Freeze Drying and Dehydrating Herbs: It's kind of a big dill!

There’s no doubt that herbal remedies and veggie-powered super-foods are making waves in the world of wellness. But how can our earth-grown friends, when freeze-dried or dehydrated, really benefit us and our planet?

 

"From the calming effects of ashwagandha to the magic of moringa and everything in between— we are blessed with an endless garden of natural healing, to empower our health and deliciously season our mind, body and spirit."

In it’s truest form, an herb, spice, or veggie embodies within itself a myriad of feel-good, holistic, plant power! In order for us to benefit and absorb all it’s magical goodness, it's key that we retain the pure nutritional value by extracting straight from the source and minimizing the factory processing from soil to soul. Equally as important as finding processes that are loving and kind to our bodies is the commitment to finding processes that are loving and kind to our planet as well.

That’s why our Māla Girl products are all blended with freeze-dried or dehydrated ingredients. These processes not only preserve the golden gifts that nature has given us but when paired with responsible and sustainable science, create a super blend that sends us straight to taste-bud heaven. Got the tingles yet? Oooo coz’ we sure do.

So, let’s shine the spotlight on these magical methods, shall we?

"Dried herbs have been used in ancient cultures for medicinal purposes for centuries. To our ancestors, and to us at Māla Girl today, it’s a way to respect and honor nature, create long-lasting products, and protect our planet, without sacrificing the sacred flavors, vitamins, and minerals found in these life-giving plants."

 

The two main processes are Dehydration and Freeze-Drying. The science behind them focuses on pulling out the moisture, so that the botanicals don’t decompose. This, in essence, increases the plants “shelf-life” — and whilst both methods share a common goal, they differ in process. Allow us to explain.

Dehydration The dehydration method starts by placing the plants on a drying rack where the water content of each botanical is removed via a machine that circulates hot, dry, air. Dehydration and other air-dried methods are never hot enough to cook the herbs. The end result is a product that is packed with all the iron and fiber content of the original botanical and around 90% of the original nutrients. Benefits of Dehydration Easy and Cost-Effective Retains Iron and Fiber 60-90% of Nutrients Shelf-life: up to 15 years Easy to Store 100% Natural

Freeze-Drying Freeze-drying is a method where plants are frozen and placed in a vacuum chamber that transforms the solid ice into water vapor. Accomplished, with very low heat, this is called sublimation. The main difference between freeze-drying and dehydration is higher levels of nutrients are preserved, up to 98%, and when re-hydrated, the plants instantly become just as delicious. Benefits of Freeze-Drying Lighter in Weight Easy to Rehydrate Slightly Healthier Option Shelf-life: up to 30 years Easy to Store 100% Natural