If you’ve ever perused the Pure Planet website or held our products in your hand, you might have noticed something that strikes you as something odd.
Is it that our fruits and veggies don’t have GMOs? Well… yes, we don’t believe in that icky stuff, but that’s not what we’re talking about.
The oddity that may perplex those who are proponents of fresh veggies and fruits is the fact that most of our superfoods come in the form of dry powder and capsules and tablets made with powder.
For some, this might seem like a strange way of eating your daily produce from powders and other forms. Conscious eaters are just like us and do everything they can to find out how their food originated and how it arrived in their hands. Which is why we strive to be transparent about our manufacturing and organic practices.
So, just how do we turn your favorites into powders and other forms? And is anything lost or gained during the process?
Good questions!
Let’s learn about that and more.
How Do We Dry?
Our methods are inspired by Mother Nature, herself. Most specifically, they are inspired by the mighty power of the ocean.
You see when the water crashes against the rocky edges of beautiful coasts, the tips of the waves evaporate into fine traces of salt and minerals, naturally.
We use a variety of drying methods that mimic this process, to create our blends. Here are just a few:
- Freeze
- Spray
- Oven Air
- Dehydration
- Vacuum
But what do these methods actually accomplish?
Another good question!
Mostly, these methods help remove water and moisture content from vegetables and fruits. The amount changes depending on the method. For example, dehydration removes about 90 t0 95% of moisture content and freeze drying removes 98-99.
But how is the method decided? And what fruits and veggies get which method?
Well, that falls on our trusted farm-partnerships who are highly experienced in agriculture and nutrition.
However, Pure Planet decides what superfoods to blend, based on their phytochemical properties and flavors. For example, our Organic Power Beets combines the power of beets, turmeric, and tart cherry to help support healthy recovery from exercises or a busy day!
Let’s be real. Nutrition is great, but at the end of the day, taste matters too.
That’s why our team works hard to identify which foods should go together to best benefit the body and tastebuds! Take for example our Choco-Mint Spirulina. Enjoy the nutritional benefits of spirulina, and the yummy taste of cacao and mint.
Sorry, we got on a flavor tangent! Back to ingredient drying details…
Are Any Nutrients Lost?
When drying our foods, you might wonder if any nutrients are lost.
While some research suggests that vitamins can be lost during this process, they are oftentimes minimal, according to the Alice! Health Promotion from Columbia University.
But guess what? There are also gains!
Freeze-dried fruits and veggies can be bountiful with extra nutrients, such as fiber, beta-carotene and potassium.
Plus, with water and other juices stripped from the produce, the calories and rich nutrients are straight from the food itself.
But there are more benefits too, other than optimal nutrition for your body!
What Are Other Benefits?
Packaging blends can be economically-easier for you. While fresh produce can rot and go bad just days after buying, our powdered blends can stay in your pantry for way longer.
Plus, the blends are convenient. Just pack a container in your bag for on-the-go. Can you imagine randomly pulling out a coconut from your bag and popping in a straw during a work meeting?
That would be a power move, but no, that’s not convenient at all! But you can definitely mix, stir or shake up some of our Coconut Water blend anywhere!
Have More Questions?
Transparency is key in keeping us pure and true since ’92. Drop us any questions you have in the comments below or post on our Facebook.
Sources:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/343417-freeze-dried-food-nutritional-information/
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/nutrition-freeze-dried-vs-raw-fruits-and-vegetables
https://www.thereadystore.com/food-storage/8376/dehydrated-vs-freeze-dried-food/
