Misc Freeze-drying Food?

Freeholder

This too shall pass.
I just saw an ad for a home freeze-dryer, and was wondering if any of you think those are worth-while purposes? I've used a regular food dryer, and plan to either purchase or build another one. We have a small chest freezer; after we move I plan to get another small one (all that will fit in the narrow utility room in the new place). I do some canning, mostly meat. I'm willing to can fruit and berries, but don't care much for most vegetables canned (except for green beans). I've had a little freeze-dried food and liked it, but I'm not sure it would be worthwhile to get a machine (another piece of equipment to find a space for, not to mention the cost) for doing it at home.

Kathleen

ETA: I just did a search and after seeing the prices, I'm probably not going to get one. But maybe we could still have a discussion on the topic?
 
Last edited:

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
I know there HAVE been threads on them here before. Some people love them, but besides the price, it seems to me they aren't quite "ready for prime time", in terms of frequent mechanical breakdowns and other issues.

I do really like the idea, but they're way out of our budget. Plus, we're putting in a walk in freezer in our old milk house this spring, so freezer space isn't an issue here.

Here's one thread: http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/show...est-Right-Freeze-Dryer&highlight=freeze+dryer

Summerthyme
 

Freeholder

This too shall pass.
I would love to have a built-in freezer! But I think I am going to settle for building a combination root cellar/storm shelter once we get moved. Thanks for the link - I still like the idea of freeze drying stuff because it keeps so long, but given the cost and other issues, it's going on the back burner for now.

Kathleen
 

Broken Arrow

Heathen Pagan Witch
We invested in a freeze dryer last fall, and its been great! The only issues Ive had are ones I created for myself. Never had my pump be an issue. I'm loving putting leftovers in there and drying them for future meals. I've done gallons of our raw milk for both our use, and to have on hand in case of bottle babies when our cow is dry. And freeze dried ice cream is da bomb!
 

Echo38

Contributing Member
I just got my freezer dryer a couple of weeks ago and it has been going pretty much nonstop. I have freeze dried a lot of my canned vegies and am loving the space it has freed up plus the one tote weights maybe 5lbs and that is a lot better than what 4 cases of quart jars weighted. I've been doing a lot of playing doing fun stuff for the grandkids, skittles, ice cream, yogurt drops as well as lots of bananas, strawberries and peaches. They also like munching on the freeze dried vegetables for snacks. I currently have 4 freezers and the goal is to get down to one. I like the freeze dried stuff because of the long storage as well the fact that if I ever had to bug out could carry a lot more food than could in jars or cans. When I figure what LTS stuff cost compared to doing my own especially my meats I think it will be well worth the investment. Plus it means no more waste milk and and easy way to deal with the extra eggs.
 

Echo38

Contributing Member
I got the large from Harvest Right. One thing that I forgot to mention was freeze dried foods retain 98% of their nutritional value.
 
Top