5 Reasons You Should Invest in a Freeze Dryer
Morgan Rogue 10.22.24
Whether you’re a hunter, camper, backpacker, or prepper, freeze-dried food has probably been a part of your inventory at some point or another. Commercial freeze-dried food has exploded over the years with more companies offering more variety.
While commercial freeze-dried food is convenient, it can also be expensive. For just one meal, you’re paying anywhere between $8-15. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t that expensive, considering going out to eat at any restaurant can be about that price per person. So a bag of freeze-dried food that can last 20+ years is a pretty dang good deal.
But what if you could make your own freeze-dried meals?
The home freeze-dryer has entered the chat.
We swooned over a freeze-dryer for years but it was out of reach. Finally, a year ago we were able to invest in a freeze-dryer and it has been a game-changer.
We invested in a medium Harvest Right and my only regret is that we didn’t get a large.
With our home freeze-dryer, we can freeze-dry exactly what we want. We started off with shredded cheese, milk, sour cream, cream cheese, cooked meats, raw eggs, yogurt, vegetables, fruits, and ice cream sandwiches.
Then we moved on to meals. The great thing about freeze-drying your own meals is you can make the meals exactly how you want. It’s always bothered me that freeze-dried companies add so much sodium to their meals. Yes, it’s for ‘active’ people, but it’s still an absurd amount of sodium and freeze-dried food doesn’t need salt for preservation, it’s for taste only.
A huge benefit is being able to freeze-dry leftovers. We were able to freeze-dry just about all of our Thanksgiving leftovers and it felt amazing to not waste all of it. We could have a full Thanksgiving meal out in the field whenever we want!
Here are the top five reasons you should invest in a freeze-dryer:
- Long-Term Food Storage
- Freeze-drying removes up to 99% of moisture from food, allowing it to up to 25 years or more when properly stored.
- Retains Nutritional Value
- Freeze-drying maintains almost all of the food’s nutrients, so you’re not sacrificing health for shelf life.
- Variety of Foods
- You can freeze-dry almost anything, from fruits and vegetables to full meals like stews, soups, and even desserts. Preserve a wide range of foods that are tailored to your tastes and dietary needs.
- Cost-Effective Over Time
- While the upfront investment is significant, it can save a lot of money in the long run. You’ll reduce waste by preserving leftovers and surplus from your garden or bulk food purchases.
- Convenience and Portability
- Freeze-dried food is lightweight, making it easy to store, transport, and use during emergencies or outdoor activities like camping. Rehydrating is as simple as adding water, so it’s a practical solution for both home and on-the-go situations.
How do you use a freeze-dryer?
Using a freeze-dryer is incredibly easy.
- Turn on the freeze-dryer then press ‘start’.
- The freeze-dryer will cool the chamber for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, the screen will prompt you to put the trays in. Go ahead and do that.
- Close and secure the door.
- Make sure the valve is closed, then press ‘continue’ on the screen.
- You may now walk away as it goes through the freeze, vacuum freeze, and drying phases.
Of course, you can check on it every now and then, especially to make sure that it has reached the vacuum after the freezing stage is done. However, for the most part, it’s a set-and-forget kind of machine. It’s extremely easy to use and customer support for Harvest Right has always been amazing.
How to store freeze-dried food?
Package freeze-dried food in a mylar bag with an oxygen absorber. Candy is the only thing that never gets an oxygen absorber but it should be stored in a mylar bag.
Another way to package is in a mason jar, add an oxygen absorber and vacuum seal the jar.
Keep your food in a cool, dark place.
Is a freeze-dryer right for you?
A freeze-dryer isn’t right for everyone. If you’re outdoors a lot or if you’re into emergency preparedness, then a freeze-dryer could be exactly what you need to prepare and preserve your own food at home. It’s easy and convenient and you can make the food exactly how you want!
