Freeze-dried fruit, seems like space food right? Well, freeze-dried fruit is actually a very versatile and fun product to add to recipes. Trader Joe’s sells everything from strawberries and raspberries to freeze-dried bananas and pineapple. Although freeze dried fruit does keep most of their nutrients, the water is completely removed which could lead to eating more fruit than you would in one sitting. On the one hand, that means more nutrients, but on the other hand, that also means more sugar. I was first introduced to freeze-dried fruit in cereal, but I wanted to share a few other ways I have been using it these days! It is healthy and delicious and adds a sweet crunch or subtle fruit flavor to many of your favorite breakfast foods!
Dark chocolate bark: This dark chocolate bark is made with 90% dark chocolate and is chock full of antioxidants! I melted the chocolate down with 2 Tbsp. of coconut cream, spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and topped it with dried fruit, heart-healthy walnuts, coconut flakes, sea salt and a drizzle of honey. Yum!
Pancakes: I ground down dried fruit in the blender and added it to my favorite pancake mix! CJ loved it! On the one hand, it added an extra serving of fruit and I was able to hide a little spinach in CJ’s morning cakes.
Smoothies: Add freeze dried fruit to your favorite smoothie or simply add your favorite protein powder, freeze-dried fruit powder, ice and non-dairy milk.
Oatmeal, Cereal and Overnight Oats: When you add it to overnight or warm oats the fruit gives you the hint of flavor without the bulk. Or place it on top of the oats for a nice crunch! Grind it down to a powder to infuse your oats with flavor or top any cold cereal with fruit for sweetness.
Toast: Who doesn’t love a good toast? I love adding dried strawberries and banana to a nut butter toast
Crunchy Craving? Sometimes I just want crunch and celery just will NOT do the trick freeze-dried fruit is a great way to get your crunch on without reaching for the potato chips.