Dehydrated cranberries (dried cranberries) are fruit products made by removing most of the water from fresh cranberries through a dehydration process. They have a sweet and sour taste and rich nutritional value. The following is a detailed introduction to you from aspects such as the production process, nutritional value, consumption methods, and storage methods:

Manufacturing process

Harvesting: When the cranberries are ripe, farmers pour a large amount of water into the planting field to submerge the plants. They use the air chambers inside the fresh cranberries to make them fall off and float on the water surface. Then, they use high-pressure water pumps to transport the fruits to trucks, while washing away the soil and impurities.

Cleaning: In the factory, the cleaning machine thoroughly cleans the fruits to ensure their surfaces are clean.

Dehydration

Natural drying: Spread the washed cranberries evenly on a breathable baking tray or grill, and dry them in the sun and with natural wind. However, this method takes a long time and is greatly affected by the weather.

Drying equipment: The more commonly used method is to use drying lines or dryers. Place the cranberries on the drying line and dry them at high temperatures. At the same time, the constantly vibrating screen ensures that the fruits are heated evenly until they lose a large amount of moisture. There are also cases where the pulp is frozen for three days first to change the cell structure and release the juice, and then the remaining pulp is dried.

Home preparation: If using an oven, you can choose the dried fruit mode (if not available, use the hot air mode at +60℃). Bake for 8 hours first. When the skin is only slightly dry, add another 8 hours. At this point, the dehydration is obvious. Eventually, it may take 48 hours to achieve most of the dehydration.

Nutritional value

Dehydrated cranberries retain most of the nutrients of fresh cranberries and are rich in antioxidants (such as vitamin C and anthocyanins), concentrated tannic acid, vitamin E and various minerals. These ingredients have a variety of health benefits

Anti-aging: Antioxidants can effectively eliminate free radicals and slow down the aging process of the skin and the body.

Beauty and skin care: Ingredients such as vitamin C and pectin help promote the synthesis of collagen, assist in eliminating toxins from the body, and improve skin condition.

Protecting the gastrointestinal tract: Concentrated tannic acid can inhibit the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps maintain gastrointestinal health and reduces the risk of gastric ulcers and gastric cancer.

Preventing urinary tract infections: The tannic acid component can effectively acidify urine, prevent the growth and reproduction of * in urine, thereby reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.

A variety of vitamins and minerals help enhance the body's immunity and improve its resistance.

Usage method

Dehydrated cranberries are sweet and sour, with a chewy texture and are suitable for various ways of consumption:

Direct consumption: Chew and eat directly as a snack.

Drinking with dried cranberries: Clean the dried cranberries thoroughly and put them in a container. Add enough mineral water or plain boiled water, seal it and store it in the refrigerator's chill compartment. Drink a cup of dried cranberry water in the morning and evening every day. You can also mix it with other beverages for consumption, such as adding lemon slices or honey.

Add to food: It can be added to yogurt, salads, cakes, bread and other foods to enhance the flavor.

Making cranberry jam: When eaten with poultry meat, its organic acids can soften the meat texture. When making desserts, it is necessary to reduce the addition of extra sugar and the baking temperature should not exceed 180℃ to prevent the destruction of nutrients.