips
To retain maximum freshness and nutritional content, store containers of freeze dried kiwi dices in a cool, dark place like the pantry. An airtight glass jar or sealed plastic bag works well for storage. Try squeezing out excess air and using clips or clamps to prevent oxygen exposure which can accelerate food deterioration. If cared for properly, freeze dried kiwis can keep for up to five years (4). Over time, however, they may lose some crispness as moisture is reabsorbed. For best quality and texture, aim to use up your stash within a year or two. When stored in a freezer bag in the freezer, they can last even longer - up to 8-10 years (8)!
Nutrition Comparison
How does freeze dried kiwi compare to other popular dried fruits nutrition-wise? Sun-dried tomatoes, raisins, dried tart cherries, cranberries, apricots and apples make regular appearances in trail mixes and snacks too. Across the board, freeze dried kiwi beats out all of these in the vitamin C department thanks to impressive retention of this delicate nutrient. Just a quarter cup provides the full recommended daily intake, while other dried fruits offer little to none.
For antioxidants, raisins and cranberries rate impressively high thanks to their rich polyphenol content (9). And sulfited apricots contain carotenoids that may have protective effects against macular degeneration (10). But freeze dried kiwis still come out on top for their broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals working synergistically to support optimal health.
Most other dried fruits offer more concentrated sugars and calories in a typical serving though, ranging from 60-100 calories versus just 36 per quarter cup of kiwi. So those limiting refined carbs or calories might still prefer freeze dried kiwi over traditional dried fruits options (with the exception of unsweetened apples).
Conclusion
With their impressive concentration of vitamins, antioxidants and fiber, freeze dried kiwi dices are more than just a sweet treat. Their unique texture and vibrant flavor make them incredibly versatile to incorporate into snacks, baked goods, fruit salads, specialty beverages and homemade gifts. Stock up on a few bags of these nutritious gems to keep your kitchen creations both healthy and delicious. Explore different ways to enjoy them - from munching by the handful to blending into smoothies and everything in between. Just don't hoard the precious kiwi too long, so you can take full advantage of its nutritional offerings at peak quality!
Shaanxi Guanjie Technology Co., Ltd., a manufacturing enterprise established in 2003, boasts two independent production lines for freeze-dried and spray-dried products. The company has earned a reputation for its commitment to quality, as evidenced by its ISO9000, ISO22000, HALAL, KOSHER, and HACCP certifications. Adhering strictly to the requirements of GMP production enterprises, the company oversees every step of the process, from raw material planting and collection to processing and production. Among its standout products is the Freeze Dried Kiwi Dice, which is not only of high quality but also packed with nutrition and health benefits. For purchase inquiries, please contact info@gybiotech.com.
References:
1. Obón, J. M., Rivera, D., Heard, T. A., & Alorani, A. (2019). Nutritional and antioxidant properties of kiwifruit. Advances in food and nutrition research, 93, 187–216.
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Retrieved February 26, 2024, from
3. Park, Y. S., Leontowicz, H., Leontowicz, M., Namiesnik, J., Suhaj, M., Cvikrová, M., Martincová, O., Weisz, M., & Gorinstein, S. (2019). Bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity in new kiwi fruit cultivars. Food chemistry, 274, 698–704.
4. Chia, S. L., Rosnah, S., Noranizan, A., & Wan Ramli, W. D. (2012). The effect of storage on the quality attributes of ultra dried tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). International Food Research Journal, 19(3), 865-871.
