Today, freeze-dried products are becoming increasingly popular. First you need to understand what is sublimation? In physics, this means the transition of matter from a solid to a gaseous state.
For this to happen with water, low pressure and low temperature are necessary. The technology of sublimation was known for a long time: for example, representatives of ancient tribes left the fish in the sun, thanks to which it completely dried up and could be safely stored indoors, while remaining a nutritious and tasty product. In the middle of the last century, sublimated products were manufactured by research institutes for the needs of astronauts. A little later, these products entered the diet of geologists and tourists. Today, freeze-dried does not mean expensive. So, in the USA, the movement is becoming more and more popular, the main motto of which is the statement that sublimates are healthier food.
Technology
Transforming a product from ordinary to sublimated is not such a simple matter as it seems at first glance. Be sure to observe special conditions. So, food is frozen to the lowest possible temperatures, water becomes ice, but crystals do not destroy cell walls. After that, the products are placed in vacuum chambers, where under the influence of low pressure the ice evaporates, turning into steam. At the same time, only 3-4% of moisture remains in the product. Then the finished product is packaged in a sealed container, pumping nitrogen. Due to this, freeze-dried foods are less subject to rotting. This processing process can be carried out at home, but an alternative way of preserving food will require a lot of effort.
Advantages of processing technology- Sublimated - this means not subject to heat treatment, that is, it is a product that has almost completely preserved all the nutritional properties of a fresh product. It even retains its unique taste and special appearance.
- No artificial flavor enhancers are used in the process. So, sublimated beet juices are much tastier than freshly squeezed - in them the taste properties are expressed quite clearly. Therefore, such products are used as the basis for baby food.
- Such a complex processing process can withstand only truly fresh products, so you can be sure that you are buying quality food.
- Long shelf life.
- During camping trips and long trips, the question of excess items in bags is especially acute. And to make food balanced on the road becomes impossible, because then the package of products will be unbearable. Another thing is if each product in the baggage is replaced with sublimated. This will not only satisfy the taste preferences of travelers, but also save you from unnecessary burdens.
By the way, for connoisseurs of an invigorating drink. This product processing technology is also widely used. Instant coffee has now improved a bit: freeze-dried coffee has appeared , the price of which is also slightly higher than the usual cost of a jar of instant powder. Dense crystals in the form of pyramids are made using the technology of "hot freezing". But this type of coffee belongs to the elite, because artificial taste enhancers are not used for its manufacture .