How to Freeze Dry Strawberries (Recipe + YouTube Video)

How to Freeze Dry Strawberries: Preserve strawberries’ taste & nutrients with this simple method. Enjoy crispy or rehydrated!

We recently got a new Harvest Right Home Freeze dryer which I’m so excited about. It has been on my wish list for a really long time! I watched countless hours of videos on the process of freeze-drying even before I purchased our medium-sized freeze-dryer. We were surprised by how large and heavy it was, my husband was barely able to get it moved into the kitchen. I was concerned it would be a little too loud to keep in our kitchen since it’s right next to our bedroom, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the noise level is not that loud at all. 

While I have tutorials on many different methods of storing food long-term, freeze-drying is one of the best food preservation methods. It removes about 99% of moisture from food, which means that freeze-dried food is shelf stable for up to 25 years! While I don’t need to be storing for quite that long, it will come in handy for us during the summer months. All of our garden garden harvest, as well as raw milk and eggs, will be ready for long-term storage. I love that freeze-drying preserves food for long periods of time, while maintaining nutritional value and taste. Freeze-dried strawberries are especially delicious. You can enjoy crispy dehydrated strawberries or rehydrate and get that fresh summer flavor of ripe strawberries.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Freeze-drying strawberries is a simple method of preservation that requires very little work and less time than other methods like canning
• While it does take around 24 hours for the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer to freeze-dry strawberries, the whole process is very simple 
• You will be left with strawberry chips that you can use in various ways: eat with granola and yogurt, pick up as a healthy snack, add to trail mixes or rehydrate and use in any baking recipes
• Freeze-dried fruit can last up to 25 years if stored properly
• You will save so much freezer space!

Come test out my new Harvest Right Freeze Dryer with me and make some freeze-dried eggs and strawberries. 

What You’ll Need

INGREDIENTS

Fresh strawberries

TOOLS

Harvest Right Home Freeze Dryer 

Extra freeze-drying trays 

Optional: Freeze-drying tray lids

Step-By-Step Instructions

Turn on Your Freeze-Dryer

Make sure the pressure valve on the side of the free-dryer is closed (perpendicular). Hit “Start” on the screen, and allow 15-20mins for cooling of the vacuum chamber before loading the trays.

Prepare Your Strawberries

Wash and cut your whole strawberries into thin strawberry slices, less than 1/4 inch thin. Arrange in a single layer on your parchment paper-lined freeze-dryer trays.

Load your Freeze-Dryer

Load the freeze-dryer trays into the freeze-dryer.  Close the door, and make sure the latch is closed all the way. Hit “Continue” on the screen. The freeze-dryer will be on freeze mode for about 9 hours. 

Thaw the Freeze-Dryer

Once the freeze-drying process is complete, the freeze-dryer will beep. Hit “Defrost” on the screen. Open the drain valve on the side, and place a couple gallon pot on the end of the hose, for the water to drain into. This will take about 2 hours, once the ring of ice around the vacuum chamber thaws. Make sure the door is closed.

Store Your Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Store in a glass airtight container for short-term storage or mylar bags for long-term storage. 

Reconstitute Free-Dries Strawberries

Soak in water for around 7 minutes. The texture will be a little different than fresh strawberries but the taste is perfect. 

FAQ

1. Is it cost-effective to freeze-dry strawberries at home?
   • While the initial investment in a home freeze dryer can be significant, freeze-drying strawberries at home can be cost-effective in the long run, especially if you have access to fresh strawberries in bulk or want to preserve seasonal produce.
2. How long does it take to freeze-dry strawberries at home?
   • The duration of the freeze-drying process can vary depending on factors such as the size of the strawberries, the capacity of the freeze-dryer, and the moisture content of the strawberries. Typically, it takes around 24 hours to freeze-dry strawberries at home.
3. Can I freeze-dry strawberries with other fruits or foods in the same batch?
   • Yes, you can freeze-dry strawberries along with other fruits or foods in the same batch, as long as they have similar freeze-drying requirements.
4. Do I need to blanch strawberries before freeze-drying them at home?
   • Blanching strawberries before freeze-drying is not necessary, but some people prefer to blanch them briefly to help preserve their color and texture.
5. Is there any maintenance required for a home freeze dryer?
   • Home freeze dryers typically require minimal maintenance, such as cleaning the machine after each use and occasionally replacing the oil in the vacuum pump. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific maintenance guidelines.
6. Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a home freeze dryer?
   • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when operating the home freeze dryer. Make sure the door is tightly sealed before starting the freeze dryer.

Tips

• Choose ripe, fresh strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using strawberries that are overripe or bruised, as they may not freeze-dry well.
• Wash and dry the strawberries: Thoroughly wash the strawberries to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture before freeze-drying.
• Pre-freeze the strawberries: To speed up the freeze-drying process, pre-freeze the sliced strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat or extra freeze-dryer trays with lids, before placing them in the freeze-dryer. This helps to freeze the strawberries quickly and evenly.
• Monitor the freeze-drying process: Keep an eye on the freeze-dryer throughout the drying process to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly. Check the progress periodically and adjust the settings if necessary.
• Allow for sufficient drying time: Freeze-drying strawberries can take anywhere from 24 to 36 hours, depending on factors such as the size of the strawberries and the capacity of the freeze dryer. Be patient and allow enough time for the process to complete.
• Experiment with flavors: Freeze-dried strawberries can be enjoyed on their own as a healthy snack or used in various recipes. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations by adding freeze-dried strawberries to cereals, yogurt, smoothies, desserts, and baked goods.

Storage

1. Use air-tight containers: Transfer the freeze-dried strawberries to airtight containers such as mason jars, plastic containers, or vacuum-sealed bags. Make sure the containers are clean, dry, and free from any moisture.
2. Remove excess air: If using plastic bags or containers, press out as much air as possible before sealing them tightly. This helps prevent oxidation and moisture absorption, which can degrade the quality of the strawberries over time. You can also use a vacuum sealer.
3. Store in a cool, dry place: Keep the sealed containers of freeze-dried strawberries in a cool, dry, and dark location. Avoid storing them near heat sources, direct sunlight, or areas with high humidity, as these conditions can cause moisture buildup and lead to spoilage.
4. Avoid exposure to moisture: Moisture is the enemy of freeze-dried foods, as it can cause them to rehydrate and spoil. Ensure that the storage area is free from any sources of moisture, such as leaks or condensation.
5. Label and date the containers: To keep track of the storage time and maintain organization, label each container with the contents and the date of freeze-drying. This helps you use the oldest strawberries first and ensures freshness.
6. Consider using oxygen absorbers: For long-term storage or added protection against oxidation, you can place oxygen absorbers inside the containers before sealing them. Oxygen absorbers help remove oxygen from the air inside the container, which can extend the shelf life of the strawberries.
7. Monitor periodically: Periodically check the stored freeze-dried strawberries for any signs of moisture, mold, or spoilage. If you notice any issues, discard the affected strawberries immediately to prevent contamination of the rest.
8. Avoid frequent opening: Minimize the frequency of opening the containers once they are sealed to prevent exposure to air and moisture. If you need to access the freeze-dried strawberries, only open the containers when necessary and reseal them tightly afterward.

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