Freeze-Dried Strawberries — FarmPal

Freeze-drying recipe yielding 1 lb fresh = about 2 oz dried. Stores for 25 years if properly stored.

Method
freeze-drying
Yield
1 lb fresh = about 2 oz dried
Storage
25 years if properly stored
Difficulty
intermediate

Ingredients

  • •4-6 lbs fresh ripe strawberries
  • •Freeze dryer with trays
  • •Mylar bags or mason jars
  • •Oxygen absorbers (300cc per quart)

Instructions

  1. 1Select fully ripe, unblemished berries
  2. 2Wash gently and pat completely dry
  3. 3Hull and slice evenly 1/4 inch thick (or halve small berries)
  4. 4Arrange in single layer on freeze dryer trays don't overlap
  5. 5Pre-freeze for 4-6 hours for faster cycle
  6. 6Run freeze dryer cycle (typically 24-36 hours)
  7. 7Test for complete dryness: should snap, not bend; no cold spots
  8. 8Immediately package in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers
  9. 9Seal bags and store in cool, dark location
  10. 10Label with date good for 25+ years if sealed properly