Freeze-drying candy is a fun and easy way to preserve your favorite treats while adding an exciting texture. Freeze-dried candy becomes light, airy, and crunchy, providing a whole new way to enjoy sweets. This method is becoming increasingly popular for preserving candy and other foods at home.
In this blog post, readers will learn everything they need to know about how to freeze dry candy. This guide will cover the basics of freeze-drying, the types of candies that work best, and step-by-step instructions for freeze-drying candy at home.
What Is Freeze Drying?
Before diving into how to freeze dry candy, it’s important to understand the freeze-drying process itself. Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, removes moisture from food by freezing it and then applying a vacuum to evaporate the ice. This process preserves food while maintaining its texture, flavor, and nutritional content.
Freeze drying is different from traditional dehydration because it does not use heat. Instead, the food is frozen, and the moisture is removed through sublimation, turning ice directly into vapor without becoming liquid first. This makes freeze-dried food much lighter and crunchier than dehydrated food.
Why Freeze Dry Candy?
Candy lovers might wonder why they should freeze dry candy in the first place. Here are some of the benefits:
- Unique Texture: Freeze-dried candy becomes light and crunchy, making it an exciting way to enjoy familiar sweets in a new form.
- Long Shelf Life: Freeze-dried candy can last for months or even years if stored properly in an airtight container.
- Concentrated Flavor: Removing the moisture from candy intensifies the flavor, making it taste even better.
- Fun for Snacks or Gifts: Freeze-dried candy makes for a fun snack or a unique homemade gift.
Now that the reasons for freeze drying candy are clear, it’s time to get into the process itself.
Equipment Needed for Freeze Drying Candy
To freeze dry candy at home, a few essential items are needed:
- Freeze Dryer: A home freeze dryer is the main piece of equipment. Brands like Harvest Right sell freeze dryers specifically designed for home use. They come in different sizes, so choose one based on how much candy will be freeze-dried.
- Vacuum Pump: This helps create the vacuum needed to remove the moisture from the candy.
- Candy: Choose the candy that will be freeze-dried. Some types work better than others, which will be covered in the next section.
- Airtight Containers or Mylar Bags: Once the candy is freeze-dried, it needs to be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Types of Candy to Freeze Dry
Not all candies freeze dry the same way. Some work much better than others. Here’s a list of candies that freeze dry well:
1. Gummy Candies
Gummy bears, gummy worms, and other gummy treats work wonderfully when freeze-dried. The freeze-drying process puffs them up, making them crunchy and light.
2. Marshmallows
Marshmallows are another popular choice for freeze-drying. They become extra crispy and can be used as a snack or added to hot chocolate for a delightful treat.
3. Taffy
Taffy candies also transform well. They become airy and brittle, offering a new texture to the familiar chewy treat.
4. Hard Candies
Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and lollipops freeze dry beautifully. Their texture doesn’t change much, but they last longer in freeze-dried form.
5. Chocolate-Coated Candies
Candy coated in chocolate, like M&Ms, can also be freeze-dried. The chocolate stays intact, but the inner filling becomes lighter and crispier.
Now that the best types of candy for freeze drying have been identified, let’s go through the step-by-step process of how to freeze dry candy.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Freeze Dry Candy
Step 1: Prepare the Freeze Dryer
The first step in how to freeze dry candy is setting up the freeze dryer. Plug in the freeze dryer and the vacuum pump. Ensure that the machine is clean and ready for use.
Step 2: Arrange the Candy on Trays
Once the freeze dryer is set up, it’s time to prepare the candy. Place the candy in a single layer on the trays that come with the freeze dryer. Be sure to spread out the pieces so they are not touching each other. This allows the air to circulate evenly, ensuring the candy dries properly.
Step 3: Load the Freeze Dryer
After arranging the candy on the trays, slide the trays into the freeze dryer. Close the door and start the freeze-drying cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze drying typically takes between 24 and 48 hours, depending on the type and amount of candy.
Step 4: Monitor the Process
Throughout the freeze-drying process, it’s important to monitor the machine. Most modern freeze dryers have automatic settings, but it’s still a good idea to check on the machine periodically to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Step 5: Check for Completion
After the freeze-drying cycle is complete, open the freeze dryer and check the candy. It should be light, crunchy, and completely dry. If there is any moisture left, run the cycle for a bit longer.
Step 6: Store the Freeze-Dried Candy
Once the candy is fully freeze-dried, it’s essential to store it properly to preserve its freshness. Place the candy in an airtight container or Mylar bag with an oxygen absorber. This prevents moisture from getting in and ensures the candy stays crunchy for months.
Tips for Storing Freeze-Dried Candy
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of freeze-dried candy. Here are some tips:
- Use Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers: Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers help keep moisture and air out, extending the shelf life of the freeze-dried candy.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep the candy in a cool, dark area to prevent heat and light from degrading the candy over time.
- Label the Containers: Be sure to label the containers with the date the candy was freeze-dried. This makes it easy to track how long the candy has been stored.
Creative Ways to Use Freeze-Dried Candy
Freeze-dried candy isn’t just for snacking. It can also be used in creative ways:
- Add to Desserts: Sprinkle freeze-dried candy on cakes, ice cream, or cookies for added crunch.
- Mix into Trail Mix: Create a fun and sweet trail mix by adding freeze-dried candy to nuts and dried fruit.
- Use as a Topping for Hot Chocolate: Freeze-dried marshmallows make an excellent topping for hot chocolate or coffee.
Final Thoughts on How to Freeze Dry Candy
Learning how to freeze dry candy opens up a world of possibilities for preserving and enjoying sweet treats in a new way. With the right equipment and a bit of patience, anyone can freeze dry candy at home. The process is simple, and the results are worth it.
Whether it’s gummy bears, marshmallows, or taffy, freeze-drying transforms the texture and extends the shelf life of candy. It’s a fun and creative way to experiment with favorite treats while making them last longer.