Can I Freeze Dry Food at Home?

by DoItYourself Staff

what you'll need

A perforated tray. A metal mesh tray is perfect. In a pinch if you have nothing else you can use a cookie sheet but it could take longer
Decide what you are going to freeze dry. Apples and carrots are good to start with.
You are going to slice your freeze dry food choice into paper thin slices. The thinner the better.
You will need to be quick because some foods quickly discolour.

To freeze dry food quickly and easily you need a commercial set up, but if you have a little time and you don’t mind waiting you can actually freeze dry food at home.

While you don’t have a vacuum chamber you do have a refrigerator. You can experiment using your freezer.

The Process for Freezer Dry Food

Place your tray in the freezer. It should take only about 30 minutes to freeze solid.
Over the next week you’ll need to continue checking on your slices.
It takes about a week to make your freeze dry food at home, depending on your freezer and how thin your slices are.
Store in plastic freezer bags or plastic containers that are air tight.

That's it. You're ready to enjoy the freeze dry food you made at home.