Have you ever tossed out spoiled produce or leftovers? How about those cans of food that are nearing their expiration date sitting on the shelf at the back of your food storage?
After a few years of research, I finally decided to purchase a freeze dryer. It was one of the best purchases I have ever made. The only regret I have is that I didn’t buy one sooner.
I cut up a thin flexible cutting board to make the shields and secured them with clear high grade packing tape. The cutting board is stiff but it will fold and hold a 90 degree crease. The shields are not going anywhere, but are easy to remove if necessary.
I take trips to larger stores to stock up on gluten-free and lactose free staples. Then I can use those to make meals or freeze dry the individual components.
April 22, 2025 by Lily James Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is one of the most important processes in the food industry and the pharmacy sector, as it allows for long-term storage of a product without losing its value. Currently, this method is extensively employed for the preservation of active pharmaceutical ingredients, biologics, and food products as moisture is extracted without deteriorating its quality.
It’s super simple, if you aren’t running an Oil Free pump (which we strongly suggest), you should change the vacuum pump’s oil every 20-30 runs Shop Now (approximately once every month or two with daily use) and ensure the interior chamber as well as your trays are cleaned frequently.
And once you have resolved your issue I hope you will stay around and talk to us all about what you have been drying in your machine, etc. 1
7) Next up the drain line. This not only deminishes condensation but also eliminates an unnecessary hot spot into the chamber.
The evaporator coils that touch the surface of the stainless steel vacuum chamber reach about -42 F. With food in the chamber and because the location of the thermister is on the middle shelf of the four shelves, the temperature it records is going to range from -25 to -30 F in the nove hour default freeze time. This temperature is very adequate for freeze drying the food.
Out of caution, I have only ever taken mylar bags in a checked bag and I’ve never had a problem. I know of people who have taken them in carry-on bags as well without issues.
- Complete Meals: Casseroles and soups can also be freeze-dried for convenient meal prep options later on.
So the bottom line is this: If you can afford the money, space, and time to spend on freeze-drying your own food and you more info believe the need for the food is many months or years away, then eventually the Harvest Right freeze dryer will pay for itself.
Freeze drying seasoned squash and zucchini One of my favorite things to freeze dry is vegetables. It’s so easy to put them in soups or casseroles. Once onions or garlic are processed, they are great to add to food.
You can choose to season meat either before or after the freeze drying process. I prefer to season cooked meats before processing and leave raw meat unseasoned. Then the meat can be seasoned later before it’s cooked.