In the past, only large food processing companies had the technological ability to freeze dry food. Today, while not yet common, their freeze dryers available for home use.
Dehydrators operate at higher temperatures that can diminish nutrients and typically produce food with altered textures that doesn't fully rehydrate. However, dehydrators are less expensive and use less energy per batch.
Anyone who has spent time mountaineering or hunting knows the benefits of freeze dried food. To most everyone else though, the extent of their freeze dried experience doesn’t go much beyond instant coffee. So, let’s look at some of those benefits.
Proper maintenance is key to the longevity and performance of freeze-drying equipment. Accessories designed for cleaning and upkeep, such as specialized brushes, cleaning solutions, and replacement parts, help ensure that freeze dryers continue to operate at peak efficiency.
Each of our picks comes in different sizes and weights that affect how they can be used and where they can be placed.
Some models, like the Cube from Prep4Life, have rectangular chambers for better space efficiency. The Elite model from them also has an internal pump, reducing needed floor/shelf space.
A freeze dryer can help reduce this waste, since virtually anything can be freeze dried. Including your unfinished pork chop and that half eaten apple. If you like you can create whole meals and freeze dry them for future consumption.
The main benefits include retaining food flavors, handling food surpluses, and extending the shelf life of produce and eggs. It’s useful for preserving excess food for year-round consumption and building a long-term food reserve.
Proper trays ensure even distribution of the material being dried and facilitate efficient moisture removal.
With these accessories, we had everything we needed to start freeze-drying right away, but we have purchased extra accessories along the way. Em excesso trays, tray lids, tray dividers and more Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers have all been added to our gear list.
Even canned foods do not retain their original texture and flavor. In each case their water content is to blame. Freeze dried food retains only 2% of its water. When stored properly, it should retain its taste for decades and will probably taste better than plain MRE’s.
With its powerful 600-watt motor and six stainless steel trays, this dehydrator can handle a wide variety of foods, from fruits and vegetables to meats and jerky.
Most of the maintenance on a freeze dryer involves the vacuum pump, especially if it is an oil-based pump. You’ll typically need to change the oil every 4-20 uses but your manual will let you know.
It is always a relief when something this hefty arrives without a scratch – especially when you Buy online are shelling out thousands of dollars!