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How to Freeze Dry Candy: Tips and Tricks

How to freeze dry candy.
Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / silviarita

Freeze-drying candy means that it can last for up to twenty years and concentrates the flavor. We'll show you two ways to freeze-dry candy in a few simple steps.

First things first: What is freeze-drying? Freeze-drying food is when food is preserved by removing the moisture from it, which can make it last for up to 20 years. Freeze-drying candy is fun and makes the candy crunchier and sweeter, it generally works better for sugar-based candy, not sugar-free or chocolate. The flavor of the candy becomes more intense, the texture changes, and the size sometimes increases. The full flavor may actually make you want to eat less.

Freeze-drying candy is a fun activity for the family who can experiment with different types of candy. It can be eaten in the same way as regular candy, or as a topping for desserts like nice cream and vegan cool whip. Due to freeze-dried candy’s long shelf-life, it is also perfect to take on camping trips and eat as a kind of trail mix. It only needs to be stored at room temperature, so is easy to take everywhere.

Another use is in an emergency kit in your house. Perhaps you live in a disaster-prone area and already have an emergency kit prepared, but need some high-energy, long-life food — freeze-dried candy could be the solution you’re looking for.

So, how do you freeze-dry candy? For the best results, a machine can be used, but this is very costly, with prices starting at two thousand dollars. We’ll show you two simple and cheap methods to freeze-dry candy at home.

How to Freeze-Dry Candy Without a Machine

Use dry ice to freeze-dry candy.
Use dry ice to freeze-dry candy.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / 6091236)

    Wondering how to freeze dry candy without a machine? There are two straightforward methods:

    1. Use Dry Ice

    1. Put candy in a compostable freezer bag (available on Amazon**).
    2. Do not seal the bags. Place them in a large cool box.
    3. Cover with dry ice for 24 hours. Use thermal gloves to protect yourself and do this on a day of zero humidity. Do not seal the cool box, to prevent it from exploding, you can find dry ice at most grocery stores.
    4. Open the bags and place them in a new reusable freezer bag. Keep in a cool, dry place.

    Many grocery stores sell dry ice over the counter. Follow the New York State Department of Health’s tips for more information on how to use dry ice safely.

    2. Use a Freezer

    1. Put the candy on a baking tray and store it in the freezer for two to three weeks.
    2. Remove from the freezer and place in reusable freezer bags. Keep in a cool, dry place.

    To check if the candy is ready, remove a piece and let it come to room temperature. If it turns black or dark, the candy is not yet ready. When it’s ready the color will not change.

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