Freeze dried strawberries are a popular snack and ingredient, but you may wonder what else you can do with them besides eating them straight from the bag. Here are some creative ways to use freeze dried strawberries at home.
Snacks and Toppings
One of the simplest ways to enjoy freeze dried strawberries is to eat them as a sweet and tangy snack. They make a crunchy addition to trail mixes or granola. You can also use them as a topping on yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese, ice cream, or anything else you like. The strawberry bits add bursts of flavor and texture.
Get creative with mix-ins by combining freeze dried strawberries with nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or whatever sounds good. Make homemade fruit and nut bars or energy bites using the strawberries as mix-in.
For a quick sweet dip, puree freeze dried strawberries in a food processor or blender until they become a powder. Mix the strawberry powder into plain Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese. Dunk fresh fruit slices or pretzels in for a tasty treat.
Baked Goods
The concentrated flavor of freeze dried strawberries makes them an ideal ingredient for baked goods. They add flavor without excess moisture that can affect texture.
Try adding a few tablespoons of crushed freeze dried strawberries into the dry ingredients when making muffins, scones, breads, or coffee cake. They’ll add little bursts of sweetness in every bite. You can also use them as a garnish on top of frosted cupcakes or sprinkle over a cheesecake.
For a stunning presentation, coat the outside of a baked cake with frosting, then press freeze dried strawberry pieces all over the sides. The pretty pink pieces will stick to the frosting and make the cake look like it’s covered in fresh sliced strawberries.
Make homemade fruit leather by pureeing fresh or frozen strawberries, then spreading on a dehydrator sheet and drying. Break the fruit leather into pieces and serve like candy.
Drinks
Don’t forget about using freeze dried strawberries to add flavor to drinks! They make fun additions to cocktails, smoothies, lemonade, or just a glass of water.
For grown-up drinks, you can rim martini or margarita glasses with freeze dried strawberry powder. Muddle a few pieces in a glass before adding the rest of your ingredients. Or skewer freeze dried strawberries on cocktail sticks to use as swizzle sticks.
Kids will love strawberry-flavored water or lemonade garnished with rehydrated strawberries. Let the berries sit in water for 10 minutes to plump up, then add to pitchers of drinks. You can also make homemade strawberry syrup by simmering freeze dried berries in water and sugar until softened.
Blend freeze dried strawberries into smoothies, milkshakes, or ice cream floats. They’ll add thickness and sweetness in addition to strawberry flavor. Add a few tablespoons along with fresh or frozen fruit and juice or milk.
Salads and Sides
Beyond using them as a snack or dessert topping, freeze dried strawberries can add flavor to savory dishes too. They make an easy way to dress up simple salads and sides.
Sprinkle freeze dried strawberry pieces over green, fruit, chicken, or pasta salads. They’ll add little bursts of sweetness to balance out the other flavors. You can also grind them into a powder to use as part of a homemade salad dressing or vinaigrette.
Fold crushed freeze dried strawberries into cooked grains like couscous or quinoa. Or add them to bread or muffin stuffing mixes. They’ll infuse everything with a light strawberry taste.
Stir a spoonful of freeze dried strawberries into vanilla yogurt, then use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. The sweet fruity flavor complements the savory protein.
Desserts
Freeze dried strawberries are a natural choice for using in all types of desserts. Take advantage of their long shelf life by keeping bags on hand specifically for making sweet treats.
Mix pieces into no-bake desserts like mousse, pudding, chia pudding, or icebox cakes. They add texture and make the flavors pop.
Use a sprinkle of strawberry powder in the crust for fruit tarts, cheesecakes, or fruit pies like strawberry-rhubarb. The powder adds flavor without weighing down the crust.
Blend freeze dried strawberries into softened ice cream or whipped cream to make homemade strawberry ice cream. You can skip the extra sugars or syrups because the berries pack so much concentrated flavor.
Make easy strawberry sauce by simmering freeze dried berries in water until softened, then puree in a blender. Swirl the sauce over pound cake or cheesecake for an easy dessert upgrade.
Dip freeze dried strawberries in melted chocolate, then set them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to harden. Enjoy as a Valentine’s Day treat! You can also drizzle or pipe melted chocolate over strawberries for a fancy finish.
Crafts and Decor
The vivid red color of freeze dried strawberries provides crafty opportunities to decorate with them or use them in DIY projects.
Glue freeze dried strawberry slices onto gift tags, paper garlands, or handmade cards. Arrange pieces into floral bouquets to give as gifts or use as centerpieces.
Make scented potpourri by mixing freeze dried strawberries with other dried flowers and fruit. Display in bowls or sachets placed around the house.
For a natural air freshener, simmer water and freeze dried strawberries in a pot until fragrant. Turn off the heat and let cool before transferring to spray bottles to spritz around rooms.
Grind strawberries into a fine powder to make your own blush or tinted face powder. Mix with a small amount of plain cornstarch or arrowroot powder if needed to remove excess oil.
Nutrition Facts
In addition to their versatility and convenience, freeze dried strawberries are highly nutritious. The freeze drying process removes moisture while maintaining most of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fresh strawberries.
Here is how freeze dried strawberries compare nutritionally to fresh strawberries in a 1/4 cup serving:
| Nutrient | Freeze Dried Strawberries | Fresh Strawberries |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 96 | 23 |
| Fiber | 3 g | 2 g |
| Vitamin C | 48.6 mg | 42.8 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg | 0.1 mg |
Freeze dried strawberries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. They offer anti-inflammatory benefits and can help lower oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Try using freeze dried strawberries to add flavor, nutrients, and versatility to your recipes. With their concentrated sweet strawberry taste and fun, crunchy texture, they make an easy way to get your fruit fix any time of year.
Nutritional Concerns
Most people can safely enjoy freeze dried strawberries, but there are a couple things to be aware of:
Allergies
People with known allergies to fresh strawberries should avoid eating freeze dried strawberries, as they can trigger the same reactions. Allergic symptoms may include itching, hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties.
Pesticide Residues
Since the freeze drying process does not remove pesticide residues, it’s best to choose organic varieties when possible. Wash all produce thoroughly before freeze drying as well.
Added Sugars
Some packaged brands contain added sugars or are sweetened. Check the ingredient labels and choose products without unnecessary sweeteners or preservatives.
Choking Hazard
Freeze dried strawberries can be a choking risk for young children. Cut any large pieces in half and supervise kids when snacking on them.
Storage
Properly stored freeze dried strawberries will maintain optimum quality and flavor for:
- 6-12 months at room temperature
- 2-3 years in the refrigerator
- 2-10+ years in the freezer
The best storage practices include:
- Keeping unused freeze dried strawberries in an airtight container or resealable bag
- Storing in a cool, dark, dry place like the pantry or cupboard
- Placing a silica gel desiccant pack in the container to absorb excess moisture
- Freezing for long-term storage to maximize freshness
Look for any signs of moisture, clumping, or food spoilage. Discard any strawberries that smell musty or off.
Conclusion
With their concentrated sweet-tart flavor and fun crisp texture, freeze dried strawberries are endlessly versatile in snacks, baked goods, drinks, salads, desserts, and crafts. They make an easy way to add fruit flavor and nutrients to your meals and treats. Store freeze dried strawberries properly by keeping them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.