Home Freeze Drier

[Elkslayer67]

Having eaten way too much Mountain House I wondered if anyone has made their own freeze dried meals? I have looked a the Harvest Right home freeze drier but haven’t pulled the trigger on it. Had anyone have or used one or something similar? Looks like you just cook almost anything you would have for dinner and just freeze dry it. Any thoughts?

 

[rklein]

I have looked at these Harvest Right home freeze driers for several years but just couldn't stomach the price, they have specials occasionally, but only like 10% off or so, still a very material purchase. South Cox has one and talks about it on his podcast, sounds like it works well.

 

[Brendan]

Really have to ask yourself how much better it is than a good dehydrator. I picked up a 9-tray excalibur recently for $150...

 

[[email protected]]

I’m with Brendan I use a dehydrator works just fine.

 

[Elkslayer67]

I have a dehydrator. Two reasons why I believe a freeze drier would be better are nutrient value and ease of food prep.
You have cook meals dried with a dehydrator. I have tried just adding hot water and letting it set and you get a wet leather texture. With freeze dried it comes back to very close to original texture.
Dehydrated food looses 25 or more percent of its nutritional value. Where as freeze dried food retains almost all of it. So you would have to pack 25 percent more dehydrated food than freeze dried.
What is the name of South Cox’s podcast?

 

[whereisfredbeckey]

South Cox's podcast is The Western Bowhunter.

 

[Felix40]

The dehydrator seems great until you actually have to eat that stuff and it takes an hour to rehydrate right.

I will own a freeze drier at some point. I would like to hear from anyone who has one too.