Last updated on April 14th, 2025 at 05:59 pm
When it comes to preserving the vibrant flavors and nutrients of fresh strawberries, freeze-drying is one of the best methods there is. Freeze drying not only extends the shelf life of strawberries but also retains their nutritional value and intensifies the flavor. I'll show you the step-by-step process of freeze-drying strawberries at home in the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer. Although freeze-dried foods can be stored for up to twenty years, I doubt they will last that long. If your family is anything like mine these will quickly become a favorite healthy snack your family will love having available year-round.
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Jump to:
- Freeze Drying Vs. Dehydrating
- What Is A Freeze Dryer?
- Supplies
- Preparation For Fresh Strawberries
- Preparation For Sliced Frozen Strawberries
- Instructions
- How To Know When Strawberries Are Dry
- Storing Freeze-Dried Strawberries
- How To Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries
- Tips
- Why I Love to Freeze Dry
- Freeze Dried Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Freeze Drying Vs. Dehydrating
Freeze drying is a preservation method that involves removing moisture from food by freezing it and then subjecting it to a vacuum environment. This process preserves the structure and nutrients of the food while extending its shelf life for up to 20 years if stored properly. For strawberries, freeze-drying is particularly effective as it maintains their delicate texture and flavor for long-term storage.
Dehydrated strawberries are strawberries that have had the majority of their moisture content removed through a drying process. This process involves removing water from the strawberries using methods such as air drying or low-heat dehydration. Dehydrated strawberries are typically prepared by slicing fresh strawberries into thin pieces and then placing them in a food dehydrator or an oven set at a low temperature. Over time, the water within the strawberries evaporates, leaving behind dried fruit that is smaller in size, chewy in texture, and concentrated in flavor. When properly stored in airtight containers or packaging that protects them from moisture, light, and air, dehydrated strawberries can typically last for several months to up to a year. Dehydrated fruit is great for trail mix or an easy snack.
What Is A Freeze Dryer?
A Harvest Right home freeze dryer is an appliance (about the size of a dishwasher) designed for domestic use. This process of freeze drying involves freezing the substance at very low temperatures and then placing it in a vacuum environment. Under these conditions, the frozen water in the substance sublimates directly from solid to gas, bypassing the liquid phase. This results in the removal of water without causing significant damage to the substance's structure or properties. Freeze dryers allow families to freeze dry a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and even entire meals, right in their own homes.
Freeze dryers work on the same principles as larger industrial models, employing freezing and vacuum technologies to remove moisture from food items while preserving their nutritional value, flavor, and texture. Harvest Right freeze dryers are popular among home users who want to create long-lasting food storage, make lightweight camping meals, or simply enjoy the convenience of preserving food without the use of additives or preservatives.
Supplies
Freeze Dryer – I own a Large Home Pro 6 tray Harvest Right Freeze Dryer with the premier industrial pump.
Trays & Lids – Your freeze dryer will include trays, but I highly recommend purchasing an additional set of trays. This will allow for prepping and pre-freezing food while the freeze dryer remains in operation. Tray lids are also optional but make freezed trays and stacking them so easy.
Silicone Tray Liners- For most foods, I prefer the non-stick silicone mats from Harvest Right, though parchment paper works well too.
Wide Mouth Mason Jars- Because they are reusable and most fruit we will consume in a year or less I prefer wide-mouth mason jars for easy storage.
Mylar Bags – For long-term storage mylar bags are essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of freeze-dried food. We also prefer packing food for camping or hunting in mylar bags for easy transportation.
Oxygen Absorbers – Oxygen poses a threat to freeze-dried food quality. Incorporating oxygen absorbers helps eliminate any residual oxygen in your storage container. Some fruits need O2 absorbers and some like strawberries do not.
Jar Sealer – To seal the mason jars you'll need a jar vacuum sealer to ensure an airtight seal. I prefer to use this method because it is not a one-time use item. Remember to promptly reseal the jar after each use to maintain freshness.
Fruit Slicer- Using a mandoline or a hand held fruit slicer will make your prep work much faster and easier. I use this strawberry slicer and it works perfectly. I also like this all metal option as well for a few more bucks.
Preparation For Fresh Strawberries
To start, select ripe, fresh strawberries. Look for berries that are firm, plump, and vibrant in color. Before freeze-drying, wash the strawberries thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides especially if they were purchased from the grocery store. Removing the stems is optional if you prefer to leave the stems on for added greens. Discard any berries that are soft and remove blemishes from the strawberries to ensure the best results.
Slice the strawberries into uniform pieces to facilitate the drying process. This can be done by hand using a sharp knife, a food processor, a mandoline slicer, or a hand-held stainless steel fruit/egg slicer.
Line the freeze-dryer trays or a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use the silicone mats for easier cleanup and to prevent the berries from sticking to the trays.
Preparation For Sliced Frozen Strawberries
If possible purchase organic sliced frozen strawberries from a big box store or slice whole frozen strawberries into smaller pieces is possible. Whole frozen strawberries can be dried, but they will require a much longer drying time However you choose to run them, place the frozen strawberries on the prepared trays and place them in the freeze dryer.
Instructions
Arrange the sliced strawberries on freeze-drying trays, they can be laid out in a single layer, shingled on each other in rows, or overlapped if sliced thinly. If space allows place the prepared trays in the freezer for 5-6 hours and pre-freeze the strawberries. If you are skipping the pre-freezing step, turn on the freeze dryer and allow it to run the 15-minute start-up cycle and pre-freeze.
Load the trays into the freeze dryer and press continue. Close the drain valve as indicated on the screen. As with anything you freeze dry, please keep in mind the machine setting can vary, the thickness of your fruit, as well as the humidity in your location, can greatly impact your drying time and results. I have tested this method multiple times in my Large Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, and I live in an area with relatively low humidity. In my experience, thinly sliced fresh, pre-frozen strawberries typically require 30-48 hours to freeze dry thoroughly.
Step-By-Step
- Set up the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Prepare strawberries on lined trays as evenly as possible.
- Freeze for 5-6 hours if time and space allow.
- Start the freeze dryer and allow the 15-minute start-up cycle to run.
- Load the trays into the machine.
- Close the drain valve when directed and shut and lock the door.
- After about 24 hours remove the trays and weigh each one. Write down each tray's weight according to its position in the machine.
- Return the trays to the machine and add 6 more hours of drying time.
- After the 6 hours of extra dry time is complete repeat the process of weighing each tray.
- Return the trays to the machine and dry them for another 2 hours.
- Remove the trays and weigh them again, if the weight in grams has not changed from the previous weight then they are done and can be removed and stored promptly.
- If the trays continue to decrease in weight each time they are weighed they are not fully dry and need to be retuned and run for 2-4 more hours of drying time until the weight no longer changes.
How To Know When Strawberries Are Dry
In the freeze-drying process, checking the weight for complete dryness isn't mandatory but proves to be one of the most accurate methods. To perform this, you'll require a food scale and a notebook for tracking. Begin by weighing the loaded trays of prepared fruit and recording the starting weight. After the initial run time, remove the trays, weigh them individually, and record the weight once more. Return the trays to the freeze-dryer, select additional dry time, and continue for 5-6 hours before weighing them again. Repeat until the tray weight stabilizes, indicating moisture removal completion.
It's advisable to periodically monitor the freeze-drying progress by weighing the trays and fruit at various intervals. A larger digital scale or a small kitchen scale with a visible display when trays are placed on top will suffice for this task. While strawberries may appear fully dry with a crisp texture around the 24-hour mark, patience is key as tiny seeds may retain undetectable moisture. Following the step-by-step instructions above to weigh the fruit at different stages provides a reliable method for assessing the progress of freeze-dried fruit. It's essential to ensure thorough drying to prevent the growth of mold or spoilage.
After the initial 24 hours of dry time, I recommend removing each tray from the freeze dryer and with my hands or a spatula breaking up and tossing the strawberry slices around to ensure they can dry evenly.
Storing Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Once freeze-dried, transfer the strawberries to clean dry mason jars that can be vacuum sealed using this portable jar sealer if you are planning on using them within a year. For long term storage use 7 mil mylar bags to prevent moisture absorption. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Properly stored freeze-dried strawberries can last for years without losing their quality. If using glass mason jars, the best way to keep them fresh and dry is to re-seal them after each use. In the dry climate I live in I DO NOT use an oxygen absorber. They absorb moisture and can sometimes clump around an O2 absorber, where the moisture is. It is recommended to package in sealed mylar bags or vacuum seal in mason jars. You will need to test out what works for you specifically in the climate that you live in.
How To Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Freeze-dried strawberries are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.
- Snack on strawberry chips ala carte for a crunchy, flavorful treat.
- Rehydrate them by soaking them in water.
- Add them to the batter of your favorite recipes when baking.
- Add them to oatmeal, yogurt, and cereal for breakfast.
- They make a delightful addition to salads and smoothies or homemade ice cream.
- Blend dried strawberries into a strawberry powder and use it for baby food, or add to protein powder.
- Use powered strawberries to make strawberry milk.
Tips
- If you encounter any issues during the freeze-drying process, such as uneven drying or sticking remove the trays from the freeze-dryer after the initial 24 hours of drying time and using your hand or a spatula break them apart and flip them around to release them from the tray and break them apart.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using a home freeze dryer to prevent moisture buildup and ensure safe operation.
- Use a slicer like this strawberry slicer or this mandoline to make thin slices that will dry evenly.
- Join a freeze-drying community like A Better Freeze Drying Group for the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer and Others on Facebook where you can ask questions.
- Contact the manufacturer of your freeze-dryer for any specific issues with your freeze-drying machine.
- Fresh Fruits containing lots of very small seeds will require a lot of extra dry time. If one seed is not thoroughly dried it will spoil the whole package.
Why I Love to Freeze Dry
Integrating freeze-drying into your homestead can be a valuable addition, offering numerous benefits for food preservation and self-sustainability. Here are several ways you can utilize freeze-drying on a homestead:
Preserve Garden Produce: Freeze-drying allows you to preserve the surplus from your garden harvest. You can freeze-dry fruits, vegetables, and herbs when they are in abundance, ensuring you have access to homegrown produce throughout the year.
Store Meat and Fish: If you raise livestock or hunt for meat, freeze-drying is an excellent way to preserve excess meat and fish. It extends the shelf life while retaining the flavor and nutritional value, providing a sustainable source of protein for your family.
Create Emergency Food Supply: Building an emergency food supply is crucial for self-sufficiency. Freeze-drying enables you to store a variety of foods in bulk, ensuring you have a reliable source of food during emergencies or times of scarcity.
Make Ready-to-Eat Meals: Prepare convenient, ready-to-eat meals by freeze-drying cooked dishes such as soups, stews, and casseroles. These meals can be rehydrated quickly, making them ideal for busy days or outdoor activities.
Preserve Dairy Products: Freeze-drying can be used to preserve dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. This is particularly useful if you have dairy animals on your homestead and want to extend the shelf life of surplus dairy products.
Create Snacks and Treats: Freeze-drying is perfect for making healthy snacks and treats. You can freeze-dry fruits to make crunchy fruit chips or try out freeze-drying yogurt, ice cream for delicious and nutritious treats.
Reduce Food Waste: Freeze-drying helps to minimize food waste by preserving excess produce and leftovers. Instead of letting food spoil, you can freeze-dry it for later use, reducing the amount of food that goes to waste on your homestead.
Preservation of Nutrients: Freeze-drying preserves the nutritional content of food better than other preservation methods, such as canning or drying. This ensures that your food retains its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants even after long-term storage.
Extended Shelf Life: Freeze-dried food can last for years without spoiling, making it an ideal option for emergency preparedness or stocking up on seasonal produce. You can enjoy your favorite fruits, vegetables, and meals year-round without worrying about them going bad.
Convenience: Freeze-dried foods are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for camping, hiking, or any outdoor adventures. They are also convenient for busy lifestyles, as they require minimal preparation and can be rehydrated quickly when neede
Freeze Dried Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 20 lbs. Strawberries sliced thin
Instructions
- Set up the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Throughly wash strawberries.
- Remove stems if desired.
- Slice strawberries thinly.
- Freeze for 5-6 hours if time and space allow.
- Start the freeze dryer and allow the 15-minute start-up cycle to run.
- Load the trays into the machine.
- Close the drain valve when directed and shut and lock the door.
- After about 24 hours remove the trays and weigh each one. Write down each tray's weight according to its position in the machine.
- Return the trays to the machine and add 6 more hours of drying time.
- After the 6 hours of extra dry time is complete repeat the process of weighing each tray.
- Return the trays to the machine and dry them for another 2 hours.
- Remove the trays and weigh them again, if the weight in grams has not changed from the previous weight then they are done and can be removed and stored promptly.
- If the trays continue to decrease in weight each time they are weighed they are not fully dry and need to be retuned and run for 2-4 more hours of drying time until the weight no longer changes.
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Amber says
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