How do I reconstitute freeze-dried food?

Reconstituting is as simple as adding water. Warm or hot water rehydrates foods faster than cold. Meats, fruits and veggies soak up what they need and then the rest can be drained off. Dairy products or soups: just add water slowly and stir until desired consistency is achieved. That same idea can be applied to meals. I recommend pouring the freeze dried meal in a casserole dish, pouring a couple inches of water over it, covering with foil and putting in the oven at 350, checking every 20 min or so, stirring and adding more water if needed. There is a small learning curve but it is very simple.

How will I know if what I freeze-dried and sealed is surviving 25-year shelf life?

We are projecting these shelf-life timeframes based on our research. If the food has processed correctly and packed appropriately then we anticipate the foods will last that timeframe. If the bags are opened up and smell rancid or are soft and mushy, then likely there was still moisture in that food, or the oxygen absorbers weren't effective. But it is hard to identify for someone what it will "look like", because every food is a bit different.

Are moisture packs necessary or optional? Is one per bag sufficient? Otherwise, are preservatives required for freeze-drying food?

Always package food with an oxygen absorber. One packet per mylar bag should be sufficient. About how long does a typical freeze-drying cycle take? (for a medium sized unit unit) A: Average run time is approximately 30 hours. Some batches will take less (20-24 hrs) and some will take longer (40-45 hrs). It just depends on the moisture content of the batch.

Is heat a noticeable byproduct of the freeze-drying process?

The vac pump generates some heat, so a well-ventilated location for the freeze dryer is essential.

Is the freeze dryer noise comparable to a dishwasher?

Yes, but more like a loud dishwasher, which will be on for several hours.

Does the type of pump purchased affect the noise level?

Yes. The two upgraded pumps are quieter. The Premium Oil Pumps is the quietest.

Does the type of pump affect the freeze dryer's longevity?

Yes. The two upgraded pumps have a longer lifespan. Standard pump is approximately 4-6 years, and the two upgrade pumps are more like 8-10 years.

Do you provide service for your machines?

All service is provided by the manufacturer in house, either over phone or email, or the units can be brought back or shipped back to the manufacturer when needed.

Harvest Right Home Freeze Dryer Trays

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 4 customer ratings

4 customer reviews

$74.99 – $127.99

Brand

Harvest Right Freeze Dryers

4 reviews for Harvest Right Home Freeze Dryer Trays

Rated 5 out of 5

Billy F Reeves (verified owner) – August 15, 2020

All is great!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dennis Hardy – February 6, 2021

The trays are very sturdy and durable.
Rated 5 out of 5

Maxine Stuart (verified owner) – February 24, 2021

Exceptional product.
Rated 5 out of 5

William Lynn (verified owner) – July 12, 2021

Great