Freeze-Drying Berries

Step 1

After properly preparing the fresh berries (see directions in post above), arrange them on the freeze-dryer trays.

Step 2

Add trays to freeze-dryer, press “Start,” then select “Not Frozen.”

Step 3

The freeze dryer will have a timer to tell you when the food has frozen. Then you’ll need to come back and select the next steps on the machine.

Step 4

Follow the prompts on the screen.

Step 5

After 24-36 hours, the freeze-dryer will say, “Process Complete.” Hit “Warm Trays” before opening the door to check the berries. (See “How to Know if Freeze-Dried Food is Done” in post above.)

Step 6

If berries are completely freeze-dried, move on to the next step. If you feel any signs that they’re not entirely done, put them back into the machine for an additional 4-6 hours.

Step 7

Store freeze-dried berries in Mason jars or mylar bags.

Step 8

Hit start on the freeze-dryer, then select “Pre-Frozen.” This will cool the freeze-dryer down before you add the trays so everything stays frozen.

Step 9

While the freeze-dryer is dropping in temperature, prepare and arrange the frozen berries on the freeze-dryer trays.

Step 10

Once the freeze-dryer is ready, add trays of frozen berries to the machine.

Step 11

Follow the prompts on the screen.

Step 12

After 24-36 hours, the freeze-dryer will say, “Process Complete.” Hit “Warm Trays” before opening the door to check the berries. (See “How to Know if Freeze-Dried Food is Done” below.)

Step 13

If berries are completely freeze-dried, move on to the next step. If you feel any signs that they’re not entirely done, put them back into the machine for an additional 4-6 hours.

Step 14

Store freeze-dried berries in Mason jars or mylar bags.