Freeze Dryers will help you maintain flavour and freshness in your foods and herbs all while maintaining all of its nutrition/purity.
Make sure your products always stay fresh with freeze dryers.
What is a freeze dryer?
A freeze dryer is a specialized appliance that is used to preserve food items through a process called freeze-drying. This process involves lowering the temperature of the food and removing the water content through a vacuum drying process: the vacuum pump creates a vacuum inside the freeze dryer, which removes the air and moisture from the food. The food is then left in a freeze-dried state, which can be easily rehydrated by adding water back to the food.
Freeze dryers come in various sizes and can handle different amounts of food, from small quantities to several gallons!
What are the different types of freeze dryers?
Freeze dryers are made of various materials, with many models featuring stainless steel trays or containers. Some freeze dryers also come with temperature control features, which allow you to set the temperature to a specific level depending on the type of food you are preserving. This can be especially important when preserving more delicate items such as fruit or produce.
Here are some of the freeze dryers from Harvest Right offered by Canada Grow Supplies
- Harvest Right 7-tray Medium Pharmaceutical Freeze Dryer;
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Harvest Right 8-tray Medium Pharmaceutical Freeze Dryer;
Harvest Right 5-tray Large Home Freeze Dryer; - Harvest Right 4-tray Medium Home Freeze Dryer;
The main differences between the models are the number of freeze dryer trays (stainless steel trays) in the freezer and the colors available for each model. The models with 5 and 4 freeze dryer trays come in stainless steel, satin white and black.
Why should you use a freeze dryer?
One of the main advantages of using a freeze dryer is that it allows you to preserve a wide variety of fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and even prepared meals for an extended period of time. This can be especially useful for preserving perishable items such as meat or herbs, as these items can quickly spoil if not properly stored. Freeze-dried food can have a shelf life of several years, making it an excellent option for those looking to store food for emergency situations or for long-term storage.
Canada Grow Supplies’ freeze dryers can do more than preserve food
In addition to preserving food, freeze dryers can also be used in food handling techniques and food safety processes. It is important to follow proper food handling techniques when using a freeze dryer, as this can help ensure the safety and quality of the freeze-dried product. Therefore making it one of the best food preservation options currently available on the market.
What type of power do freeze dryers use and how much will they cost to operate?
Freeze dryers from Harvest Right come in small (4 trays), medium (5 trays) and large (7 trays) sizes. Canada Grow Supplies offers various freeze dryers using different types of power and with different costs.
Small and medium freeze dryer
The small and medium ( 4 and 5 stainless steel trays) freeze dryers use a standard 110 volt outlet and are designed to run as affordably as possible. They typically draw between 9 to 11 amps (990-1210 watts) of power per hour, with a peak power draw of 15 amps. It is recommended to use a dedicated 20 amp circuit for these freeze dryers. The cost to operate these freeze dryers will vary depending on the power costs in your area, but it is estimated to be between $1.25- $2.80 per day.
Large freeze dryer
The large ( 7-8 stainless steel trays) freeze dryer requires a 110 volt (NEMA 5-20) outlet and has a power draw of 10 amps (1500 watts) per hour, with a peak power draw of 15 amps. It is also recommended to use a dedicated 20 amp circuit for this freeze dryer. The estimated cost to operate this freeze dryer is $2.00- $3.00 per day, depending on power costs in your area.
How do you use a freeze dryer?
- Place food items on trays or shelves inside freeze dryer (using proper food handling techniques);
- Lower temperature to below freezing to turn water into ice;
- Use a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture from food;
- Use vacuum pump oil to ensure proper operation;
- Raise temperature slightly to allow ice to sublimate (turn directly from a solid to a gas);
The freeze-dried food can be restored by adding water back into the food. The food then gets rehydrated and is now ready for consumption.
Benefit from Harvest Right’s warranty on all freeze dryers
All sales of Harvest Right Freeze Dryers & appliances products are covered by a 3-year Limited warranty.
If you have any questions about our Freeze Dryers, do not hesitate to contact Canada Grow Supplies
What are the other food preservation methods for your food & herbs on the market?
There are several food preservation options for preserving food, including using a food dehydrator or other methods such as canning or freezing. Freeze dryers can be a more expensive option, especially when factoring in the cost of a vacuum pump and the energy needed to operate the machine. However, they can be a worthwhile investment for those looking to preserve a large quantity of food or who want the convenience of being able to easily rehydrate freeze-dried products.
What is the difference between a freeze dryer and a food dehydrator?
A freeze dryer and a food dehydrator are both food preservation options available on the market, but they work in different ways. A food dehydrator removes moisture from food by using heat, while a freeze dryer removes moisture through a vacuum drying process. Freeze-dried food has a longer shelf life than food that has been dehydrated, and many freeze dryers come with a warranty, which can provide peace of mind and protection in case of any issues with the machine.
Overall, a freeze dryer can be a useful appliance for those looking to preserve a wide variety of food and herbs items and ensure their longevity and safety over time. Whether you are looking to store food for emergency situations or simply want to enjoy the convenience of being able to easily rehydrate freeze-dried products, a freeze dryer can be a valuable addition to your kitchen.
Learn more about freeze dryers and the freeze drying process
What types of food can be preserved with a freeze dryer?
A freeze dryer can be used to preserve a wide variety of fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and even prepared meals. This can be especially useful for preserving perishable items such as strawberries or beef, as these items can quickly spoil if not properly stored.
How long does freeze-dried food last?
Freeze-dried food can have a shelf life of several years, making it an excellent option for those looking to store food for emergency situations or for long-term storage.
What is the difference between a freeze dryer and a food dehydrator?
A freeze dryer and a food dehydrator are both used to preserve food, but they work in different ways. A food dehydrator removes moisture from food by using heat, while a freeze dryer removes moisture through a vacuum drying process. Freeze-dried food also has a longer shelf life than food that has been dehydrated in a food dehydrator.
Can I preserve fruit with a freeze dryer?
Yes, fruit can be preserved with a freeze dryer. The freeze-drying process can help to preserve the flavor and texture of the fruit, making it a great option for those looking to store fruit for an extended period of time.
How do I rehydrate freeze-dried food?
To rehydrate freeze-dried food, simply add water back to the food. The amount of water needed will depend on the type of food and the desired consistency.
How do I clean a freeze dryer?
Cleaning a freeze dryer typically involves removing any food residue from the container's trays or shelves and wiping down the inside of the machine with a damp cloth. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the freeze dryer, as some parts may need to be removed and washed separately.
What type of maintenance is required for a freeze dryer?
While the freeze dryer itself requires little to no maintenance, the vacuum pump that comes with it requires some regular maintenance, mainly adding and draining oil. The vacuum pump is equipped with an initial supply of vacuum pump oil and has 3 cups that need to be changed periodically to keep the freeze dryer running efficiently. This process is simple and does not require much effort.
Each freeze dryer also includes a stand-alone oil filter, which cleans the vacuum pump oil and allows you to reuse it as if it were new. Using filtered oil in each batch can help save money and be more environmentally friendly, while also ensuring that the vacuum pump performs at its best.
Is a vacuum pump necessary for a freeze dryer to work?
Yes, a vacuum pump is necessary for a freeze dryer to work. The vacuum pump creates a vacuum inside the freeze dryer, which removes the air and moisture from the food.
The vacuum drying process is essential to obtain freeze-dried products as it is the vacuum process that removes all possibilities of food items to go bad. It eliminates probabilities to produce a bacteria culture that could make your produce go bad. Therefore preserving your food items for a very long period of time.
How much does a vacuum pump cost?
The cost of a vacuum pump can vary depending on the size and type of pump needed for your freeze dryer. It is important to factor in the cost of a vacuum pump as well when considering the overall cost of a freeze dryer.
How long does it take to freeze-dry each batch of food?
The time that takes the freeze-drying process typically takes between 20 to 40 hours to complete, depending on the type and quantity of food being processed. Factors such as the type of food, the thickness, the amount of water inside the product and the quantity of food on the trays can all affect the length of the freeze-dry cycle. However, your freeze dryer will alert you with a beep when the food is ready, so you don't have to guess when to stop the cycle.
