By preserving the flavor and nutritional value of fruit, freeze drying offers an attractive way to preserve the enjoyment and health benefits of fruit over a longer period of time. Freeze drying preserves the natural color, aroma and shape of fruit better than other drying methods. In the case of delicate fruits such as strawberries in particular, freeze drying can deliver higher quality because of the low temperatures and gentle removal of the water. Another advantage of freeze drying is the low residual moisture content of the dried fruit. By removing the water, the growth of microorganisms is inhibited, which leads to a longer shelf life of the fruit. As a result, the dried fruit retains its colour, texture and flavor characteristics over a longer period of time without spoiling.