Here’s why freeze-dried food is a trendy food preservation method.
Looking for a way to make your food last longer and keep it safe? A home freeze dryer might be the solution. In recent years, freeze-drying has gained popularity as an innovative method for preserving food, extending its shelf life by decades.
But what exactly does a freeze dryer do? And why are so many people becoming interested in the freeze drying process now?
This blog will cover everything you need to know in an FAQ format, showing why freeze-dried food is one of the trendiest and safest ways to preserve your favorite foods.
Common FAQs About Freeze Dried Foods and the Freeze Drying Process
To answer these questions, we consulted the experts at Stay Fresh, a leading freeze dryer innovator, to gather customers’ most common questions about before purchasing their first home freeze dryer.
Who uses freeze-dried food?
Freeze-dried foods are incredibly versatile and used by a variety of people. Outdoor enthusiasts, such as campers and hikers, rely on freeze-dried meals because they are lightweight and easy to carry. Preppers and survivalists stockpile freeze-dried food for emergencies due to its long shelf life.
But you don’t need to participate in the outdoorsy lifestyle to store freeze-dried food!
Do you live in tornado alley or a hurricane zone? In the aftermath of natural disasters, finding fresh food is often difficult. It’s perfect for emergency preparedness.
Even busy families are getting in on the trend, using freeze-dried snacks and meals to reduce food waste and save time in the kitchen. That explains why you might sometimes notice freeze-dried products in high-end grocery stores. They’re in high demand (and at a steep cost!) for health-conscious consumers who want all-natural, preservative-free foods.
What is the freeze-drying process?
Freeze drying is a preservation method that involves freezing food and then placing it in a vacuum chamber where the water content is removed through sublimation. In this primary drying phase, the frozen water turns directly into vapor without passing through the liquid stage.
This leaves the food completely dry, preserving its nutrients, texture, and flavor. Freeze drying retains up to 97% of the food’s nutritional value after a secondary drying process, making it one of the best methods to maintain shelf-stable meats, fruits, and vegetables.
What’s the difference between the freeze dry process and dehydrated food?
The main difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated food is moisture content and preservation. Dehydrated food typically has about 10-20% moisture remaining, while freeze-dried food has 1-4%.
The moisture removed from freeze-dried foods means they enjoy a significantly longer shelf life—up to 25 years with proper storage. Frozen food doesn’t even begin to compete!
Dehydration uses heat to remove moisture, which can alter the texture and nutritional content, whereas freeze-drying uses a cold vacuum process that better preserves the food’s original qualities.
Can you freeze dry without a machine?
Not safely. The process involves placing food in your freezer for an extended period (often weeks) and relying on the freezer’s cold air to dehydrate the food through sublimation slowly.
However, without a vacuum chamber and controlled temperature, the results are inconsistent, and the food is unlikely to be fully freeze-dried.The unit has a special vacuum pump that offers precision and efficiency, making it a far better option for most people.
To be clear, do not attempt to make dehydrated foods without proven-safe equipment.
Is vacuum drying the same?
No. The key difference between vacuum drying and freeze drying is that vacuum drying removes moisture using heat under a vacuum. Freeze dryers remove moisture by freezing the food and then using a vacuum pump to sublimate the ice directly into vapor without melting. That means no ice crystals, which is why vacuum-pumped foods lack the same flavor.
How much does it cost to get a freeze dryer?
Home freeze dryers come in various sizes and prices, typically starting at around $2,000 for smaller models and going up to $4,500 for larger units.
Many users find that the long-term savings from reduced food waste, lower grocery bills, and the ability to preserve large amounts of food justify the cost. You can also freeze-dry herbs, cooked foods (leftovers), or seasonal specialty foods. That could further save you money over time.
Just picture your harvest preservation for the winter. No more wasted foods after all your hard work of gardening! It’s the perfect food preservation for gardeners.
Is freeze-drying food safe?
Yes, freeze-drying food is generally safe. The process removes 99% of the moisture from food, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, molds, or other microorganisms that can cause spoilage. Some foods may require you to blanch before you preserve them.
Since freeze-dried foods can be stored without refrigeration, it’s also a reliable option for long-term storage in case of power outages or emergencies. As long as the food is stored in vacuum packaging, airtight containers with oxygen absorbers, all the food you home freeze-dry can stay fresh and safe to eat for up to 25 years.
What foods can be you freeze dry?
Many types of raw foods can be successfully freeze-dried, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and raw eggs. You can also freeze-dry leftovers and cooked products at home. You can even store liquid form foods, like soups or stews.
Most fruits like strawberries, blueberries, apples, and bananas make delicious, healthy snacks.
Most vegetables, such as peas, carrots, zucchini, leafy greens, and corn, retain their nutrients and taste delicious when rehydrated. They taste much better than canned goods, and you can do without the preservatives.
Meats like chicken, beef, and bacon freeze dry well and can be added later. Love hunting and fishing? You will have great success putting up your own venison, fish, and other game meat.
Freeze drying is also great for dairy products like yogurt or cheese and complete meals like soups, stews, or casseroles.
What foods can’t you freeze dry?
While freeze drying is versatile, certain foods don’t freeze dry well. Coffee beans, for instance, do not provide suitable results.
Foods with high fat content, such as butter, oils, peanut butter, or other nut butters, don’t freeze dry properly. That’s because fats don’t evaporate the same way water does.
Similarly, foods that are too sugary, including baked goods, honey, or maple syrup, can’t be freeze dried because they don’t contain enough moisture to remove. That remaining water vapor can lead to foodborne illness.
Foods with these characteristics will either stay in their original form or become sticky and inconsistent.
How do I store my freeze-dried foods?
Proper storage is key to keeping your freeze-dried food safe and fresh. Freeze-dried foods should be stored in airtight containers, such as mylar bags or glass jars, with an oxygen absorber to prevent oxidation. You can also use a vacuum sealer for food storage.
Keep these containers in a cool, dry, and dark place, ideally between 50°F to 70°F. When stored properly, freeze-dried food can last for up to 25 years, making it one of the best options for long-term food preservation.
Is freeze-dried raw food safe?
Yes, freeze-dried raw foods are safe, but it should be handled with care, especially raw meats. While freeze-drying removes moisture, it doesn’t kill bacteria like cooking does.
Therefore, freeze-dried raw meat should be cooked thoroughly after rehydration to ensure it’s safe to eat.
For fruits, vegetables, freeze-drying raw is perfectly safe and retains all the nutrients.
How long will freeze-dried foods last?
If stored correctly, freeze-dried foods can last up to 25 years or more. The key factors are keeping the food in airtight containers, using oxygen absorbers, and storing the containers in a cool, dark place.
Freeze drying offers the longest shelf life with minimal loss of nutritional value compared to other preservation methods like canning or dehydrating.
Note that this is an enormous advantage over storing dried fruit or dried herbs in a countertop warm air dehydrator, which is only for short-term storage of about a year.
How do I rehydrate freeze dried foods?
Rehydrating freeze-dried foods is simple and requires only water. To rehydrate fruits or vegetables, soak them in water for 5-10 minutes or add them directly to soups and stews. For freeze-dried meats or meals, add hot water and let the food absorb the moisture for about 10-20 minutes. The food will return to its original texture and flavor, making it ready to eat or cook.
What to avoid when freeze-drying?
Avoid freeze-drying foods with high fat or sugar content, as they do not freeze dry properly. Also, be cautious about overloading the freeze dryer, as too much food in the machine can slow down the drying process and lead to inconsistent results. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount of food per batch to ensure the best outcome.
What else can you freeze dry?
Besides most foods, you can freeze dry non-food items like flowers for preservation, which is popular in crafts and keepsakes. You can also freeze dry pet food and treats, making it a healthy, long-lasting option for your furry friends.
Save Money and Enjoy Safety When You Freeze Dry Food at Home
Investing in a this long-term food storage technology offers more than just a trendy food preservation method. Fortunately, this popular methd also provides food safety, convenience, and long-term savings. Whether you’re preparing meals for a camping trip, stocking up for emergencies, or simply looking to cut down on food waste, freeze drying is an incredibly reliable and efficient way to preserve the foods you love. With the proper equipment and storage, you can enjoy fresh-tasting, nutrient-rich food for years.
On her downtime, Shashika enjoys container gardening on her rooftop and shares her bounty with friends and neighbors.
