We have some really great 'techy' type guys here who are, as they have been exploring the FD mechanics and sharing that in their posts, writing what is turning out to be a 'troubleshooting manual' for us less capable folks.
It's so much easier to stay on a low carb diet when you have things to nibble on. I've been drying meatballs (cut them in half first), and they make a fantastic savory snack. I'll post to the Tried and True thread when I get a chance.
1. Inadequate Drying Time: If your food is not completely dry after a cycle, it may require additional time. Always check moisture levels before sealing.
Over night the FDer warmed up and the next morning we had a massive puddle under it - running off the counter onto the floor. I cleaned up the mess, but the next day the puddle was even bigger. On the 3rd day it was back again just as large even though I left a large towel under the FDer.
Most foods can be freeze dried; however, items with high fat content like avocados may not preserve as well as low-fat foods like fruits or vegetables.
How does freeze drying work? To put it simply, it freezes the food then goes through a sublimation process where it dries the food.
I think a community-built troubleshooting manual is a great idea. These machines are simple in some ways, and more complex in others, and having a lot of eyes on the problem is always good.
The pros and cons are easy to understand. In fact, there really is only one pro and it’s a huge one. YOU control the food you’re storing away for yourself and your family. Those who are willing to spend the time and money to freeze dry their own food should do so as long as they’re going to be committed.
Collaborating with smart freeze-dry machinery manufacturers can greatly increase production reliability. Businesses must also focus on equipment servicing, more info spare parts, and post-sale assistance for the freeze dryer. The system will reduce downtime and maximize efficiency when properly maintained.
The best way to keep tabs on used options that may be available is by joining freeze-drying Facebook Groups, following them on Instagram and TikTok, or checking online self-reliance and preparedness forums.
Then I just have to take rolls and a gluten-free pie for my son. It’s much less stressful on everyone, and my son doesn’t feel that he’s being deprived of having traditional holiday foods.
Granted, most of that time is the freeze dryer doing all the work, but the process is not without effort. Once the food is ready it must be put into appropriate containers with oxygen absorbers and sealed properly so they can last.
Control of the amount of time a material is held at the ultimate freeze temperature before the drying cycle is started.
I, too, have noticed a significant difference when I defrost mid-cycle. I do that routinely now. I carefully use a heat gun to "shock" the surface of the ice, moving back and forth Shop Now across it fairly swiftly, which causes it to crack and separate somewhat from the cylinder.