Advances in food technologies are transforming fruit processing methods not only in terms of preservation but also in terms of ease of use and product diversity. One of the most striking examples of this transformation is freeze-dried granulated fruit.

What is Granulated Fruit?

Granulated fruit is a structure obtained by crushing freeze-dried fruit into specific sizes, larger than powder but smaller than fruit pieces.

This form is ideal for both direct consumption and use in various sectors such as the food, beverage, and cosmetics industries.

Granulated fruit:

• Preserves its delicate texture,
• Maintains color and flavor integrity,
• Provides high solubility and mixability.

Production Process: Granulated Version of Freeze-Dry Technology

Granulated fruit production maintains the basic principles of the classic Freeze-Dry method; the difference begins in the post-drying processing stage.

Step 1: Freezing
Fresh fruit is frozen to around -40°C using a rapid freezing method. This preserves the fruit's cell structure and stabilizes nutritional components through the conversion of water into ice crystals.

Step 2: Sublimation (Freeze-Drying)
Fruits are dried using a sublimation process, where water changes directly from solid to gas in a vacuum.

This stage ensures complete water removal while preserving the fruit's nutritional value and natural color.

Step 3: Granulation
Dried fruits are crushed in a controlled manner and formed into granules of the desired particle size. During this process, the fruit's cell structure is not disrupted; only its physical form changes.

The resulting granules are moisture-free, crisp, light, and have a long shelf life.

Advantages of Granulated Form

Freeze-Dried granulated fruits not only preserve the characteristics of fresh fruit but also offer versatile advantages in terms of use:

Easy to mix: Easily integrated into products such as yogurt, granola, smoothies, ice cream, cakes, and chocolate.
Natural color and flavor source: No need for chemical colorants or flavorings.
Compliance with industrial standards: Homogeneous particle size ensures stability in mass production lines.
Long shelf life: Low water activity, which increases microbiological stability.

Applications

Freeze-Dry granulated fruits can be used in both end-consumer products and industrial food ingredients:

• Food industry: Cereal bars, granola mixes, breakfast foods, ice cream, and pastry products
• Beverage industry: Smoothie powders, instant drink mixes, functional beverages
• Cosmetics and supplements: Used as a natural color and flavoring ingredient

Conclusion: Small Pieces, Big Opportunities

Freeze-Dry granulated fruits offer an innovative, natural-preserving form for both industry and consumers.
Thanks to their high nutritional value, long shelf life, and flexibility of use, these products are poised to become a centerpiece of healthy food trends.

This transformation, enabled by science, makes the essence of nature more accessible.