Is Freeze-dried Considered Raw?

[apples]

I called the Just fruits company and the one that has all the dried fruits in containers for sale at whole foods. I asked about their dehydration temp and they said the fruit is freeze-dried and never exceeds 90 degrees. The veggies
are dehydrated at 125 degrees, so that's out for that!
But the fruit, is freeze dried, considered raw? :)

[eatyourbroccoli]

wait..so the Just Corn isnt raw?

[juliebove]

Hmmm... I was told it was all raw. The guy who runs my health food store has been to the place where it is made and has seen it being made. He said it is tossed around in a huge chamber and it is puffed full of air. Just air. He said this is why thier texture is so light and different than other dried fruits and veggies.

I just checked their website but I can't see anything there that would give me any additional information about them as to how they are made.

[raven]

I think there may be some misunderstanding about the temperature of the dehydrator vs. the temperature the food reaches. Recent research reviewed by Dr. Cousens indicates that the raw integrity of foods may best be maintained by initially setting the dehydrator at higher temps, up to 145 degrees. This may cut back on bacterial profliferator and actually expose the foods to less heat because it shortens the dehydration process. Dr. Cousens is conducting further research on this. My feeling is that some foods, such as coconut oil, can withstand higher temperatures than others and still maintain their live properties.

Suzy

[juliebove]

I think there may be some misunderstanding about the temperature of the dehydrator vs. the temperature the food reaches. Recent research reviewed by Dr. Cousens indicates that the raw integrity of foods may best be maintained by initially setting the dehydrator at higher temps, up to 145 degrees. This may cut back on bacterial profliferator and actually expose the foods to less heat because it shortens the dehydration process. Dr. Cousens is conducting further research on this. My feeling is that some foods, such as coconut oil, can withstand higher temperatures than others and still maintain their live properties.

Suzy

Good point. Also you have to keep in mind that most fruits and vegetables are not grown in the shade. I'll bet the internal temp. of them out on the vine, branch, whatever, in the sun can reach a pretty high temp. Heck last year I had sunburned apples. The tops of them literally cooked there on the tree.

[eatyourbroccoli]

Good point. Also you have to keep in mind that most fruits and vegetables are not grown in the shade. I'll bet the internal temp. of them out on the vine, branch, whatever, in the sun can reach a pretty high temp. Heck last year I had sunburned apples. The tops of them literally cooked there on the tree.

ive always wondered about that

[rawsurfer]

ya all my herbs got cooked in the sun:( but its okay cuz i will be in mexico for 5 weeks in a week anyways:D

[ambiguous]

Anything "freeze-dried" will probably not reach temps over 118. My guess is that the "veggies" dried at higher temps are those that are obviously not freeze-dried, e.g. the tomatoes, peppers, carrots and maybe mushrooms and green onions (haven't tried these last two).

Any of their products (incl. corn and peas) that are light and crispy must be freeze-dried--I'm pretty sure you can't get that texture from anything but freeze drying. I think most of their veggies are probably not freeze-dried, hence the answer that apples received.

That being said, personally I don't think I would call anything freeze-dried or even dehydrated at low temperatures "raw", but I would call it "live food", which works for me.

[apples]

Thanks for all your thoughts! I really agee with you ambiguous, that anything freeze dried or dehydrated at low temps isn't raw... but live.
Much love to all!