I watched this while chopping apples to put in mine. I measured the power consumption and it seems to be about the same as yours. We are going to plant 10x the number of strawberries bushes we normally do. We are going to sell them.
Hello Mack, That's what is happening. I make about 6 quarts per round and eat 4 quarts before the next round. At least I am gaining slowly. Oddly, I noticed last night that I am now eating more fruits before freeze drying as well. My last trip to the market had zero junk food!
What about using Sprite instead of citric acid? That’s what we use when we cut up apples for a party or something when we want them to look good for a long time. Keeps them from browning so soon. Just dip the apples right in the Sprite.
Roxanne, I think there are different versions of the software and some don't ask but I am not sure. To test for dryness I make a habit of putting the thickest piece in the front corner of the tray and then I check that piece when I complete a cycle. I just take a bite out of it and check that way. You can buy a meter but I don't think its really necessary. Thanks!
How wonderful! Your fruit looks great; candy in a jar. I just have a Nesco dehydrator and use any pressed citrus fruit I have laying around to dip stuff in. I also have used citric acid powder and don't care for the taste either. I wonder if lemon or orange juice with a little water would work for you. I don't know, but.keep up the great work! Getting a rhythm going will let you kick butt. Well done!👵😊🌻🍃👍
Hey Roy, You know that bothers me too! I am basically heating that room with it. I have not turned on the heat pump in that room since I bought it. Now when we get to summer time, it will be a different story. Then I will have to add 24 hrs of AC to that kWh total. Thanks!
@@royamberg9177 Yep, that will probably happen. I just need to verify that the 98 degree garage will not damage or hinder the workings of the freeze dryer. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering All HR dryers are designed to operate in temperatures between 35 and 85F - Your 98F garage will cause it to struggle to operate and your foods will take longer to dry. I don't recommend having it in an environment warmer than 85F.
Power consumption is def. a drawback but considering that canning also costs a lot of energy and you loose about 50% of the nutrients makes freeze drying look a lot better.
I watched this while chopping apples to put in mine. I measured the power consumption and it seems to be about the same as yours. We are going to plant 10x the number of strawberries bushes we normally do. We are going to sell them.
a v, That sounds like a good plan. If you happen to live in North Florida, I will buy them!
@@HomesteadEngineeringlol I aint too far. I live south of atlanta. I used to live in jacksonville.
what is the length of freeze dry process, what is the dry temp, and how long is dry session?
The whole process takes about 24-30hrs.
David is it possible to have freeze dryer envy. Man I love fruit, I most likely would eat it as soon as we would make it. Good stuff.
Hello Mack, That's what is happening. I make about 6 quarts per round and eat 4 quarts before the next round. At least I am gaining slowly. Oddly, I noticed last night that I am now eating more fruits before freeze drying as well. My last trip to the market had zero junk food!
I always dip my apples in pineapple juice to keep them from turning brown.
What about using Sprite instead of citric acid? That’s what we use when we cut up apples for a party or something when we want them to look good for a long time. Keeps them from browning so soon. Just dip the apples right in the Sprite.
Nick, That sounds like it might work. I'll try that next time around. Thanks!
Great, hope it helps make another great video.
What settings do you use on your freeze dryer?
Do you put down parchment paper or wax paper when you're freeze drying fruits?
I use this: amzn.to/3RiPYIm
What setting do you use to freeze dried strawberries?
I just pre-freeze them and run them like everything else. The machine figures it out. Thanks!
Are you dipping the slices in the citric acid or using a sprayer
Hey Jerry, I put some citric acid in a bit of water in a bowl and mixed the apples around in it.
@@HomesteadEngineering Put your apples in a large bowl of water with the juice of 1/2 lemon. Your apples wont turn brown and you wont taste it.
Spray your apples with lemon juice to keep from browning.
Thanks!
Im curious to know What do you do for a living?
I am retired. I mainly worked on machines. Now I work on houses and sell clothing.
My fd does not ask if what I am freeze drying is already frozen. Am I doing something wrong? And how do you know if the fruit is really dry?
Roxanne, I think there are different versions of the software and some don't ask but I am not sure. To test for dryness I make a habit of putting the thickest piece in the front corner of the tray and then I check that piece when I complete a cycle. I just take a bite out of it and check that way. You can buy a meter but I don't think its really necessary. Thanks!
Try using ascorbic acid (vitamin c) instead of citric acid.
Thanks!
Nice, thanks!
You bet!
How wonderful! Your fruit looks great; candy in a jar. I just have a Nesco dehydrator and use any pressed citrus fruit I have laying around to dip stuff in. I also have used citric acid powder and don't care for the taste either. I wonder if lemon or orange juice with a little water would work for you. I don't know, but.keep up the great work! Getting a rhythm going will let you kick butt. Well done!👵😊🌻🍃👍
Hello Melody, I am going to try a few option over time and find what works best for me. Thanks!
I use a mixture of water and lemon juice. Works good on bananas and apples.
@@yupthatsme001 Thanks!
Soak the apples in lemon water for about 10 min then wash it off. Might not even have to wash it off.
Good tip!
To bad it uses so much power. Vacuum pump is a good portion of it
Hey Roy, You know that bothers me too! I am basically heating that room with it. I have not turned on the heat pump in that room since I bought it. Now when we get to summer time, it will be a different story. Then I will have to add 24 hrs of AC to that kWh total. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering then it should go to the uncooled garage or shop
@@royamberg9177 Yep, that will probably happen. I just need to verify that the 98 degree garage will not damage or hinder the workings of the freeze dryer. Thanks!
@@HomesteadEngineering All HR dryers are designed to operate in temperatures between 35 and 85F - Your 98F garage will cause it to struggle to operate and your foods will take longer to dry. I don't recommend having it in an environment warmer than 85F.
Power consumption is def. a drawback but considering that canning also costs a lot of energy and you loose about 50% of the nutrients makes freeze drying look a lot better.