But your typical home freezer will still work. If you have a deep freezer, it even makes a better option to use. Once complete, place the food in mylar bags and seal them upĪ home freezer makes it easier for people who want to freeze-dry food for the first time.Allow 24 hours for the process to complete.Place the trays in the dryer and close the doors (Some models have two doors).Place your foods in the trays - ensure the food doesn’t exceed the tray’s height.The good thing about these dryers is that they come with several trays for different foods. There are plenty of options out there, so be sure to pick a dryer that makes economic sense. If you can afford a freeze-dryer, then it’s a great option, purposely designed for freeze-drying. We’ve put together some of the most popular ways to freeze-dry your food. Once you have prepared your food, you can begin the freeze-drying process. You can, however, freeze-dry cooked meals. Then, cut the food into small pieces or chunks to eliminate moisture. Wash your food to remove any particles, dirt, and contaminants. Preparing Food for Freeze-Dryingīefore freeze-drying your food, be sure to pick the freshest options. They are lightweight and easily transported for easy camping meals or an emergency food supply. Freeze-dried foods can be stored in the refrigerator, pantry, or cellar for up to 25 years. Freeze drying is one of the best ways to store food because it retains almost 100% of the nutritional value of your food.Ĭanning and dehydrating food affects the way your food tastes it changes the color and reduces the nutritional value by about half. The process is called sublimation and it removes the water from food by passing directly from a solid to a vapor or gas state. One of the best ways to store your groceries or excess garden harvest is by freeze-drying them.