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Have you noticed the growing buzz around freeze dried candy recently? Thanks to platforms like TikTok, this trend is catching on, and it’s easy to see why. The transformation process is fascinating, and the resulting texture is intriguingly unique.

What’s even more impressive? Freeze dried candy manages to maintain the flavor of the candy.

Freeze-dried treats are lightweight and portable, making them convenient for carrying in backpacks and consuming on the go. Their long shelf life allows for extended trips without worrying about food spoilage. Furthermore, freeze-dried treats retain their flavor without needing to add moisture before enjoying them, making these treats a convenient option for satisfying your sweet tooth while on the move.

Join me to learn the history and science behind this popular treat, and learn how to freeze dry candy at home. We’ll provide insights into the process, equipment, and creative possibilities.

Key Takeaways

-The freeze dried candy trend is driven by the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, and older individuals who enjoy the nostalgic experience without the risk of breaking teeth.

– While major candy brands have yet to enter the freeze dried candy market, up-and-coming companies are selling these treats at farmers’ markets and online, catering to strong consumer demand.

– Candy Mode on the Harvest Right freeze dryer allows for back-to-back loads of candy and should be customized accordingly.

– Most candies can be freeze-dried, except for those considered oily, such as chocolate chips.

– Freeze dried candy creates a new texture experience with its light, airy, and crispy texture that preserves high flavor retention through freezing, sublimation, and desorption.

– Freeze dried food can last up to 25 years, stored in airtight containers. The process preserves the structural integrity, nutritional value, and flavor of food.

The History of Freeze Dried Candy

In the mid-20th century, modern-day home freeze dryer technology took off. It was primarily driven by the pharmaceutical and space industries seeking to preserve biological materials. In recent decades, advancements in technology have made freeze dryers accessible and affordable for home use, allowing everyday consumers to harness this preservation method in their kitchens.

As more and more people have taken to freeze drying and experimenting with their favorite treats, their successes and failures have led to significant innovations, and freeze dried candy was born.

Freeze drying candy involves freezing the candy at extremely low temperatures and then subjecting it to a vacuum to remove the moisture. This process, known as sublimation, turns the ice crystals into gas, leaving behind a light and crispy texture. 

The resulting freeze-dried candy retains its original flavor and color but with a unique and satisfying crunch. It is gaining popularity due to its distinct texture and long shelf life.

The Role of Social Media in the Freeze Dried Candy Craze

Social media has undeniably played a pivotal role in fueling the freeze dried candy craze’s rapid growth. The impact of viral videos on freeze-dried candy’s popularity cannot be overstated.

Platforms like TikTok have showcased viral videos depicting the unique experience of trying freeze-dried candy. These videos generate curiosity and interest among viewers. 

The visual transformation of freeze dried candy, from gooey and chewy to light and crispy, is captivating and drives people to try it themselves.

Where to Find the Best Freeze Dried Candy

Several online retailers offer a wide selection of high-quality freeze dried candy options for those seeking the best taste and texture. Primarily offering classic options like freeze dried Skittles and Sweet Tarts Extreme Sour to innovative choices like freeze dried Starburst. 

With a 500% markup compared to regular candy, the price of freeze dried candy may raise concerns about its worthiness as a purchase. Commercially produced freeze dried candies may have a different flavor and texture preservation level, as they often contain additives or have been processed in a way that affects taste and texture. 

Making your own freeze dried candies gives you complete control over the quality and taste, resulting in a more satisfying snacking experience.

For those interested in making their own freeze dried candy at home, there are tips and tricks for beginners to consider to be successful. These include using a freeze dryer, starting with small batches, and experimenting with different types of candy.

Comparing the Taste of Freeze Dried Candy to Traditional Candy

While freeze dried candy offers a unique texture and longer shelf life, comparing its taste to traditional candy is important.

When comparing the texture of freeze dried candy to traditional candy, there is a noticeable difference. Freeze dried candy has a light and airy texture, almost like eating a crispy sponge. On the other hand, traditional candy has a chewy and sometimes sticky texture, depending on the type of candy.

When exploring the flavor differences between freeze dried candy and traditional candy, freeze dried candy retains the original taste of the candy. The freeze drying process does not alter the flavor significantly, allowing the candy to maintain its sweetness. 

Ultimately, the choice between freeze dried candy and traditional candy comes down to personal preference.

The Science Behind Freeze Drying Candy

You must know about the sublimation process to understand the science behind freeze-drying candy and sweets. Sublimation is when a substance goes directly from a solid state to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid phase. This process is crucial in freeze drying because it removes moisture from the candy or sweets while preserving their structure and flavor. 

Freeze drying retains the flavor and nutritional value of the food without adding any moisture, resulting in a product that tastes just as delicious as its original form. Additionally, freeze dried food has a longer shelf life than other preservation methods, making it ideal for long-term storage.

The process of freeze-drying candy involves freezing the candy in bite-size pieces before placing it in a freeze-dryer machine. This technique ensures that the candy retains its shape, texture, and flavor, providing a unique and enjoyable snacking experience.

The benefits of freeze-drying candy and sweets for long-term preservation are immense. Not only does it extend their shelf life, but it also retains their original taste and texture.

Essential Equipment for to Freeze Dry Candy at Home

You will need a reliable freeze-dryer machine to successfully create homemade freeze dried treats. When comparing freeze drying machines, it is essential to consider capacity, size, and price factors to determine which one is right for you. Harvest Right Freeze dryers, version 23 and higher, also have a Candy Mode function. Check out our buyer’s guide to help you pick the best option.  

You will also need a way to package your freeze dried candy so they are airtight to ensure freshness and to prevent moisture from re-entering the food. Vacuum sealers, mylar bags, and ball jars are all good options.

You can get many accessories that will make the freeze drying process easier and more efficient. 

My essential accessories are

Choosing the Right Treats for Freeze Drying at Home

Choose a variety of treats that you enjoy, and approach freeze drying candy at home as a fun experiment. When selecting candy for freeze drying, it’s important to consider its texture and composition. Choose treats with low moisture content, as this will yield better results.

In my research, candies with a hard outer shell, like Skittles or M&Ms, seemed ideal for freeze drying at home. However, in my experiments, this was not the case. Skittles did freeze dry exactly as my research suggested. The homemade freeze-dried Skittles took on a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. But, the M&Ms melted into a mess, which is what I would expect of chocolate. Others had shared their positive experience freeze drying chocolate, so I gave it a whirl. You can see the result. Its not pretty, and I would not make more batches, but they did at least taste yummy.

Gummy candies or hard candies with gelatine are great options. They may change shape and increase in size during the process, so keep that in mind.

Experiment with different treats to find the ones that freeze dry best. Start with small batches so you can see how each candy transforms. 

Mastering the Candy Mode and Settings for Optimal Results

To achieve optimal results, customize the Candy Mode settings on your freeze dryer and master the candy mode for the best freeze-dried candy. Candy mode is available on versions 23 or higher. (My machine operates on an older version, so I didn’t use the ‘Candy Mode’ when freeze drying. If you’re working with a newer model, you might see improved results, especially with candies that didn’t turn out perfect for me. Let me know how yours turn out!)

1. Go to Customize and set the drying temperature above 135 degrees, preferably in the 150 range. This will enable Candy/High Temperature Mode.
2. Hit Save.
3. Hit Start.
4. Wait 15 minutes for the chamber walls to cool down.
5. A slider bar will appear to enable Candy Mode. Hit the slider.
6. Hit Continue.
7. Load your food in and hit Start.
8. The machine will warm the trays to the set point temperature.
9. Once the time is up, the machine will go into Candy Mode, and the vacuum pump will come on.
10. The drying process will take approximately 1 hour and 59 minutes.
11. When the process is complete, you will have the option to defrost the machine, start a new batch, or defrost with most candies.

You can easily start a new batch, reload your food, and hit Start New Candy Batch. The machine will maintain your previous settings.

You can defrost the machine by following the instructions on the screen. Once the defrost cycle is complete, the machine will reset all settings and return to 125 degrees.

Freeze Drying Your Favorite Candies

Creating freeze dried candies involves carefully freezing and preserving the flavors and textures of your favorite treats. Unlike other preservation methods, freeze drying retains every ingredient, allowing for high flavor retention. This means you will experience the same flavors as the original treat when you bite into a homemade freeze dried candy.

Load the candy onto the trays, leaving some space for candy expansion during the freeze-drying process. Overcrowding the trays can lead to uneven drying and clumping of the candies.

Once the trays are loaded, place them into the freeze dryer and activate Candy Mode if you have this feature. The tray temperature will rise to the set level, and the vacuum pump will kick on to start the drying process.

If you are freeze drying a chewy candy, like Skittles, adjust the warming time using the up and down arrows to ensure that your candies are perfectly puffed during the freeze drying process.

The tray warming time is crucial in softening the candy, which increases the likelihood of candy expansion under vacuum. The candy will expand as the tray temperature rises to the level set in the customize screen.

The vacuum pump kicks on after the trays are warmed, and the door of the freeze dryer tightens against the machine, leaving a darker ring where it presses. It’s essential to wait for the mTorr reading to get below 500, which can take around 5 to 15-20 minutes.

After three to four hours, check the candy for dryness by performing a taste test. You can pause or stop the process by turning off the vacuum pump and slowly opening the drain valve.

If the candy is crunchy, it’s done, but if it’s still chewy, it needs more drying time. 

Proper Storage and Preservation of Freeze Dried Treats

The proper storage and shelf life of freeze-dried candy depends on several factors, including packaging, temperature, and humidity levels. Proper packaging is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of freeze-dried candy. Store freeze dried candy in airtight vacuum bags, mylar bags, or jars with an air absorber to prevent moisture from entering and affecting the texture and taste.

Additionally, it is crucial to keep freeze dried candy in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as exposure to heat and moisture can cause the candy to reabsorb moisture and lose its crispness. 

Consuming freeze dried candy within one to two years of the production date is advisable.

The Amazing Transformation: Effects of Freeze Drying on Flavors and Textures

One fascinating aspect of freeze dried candy is that it undergoes a transformation. The candies expand in size, change texture, and even become sweeter or crunchier, depending on their composition. It’s incredible to witness how freeze drying can enhance candies’ taste and visual appeal, turning them into unique treats.

Candies become both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth, providing a unique texture experience. The freeze drying process removes the water from the candy, resulting in a light and crispy texture. This texture is different from regular candy, which is chewy or sticky. Like candy puffs.

When you bite into a freeze-dried snack, there’s a satisfying snap that can’t be replicated by any other method of food preservation. It’s like taking a bite out of a cloud but with a delightful texture that lingers on your taste buds.

Candy also undergoes a remarkable visual transformation when subjected to the freeze drying process. The once vibrant and plump candies become pale and brittle, with a delicate and intricate appearance. A color change accompanies this change in texture, as the candies often turn white or develop a crackled pattern on their sugar coating.

This transformation happens while freeze drying candy without altering the taste. The freeze dried candy flavors remain similar to their original form, with some even becoming more concentrated and sweeter.

Unleash Your Creativity: Unique Ideas for Homemade Freeze Dried Candy

“Candy scientists” occasionally enjoy experimenting with various flavors and combinations when creating freeze-dried treats. Freeze drying opens up a world of innovative flavor pairings in freeze dried candy. The process of freeze drying preserves the flavors of the ingredients, allowing for unique combinations that may not be possible with traditional candy-making methods.

Some of my favorite combinations

• Cinnamon, powdered cheese, or herbs on your Skittles

• Chili powder or smoked paprika on milk duds

• Marshmallows with crunchy graham crackers

• Strawberries with balsamic vinegar

When it comes to exploring flavor profiles, the possibilities are endless.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors and textures to create one-of-a-kind freeze dried candies that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends.

Enhance Recipes with Freeze Dried Candy

Freeze-dried candy can be used in various recipes to add a crunchy and flavorful element.

From incorporating it into ice cream toppings to using it as a garnish on desserts, freeze dried candy can add a delightful twist to traditional recipes. Its versatility and intensified flavor make freeze dried candy popular among candy enthusiasts and culinary enthusiasts.

Additionally, freeze drying allows for the exploration of different flavors of candy. Whether it’s freeze dried Skittles, Sweet Tarts Extreme Sour, or Starburst, each flavor offers a unique taste experience that is intensified by the crunchy texture. With the wide variety of flavors available, freeze dried candy provides something for everyone’s palate.

Nutritious and Crunchy Freeze Dried Treats

Despite possibly retaining some vitamins from the original candy, freeze dried candy is still packed with sugar and is far from a low-calorie snack. While it may not be the healthiest choice, freeze dried candy can provide a burst of energy before a workout or activity due to its high sugar and calorie content. I’m no dietitian, but indulging in freeze dried candy should be done in moderation, and always remember to follow up with proper oral hygiene. 

If you’re on the hunt for nutritious and portable freeze-dried treats, there are plenty of wholesome freeze dried options that offer both health benefits and flavor.

Freeze dried fruit is a popular choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional candies. The freeze drying process removes the water content from the fruit, intensifying the natural flavors and creating a crispy texture that’s both refreshing and delicious. From tangy strawberries to zesty pineapple, exploring the range of freeze dried fruit flavors is endless.

Remember freeze drying isn’t limited to just sweet treats. Savory snacks can also undergo the freeze drying process to create unique and crunchy delights. Techniques such as freeze drying cheese, vegetables, and even meat can result in savory snacks that are packed with flavor and have a satisfying crunch.

Conclusion

Experimenting with different candies and watching them transform was beyond fun. It was a bit of nostalgia working with treats I hadn’t had since I was a child. It’s like being a kid in a candy store, but with a science twist! Candies I’d known all my life took on new textures and flavors, becoming these exciting treats waiting to be rediscovered. There’s something genuinely magical about seeing a piece of candy you’ve known since childhood turn into something new and unexpected and sharing these discoveries with my children. Let’s not even talk about the fun taste tests – those were the best (and sometimes most surprising) parts!

Remember, the right tools make all the difference. It makes the process smoother and ensures you get the desired results. Because, trust me, there’s a world of difference between the accidental gooey bears and the perfectly freeze dried candies that snap and pop in your mouth.

Embrace the trial and error, have a good laugh at the not-so-perfect attempts, and revel in the joy of the perfect batch. And always remember to share (or not) – after all, it’s candy we’re talking about!