This specialized preservation method involves removing water from perishable items, significantly extending their shelf life while maintaining nutritional value. A common application includes preserving fruits like strawberries, which, after undergoing the process, retain their flavor and much of their original nutrient content but in a lightweight, shelf-stable format.
The resultant product offers several advantages, including reduced spoilage, ease of storage and transport, and preservation of flavor and nutrients. This technique has historical significance, having been developed to preserve food for various applications, from military rations to space travel, where longevity and reduced weight are crucial.