Cool Things to Freeze Dry: From the Everyday to the Extraordinary

Introduction

You might be wondering: what can you freeze-dry? if you’ve ever eaten astronaut ice cream or used a freeze-dried ingredient in a recipe, you’ve experienced the magic of freeze-drying.

What is Freeze Drying?

The key technology is what’s known as freeze drying, or lyophilisation, whereby the moisture within a product, frozen solid, is removed. The physical form of the product is the same; what changes is the vigour and nutrition. The process preserves the food, increasing its shelf life.

Why Freeze Dry?

Another benefit of freeze-drying is that it preserves not only the shelf-life but also the texture, flavour, colour and nutrients of the food.It’s also great fun to try out different foods to see what new textures and tastes I enjoy.

Cool Foods to Freeze Dry

Fruits and Vegetables

Apples and Bananas

Freeze-dried apples and bananas are a popular option. Not only do they keep most of their nutrients intact, they also end up crunchy. You can nibble on them as a snack or add them to your breakfast cereal.

Meats and Dairy

Chicken and Beef

Other good choices are freeze-dried chicken and beef. Both can be substituted for other meat whenever the recipe calls for it. You can incorporate these ingredients into all types of dishes: soups and stews, sandwiches, casseroles and so on.

Meals and Other Foods

Broth and Casseroles

And even fuller meals, such as broths and casseroles, can be processed as well – hence the oft-heard recommendation to freeze-dry your favourite meals or to use it for long-term food storage.

Fun Things to Freeze Dry

Candies and Sweet Treats

Gummy Bears and Jolly Ranchers

Nor is freeze-drying solely the realm of healthful foods. Candies and sweet treats such as Gummy Bears and Jolly Ranchers can be turned into fun and flavour-packed crunchy snacks once freeze-dried.

Best Foods to Freeze Dry

From fruits and vegetables to meats, dairy, full meals, and desserts – the list of foods that freeze dry wonderfully is nearly endless. Here’s a quick guide to picking the most sensible items for freeze drying. What foods should you be sure to freeze dry? When it comes down to it, the best foods to freeze dry are the ones that lose the least amount of flavor and nutritional value in the process. It’s an excellent method for food storage for the long haul.

The Process of Freeze Drying

Choosing the Right Foods

Picking the best foods is a big part of the recipe for successful freeze drying. High-water-content foods such as fruits and vegetables are generally the best materials for freeze drying, and it is possible – though not simple – to freeze-dry foods such as meats, dairy, baked goods or full meals.

Preparing Your Foods

Then is the work of putting your preparation together. Wash. Prep. Sautée. Blanch. It all depends.

Using Your Freeze Dryer

With the foods ready, they are placed into the dryer where the foods are frozen solid, then pumped to a very low pressure, then gently warmed – extracting the frozen water from the food that then turns directly to gas (water vapour) without first turning to liquid. This leaves behind a completely dried out portion of food.

Storing and Using Freeze-Dried Foods

After the freeze-drying process is completed, the foods can be stored for years without refrigeration. To use your freeze-dried foods, rehydrate them by adding water.

Tips for Successful Freeze Drying

Freeze drying might be a rewarding experience, but it also requires some planning and attention to detail. Here are a few tips to support your success:

Make sure your foods are properly prepared and sliced to the appropriate size.

Make sure your foods are spread out evenly in the freeze dryer so that they freeze dry evenly.

Keep an eye on the freeze dryer during the run to make sure it’s running as it should be.

Store your freeze-dried foods in airtight containers to keep them fresh.

Conclusion

There’s plenty more you can do with freeze drying. Use moulds to create sweet treats with freeze-dried fruits or vegetables. Avoid that slimy snack feel by freeze-drying candies. Go crazy! The possibilities are endless. Good luck! (Of course, have fun trying out new things to freeze-dry!)