After harvesting, TERRANOVA’S phytoFRESH fresh freeze-dried botanicals are cleaned, immediately flash-frozen and then freeze-dried. Unlike standard drying methods (which can degrade important compounds and alter a plant’s delicate biochemical balance), fresh freeze-drying of plants actually helps protect both potency and balance (even retaining enzyme activity). Research shows that freeze-drying offers clear advantages over other drying methods in terms of activity and preservation of original plant constituents. Freeze-dried plants are more soluble and have superior shelf stability.