Why Fresh Greens Start Losing Nutrients Immediately—and How Freeze-Drying Helps Preserve Them
- Kevin Bombace
- Nov 21, 2024
- 2 min read
When you pick fresh greens or harvest produce from your garden, you expect them to be bursting with nutrients. After all, they’re fresh—right? Unfortunately, the moment those greens are cut, they begin to lose some of their nutritional value. In fact, within just three days of being harvested, many fruits and vegetables can lose up to 30% of their nutrients, according to an article from the Chicago Tribune. The faster you consume them, the better, but life gets busy, and often we can’t eat everything right away.
Here at Stonetown Acres, we understand the importance of preserving the health benefits of the food we grow and share with our community. That’s why we’re embracing freeze-drying as a revolutionary way to keep greens nutrient-rich, even when fresh consumption isn’t possible.
The Science Behind Nutrient Loss
Nutrient loss after harvesting happens for a few key reasons:
1. Exposure to Oxygen: Once greens are cut, they’re exposed to oxygen, which begins breaking down delicate nutrients like vitamin C and certain B vitamins.
2. Light and Heat: Even when refrigerated, light and heat can accelerate nutrient degradation.
3. Moisture Loss: The water inside fresh greens starts to evaporate, leading to wilting and loss of nutrients locked within the plant’s structure.
For example, spinach can lose 90% of its vitamin C within 24 hours if it isn’t stored properly. With statistics like these, it’s clear that the clock starts ticking the moment fresh greens are cut.
Why Freeze-Drying is a Game-Changer
Freeze-drying greens is one of the best ways to preserve their nutritional value long-term. Unlike traditional drying or canning, which uses heat and can destroy sensitive nutrients, freeze-drying involves a unique process:
1. The greens are frozen solid to lock in nutrients.
2. They undergo a vacuum drying process that removes moisture while keeping the cellular structure intact.
3. The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable product that retains up to 97% of its original nutrients.
This means the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your favorite greens stay “locked in” until you’re ready to use them.
Why It Matters to Us
At Stonetown Acres, we’re passionate about connecting our community with healthy, nutrient-dense food. Freeze-drying is one way we ensure that nothing goes to waste and that you get the maximum nutritional benefit from what we grow. It’s also a way to support sustainable living—freeze-dried greens last much longer than fresh, reducing food waste in your kitchen.
Whether you’re tossing freeze-dried kale into your smoothie or rehydrating spinach for a stir-fry, you’ll know you’re feeding your body the nutrients it needs.
Fresh Today, Nutritious Tomorrow
We believe in making the most of what nature gives us. Freeze-drying is just one of the many ways we’re staying committed to quality, sustainability, and health here at Stonetown Acres. Next time you enjoy our freeze-dried greens, you’ll not only taste the difference—you’ll feel it, too.
Want to learn more about our process or stock up on freeze-dried greens? Stop by the farm or visit our website to see what’s in season. Together, we can make eating healthy easier and more sustainable for everyone.
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