Freeze-dried food is becoming increasingly popular, but the expensive market prices can be daunting. Fortunately, with the advent of freeze dry food machine, we can now make delicious freeze-dried foods at home. Let’s take a closer look at this amazing device.
How Home Freeze Dryers Work
Home freeze dryers are primarily composed of a vacuum pump, a refrigeration system, a heating system, a drying chamber, and a control system. Their working principle involves creating a low-temperature vacuum environment, where the moisture in the food sublimates directly into water vapor, perfectly preserving the nutrients in the food. This process also makes the food lighter and able to be stored for long periods without spoiling.
What Types of Foods Can Be Freeze-Dried at Home?
Home freeze dryers can process a wide variety of foods. Except for a few special types of food that cannot be freeze-dried, most foods can be processed with a home freeze dryer. Let’s look at what specific foods can be freeze-dried:
Fruits:Strawberries, blueberries, apples, and other fruits can be freeze-dried into delicious snacks.
Vegetables:Carrots, tomatoes, peas, and other vegetables can be freeze-dried to retain their nutrients.
Meats:Beef, chicken, ham, and other meats can be freeze-dried into jerky.
Seafood:Shrimp, fish, clams, and other seafood can be freeze-dried for preservation.
Chocolate:Chocolate can also be made into tasty freeze-dried treats, which can be stored at room temperature.
Bread and Pastries:Bread, cakes, and other pastries can be freeze-dried to extend their shelf life.
Dairy Products:Milk powder, cheese, and other dairy products can be freeze-dried into powder or chunks.
Beverages:Coffee, tea, and other beverages can be freeze-dried into powder or frozen chunks.
Spices and Seasonings:Ginger, garlic, chili peppers, and other seasonings can be freeze-dried to preserve their flavors.
These are some common freeze-dried foods, but which foods are not suitable for freeze-drying?
Foods high in fat or sugar, or oily foods are not suitable for freeze-drying, such as fatty meat, bones, butter, peanut butter, syrup, honey, and jam.
How to Choose the Right Home Freeze Dryer?
Home freeze dryers come in small, medium, and large sizes. Generally, households with low freeze-drying needs can use a small freeze dryer. For example, the FK-04 small home freeze dryer measures only 58x47x76 cm and can freeze-dry 4 kg of food at a time. For families that frequently freeze-dry food, a medium freeze dryer is more suitable. For instance, the FK-06 home freeze dryer measures 62x69x110 cm and can freeze-dry 8 kg of food at a time. For families or small studios with high freeze-drying needs, the FK-10 is the best choice, measuring 89x73x123 cm and capable of freeze-drying 10 kg of food at a time, perfectly meeting the demands for large quantities of freeze-dried food.
How to Operate a Freeze Dryer Correctly?
First, clean the food thoroughly, cut it into small pieces or slices, and spread it evenly on the trays to avoid overlapping for more uniform freeze-drying. Place the trays with food into the freeze dryer and close the chamber door. Set the temperature, time, and vacuum level according to the type and quantity of food. Our home freeze dryers support memory settings, so you only need to set it once, and you can operate it with one touch for the same type of food next time.
After setting the parameters, start the machine and wait for the delicious freeze-dried food. Once freeze-drying is complete, it is recommended to use vacuum-sealed bags or sealed jars for packaging, which can greatly extend the shelf life of the freeze-dried food. Finally, remember to clean the freeze dryer, especially the trays and drying chamber, to keep them clean for long-term use.
Tips for Using a Home Freeze Dryer
- Regularly Check the Vacuum Pump
Ensure the vacuum pump is working properly, change the pump oil regularly, and maintain the vacuum level to guarantee freeze-drying results. - Avoid Overloading
Do not overload the freeze dryer; the amount of food freeze-dried each time should not exceed the specified amount in the manual. This ensures normal operation and prevents excessive wear. - Even Placement
When placing food on the trays, ensure it is spread evenly and not stacked too high to allow for proper air circulation and uniform drying. - Avoid Cross-Contamination
When freeze-drying different types of food, process them in batches to avoid cross-contamination of smells and flavors. - Use Moisture-Proof Packaging
Immediately pack freeze-dried food in moisture-proof packaging, such as vacuum-sealed bags or moisture-proof jars, to prevent moisture absorption and extend shelf life.
These are some tips and precautions for using a home freeze dryer. If you want to learn more about home freeze dryers, you can refer to the following articles for more information：
Is A Freeze Dryer And A Dehydrator The Same Thing?
The Cube Freeze Dryer: Revolutionize Your Kitchen
Freeze Dryer For Sale: Where To Buy A Freeze Dryer?
What Is A Lyophilizer? Understanding Lyophilization Machines
Freeze Dryer For Home Use: How To Choose The Right Freeze Dryer
Freeze Dryer Suppliers: How To Choose A High-Quality Home Freeze Dryer Supplier
