Category: Methods and Techniques

Apples have always held a special place in my heart, evoking memories of crisp autumn days. There’s something undeniably comforting about the sweet and tangy taste of apples. Freeze drying not only retains the nutritional value of apples but also transforms them into feather-light, crispy snacks that can be enjoyed straight from the storage container. And when rehydrated, freeze dried apples spring back to life, ready to be savored as if freshly sliced or incorporated into an array of recipes, simplifying food preparation without compromising on quality. Continue on to get our tips and tricks to learn how to freeze dry apples at home.

Freeze dried milk is a versatile ingredient that serves as the foundation for many essential dairy products in your kitchen. With freeze dried milk, you can create evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and buttermilk, which are indispensable in countless recipes. When these ingredients become scarce, or you need a convenient solution, having freeze dried milk on hand allows you to craft your own versions, ensuring that you can continue to prepare your favorite dishes.

Fresh pumpkin brings an unparalleled depth and authenticity to fall treats. Fresh pumpkin infuses a moistness and flavor that canned versions can’t quite match. But using fresh pumpkin requires a lot of work. From the initial cleaning and de-seeding to roasting and pureeing, transforming this raw gourd into a versatile ingredient demands time and patience. Then, I stumbled upon another secret – freeze drying pumpkin. Freeze drying pumpkin not only preserves the pumpkin; it intensifies its flavors and locks in the nutrients. Best of all, freeze dried pumpkin makes cooking and baking with fresh pumpkin just as quick and convenient as canned pumpkin.

The photo above was what I saw at my local Harris Teeter this week. 

The poultry and pork sections, as you can see, were completely bare!

The usual array of fresh chicken, turkey, pork, sausage and other meats had vanished, thanks to supply chain disruptions. While this was disconcerting to see, and it did put a HUGE wrench in my meal plan, I  was not worried. Why? Because I have a pantry full of freeze dried meat.

As I worked to bring my freeze dried lasagna back to life, I experimented with three distinct methods: water soaking, steaming, and vacuum marinade. Each approach promised its advantages and outcomes, and I was eager to uncover which would yield the most satisfying results. So follow me to see how to get the most delicious meals from your freeze dried foods.