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The world of confectionery has always been filled with wonders, from the classic Hershey's bar to the creative and bizarre concoctions in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But in recent times, a new sensation has hit the candy industry – freeze dried candy. This method of preparing candies has resulted in fun and fascinating textures, making them even more enjoyable.
What is Freeze Dried Candy?
Freeze drying is a process that removes water from a substance after it has been frozen, through a method known as sublimation. In the context of candy, the process takes your favorite treats and transforms them into a completely different culinary experience. The result is a freeze dried candy that maintains its original shape and color, but with a unique texture and intensified flavors.
The process of freeze drying doesn't just change the texture of the candy, it also preserves it. This is why freeze drying is commonly used for food preservation in the space industry, for camping foods, and in other situations where long shelf-life is necessary.
How to Freeze Dry Candy
Freeze drying candy is not as complicated as it might seem, but it does require a specific machine: a freeze dryer. Freeze dryers are equipped to flash freeze the candy, create a vacuum around it, and then gently warm it to allow the ice to sublimate. The water in the candy changes from a solid state to a gaseous state, skipping the liquid phase altogether.
Here's a simplified step-by-step process:
Preparation: Place your chosen candy on the trays of the freeze dryer. Make sure the candies do not overlap to allow for proper freeze drying.
Freezing: The freeze dryer cools down to temperatures well below freezing, which freezes the water inside the candy.
Creating a Vacuum: Once the candy is frozen, the machine creates a vacuum around the candy.
Sublimation: The machine gently warms the frozen candy, causing the ice to sublimate.
Finish and Enjoy: After the process is complete, the candy is now freeze dried and ready to be enjoyed!
Freeze Dry Candy Machine
If you're considering making your own freeze dried candy, the first step is getting a freeze dryer. These machines, though a bit pricey, are worth the investment if you plan on doing a lot of freeze drying. They come in various sizes and capacities, suitable for different needs. Some popular brands in the market include Harvest Right and Labconco.
Remember, a freeze dryer isn't like your regular kitchen appliance. It's a sophisticated piece of machinery that uses advanced technology to change the physical state of water without passing through the liquid phase. Operating it will require some time to learn and get used to.
The Magic of Freeze Dried Candies
The beauty of freeze dried candy lies in the surprising textures and intensified flavors it delivers. Candies that were once chewy become delightfully crunchy. Those that were solid might take on a more porous and crumbly texture. The changes make for a unique and intriguing candy-eating experience.
Skittles, Starbursts, Gummy Bears, and even chocolate have been subjected to the freeze drying process with captivating results. Not only do these candies become a novel treat for the senses, but they also offer a fun way to rediscover your favorite sweets.
Conclusion
Innovation and creativity have always been at the heart of the confectionery world. Freeze dried candy is a testament to this spirit, taking ordinary candies and transforming them into extraordinary treats. Whether you're a candy lover looking for a new experience or a culinary adventurer ready to invest in a freeze drying machine, freeze dried candies offer a unique, flavorful, andexciting way to indulge your sweet tooth. While freeze drying might initially sound scientific and complex, with the right tools and a little patience, you can experiment with different candies and discover a whole new world of textures and flavors. So why not give freeze dried candy a try? You might just find your new favorite treat.