Do you know why freeze-dried ice cream is also called astronaut ice cream? You guessed it right! Freeze-dried ice cream was initially developed as a new type of food to solve astronauts’ dietary needs in space. With the popularization of freeze-drying technology, regular consumers can now enjoy astronaut ice cream too.
Let’s explore astronaut ice cream together!
How long can astronaut ice cream be stored?
One major advantage of astronaut ice cream is that it can be stored at room temperature for a long time. Unlike traditional ice cream, which must be stored in low-temperature environments, freeze-dried ice cream can be stored for more than 10 years, even at room temperature. In ideal conditions (cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight), when stored in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers, it can last up to 25 years. However, to maintain the best taste, it is recommended to consume it as soon as possible.
Why doesn’t astronaut ice cream melt?
To answer this question, let’s first understand the production process of astronaut ice cream. It is made in a low-temperature vacuum environment, where the frozen water content is sublimated directly from solid to vapor, removing all the moisture in the process. Therefore, astronaut ice cream won’t melt, even at room temperature.
How does astronaut ice cream taste?
Compared to traditional ice cream, astronaut ice cream offers a richer flavor. It has a crispy texture and a concentrated taste, providing a unique crunch and flavor. Moreover, astronaut ice cream can be used as a topping for bread and desserts, enhancing the texture and flavor of your food.
How to make astronaut ice cream at home?
Making astronaut ice cream at home is a fun project. But first, you’ll need a home freeze-dryer. Once you have that, you can start making astronaut ice cream by following these steps:、
1. Prepare the ice cream
Choose your favorite ice cream. You can cut the ice cream into small pieces or shape it as you like. Of course, you can also freeze-dry the entire ice cream.
2. Prepare for freeze-drying
Neatly place the ice cream on trays, ensuring there is enough space between them for air circulation.
3. Start freeze-drying
Set the appropriate temperature, time, and other parameters based on the size and moisture content of the ice cream, then start the freeze dryer. The freeze-drying process usually takes between 24 to 48 hours.
4. Seal and store
Once the freeze-drying process is complete, use vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers to store your astronaut ice cream.
Be sure to minimize the time the astronaut ice cream is exposed to air to prevent it from absorbing moisture and going bad.
Besides what we’ve discussed, what else would you like to know about astronaut ice cream? Feel free to contact us for more information.
