Bananas: Dehydrating vs Freeze Drying

Here is how to dehydrate bananas and how to freeze dry them. Which is the best way to preserve taste? Which produces the longest shelf life? Those are the questions we answer in this video!
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[@maryseymour2451]

I don’t even have to watch the video before I smack that like button as everything you do, I love. I have been watching videos on the freeze drying... it is on my wish list. But saving up for it... no debt here. I like and appreciate so much that you explain the scientific process in layman’s terms. Good to know as well that freeze dried stores longer than dehydrated. I did not know that. Thank you so much. P.S. looking forward to the root beer video.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Wow, thank you! And we appreciate all those likes!

[@phansly]

I do the same, i was looking for that video

[@Audrey-km9in]

I, too, hit the "Like" button before I watch. I know that what ever the topic, it will be informative & useful.

[@Galaxy-gj9wy]

I'm 51 years old and starting on my dehydrating journey. Thank you so much for still bringing your excellent teaching skills to all ages!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are so welcome!

[@journeywithnichole]

I am 53 & just started mine as well! Best wishes!

[@taylormclain4017]

I just bought a freeze dryer & a bunch of bananas today!

[@pollyjazz]

My favorite dehydrated treat is ginger banana! I squeeze the juice out of some fresh shredded ginger root into a big bowl, add the chopped banana slices and toss them around. I let them sit for a couple of hours at least, or overnight if i want them extra hot and spicy. Then i dehydrate as usual. They end up a little slimy and a.bit messy when you lay them out on the trays. They take a little longer and sometimes are a bit darker but they are delicious!!! Like candy! 😋

[@hefbaecht1058]

Your my favorite KZbinr, Rose. Your SO humble and honest which says a lot! Bless you and your family.

[@hefbaecht1058]

Could you please tell me what type of freeze dryer and dehydrator do you own? I've been looking into getting both.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you so much! That is very kind.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

We have a Magic Mill dehydrator--there are lots of good ones out there. Our freeze dryer is a Harvest Right.

[@sandracollins4225]

Mine too! Bless Jim's heart for helping you.

[@nargizventura5709]

Thank you for your detailed presentation. Now i know the difference between dehydrated versus freeze dried fruits 😊🙏

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Glad it was helpful! Jim

[@GradeBmoviefan]

I love how you named your freeze dryer. Your science humor always has me smiling and I look forward to it with every video. I do wish I could get a freeze dryer; I believe that I will be keeping a little savings just for this. Save a little each week and a little each month, it would be nice to get something like this someday. 😊 ❤️ ~~Sharon

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Oh thank you! I think the freeze dryers are worth saving up for. We waited 5 years to get this one, and it had come down about a thousand dollars in that time. Maybe by the time you are ready, they will be even less!

[@GradeBmoviefan]

@@RoseRedHomestead ❤️❤️❤️

[@zurychacosta3483]

See, one of the many reasons I love this channel-- YOU'RE A PROFESSOR! I always learn something new when I watch your videos. Thank you for this.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are welcome. Jim

[@Judten1]

Thank you for explaining how the freeze dried worked. I’ve wondered and now know! 👍🏼

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Happy to help! Thanks for your comment.

[@janiceseigler6317]

I enjoyed this comparison but I must say the grey blouse you are wearing is gorgeous!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you! How nice of you to notice. I had just come home from work and didn't change clothes.

[@LivingMiracleHomestead]

My chickens get all my peels. I grow Bananas so I'm looking forward to doing them.

[@charlottejustesen6375]

I finally received my freeze dryer, I love it. Haven't done bananas yet, but soon. love doing cheese, raw eggs. Keep up the great videos 🤗👍

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Congratulations! We started with cheese and eggs as well! Have fun.

[@charlottejustesen6375]

@@RoseRedHomestead thanks 🤗 Going to tried tomatoes tomorrow. today we did left over lasagna, turned out nice.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

@@charlottejustesen6375 Sounds exciting. I am hoping for a big tomato harvest this year so we can do some tomatoes.

[@Clynn57]

What brand of dehydrator did you buy?

[@juliamartin5135]

Just a thought…I have found that the easiest way to lift dehydrated bananas off the wire shelf’s that I have is to turn the shelf over a sheet pan. Then, I use a table knife to poke each one. It doesn’t work with larger produce like apples. I just pull them off, using a spoon if they are stuck too tightly. I am with you! I can’t eat just one, either! 😁. Blessings to all!!!

[@bettyebutler5599]

This is off topic, but I received my first Weck jars today and I thought of you! They are tulip shaped jelly jars and they are soooo cute. The first use will be to store my yogurt made in the instant pot.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Oh wow! That is wonderful! Congratulations.

[@marjies.2332]

I am so grateful I discovered your videos! So much knowledge and motivation. Thank you!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are so welcome! We are glad you discovered us as well! Thanks for your comments.

[@nitababcock3977]

I just dehydrated bananas & the internet said they had to be dipped into a juice before. So I used fresh lemon juice. Well, that made them tart. So if i do them again I won't be using juice, I will do your method!

[@Lily-ig6lb]

Powder the freeze dried bananas for banana bread, smoothies, etc. I love them texture of the freeze dried banana. It closely resembles the texture of the banana just after taking a bite.

[@ArtFlowersBeeze8815]

New to freeze drying. I'm doing a batch of slightly ripe bananas for my insulin diabetic family member. If they are under ripe, there is less sugar in them, but still flavour ( maybe not as intense when fully ripe ), still has fibre and vitamins. Thanks. I needed to know how well they powdered

[@MrsCynfuller]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God Bless you and your family

[@pamharkins4601]

You are my favorite u tuber! You are so knowledgeable I never get bored with your videos , plus your straight to point and do not waste a lot of time! Thank you for what you do. You are a invaluable person for us to learn from!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Pam: Thank you! Jim

[@robininva]

Helpful explanations of both. We, too, are trying to eliminate all refined sugars....and greatly reduce fructose. Old dog...new tricks....soooooo not easy. We’ll hang in there, though! Thanks for another great video.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@cathypayton4804]

I sure wish you would have been my science teacher in school. Much respect to you🥰

[@nadurkee46]

I’m glad you called it a tie. I have a dehydrator, but am chickening out of getting the freeze dryer, not the cost, more the maintenance and maneuverability, and space to put a freeze dryer. Therefore, knowing the shriveled browner bananas will have to do. Thank you for the comparison. I always enjoy your lessons and experience in these videos.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

nadurkee: That makes sense. Jim

[@forthosewhoHUNGER]

Pam, thank you. Would you consider doing an Intro to Freeze Drying or Freeze Drying for Beginners? We just hot our Harvest Right and are trying to figure out what to do first. 👍🏼

[@RoseRedHomestead]

We have a book on freeze drying food in our bookstore that might be of interest to you. Congratulations on your new freeze dryer!

[@whatyoucan.whereyouare]

We just bought one also. Would live to see a collage of success and fails. My cranberries are iffy.

[@Heavenesque]

I bought a big box of bananas and am now in the process of dehydrating them to make into a powder for smoothies and such things. I also found some recipes for using banana peels, so I have decided to keep the peel ON when I slice and dehydrate the bananas for the powder. Will see how it turns out!! Thx for all the inspirational videos!!!! Also love the skittles idea lol, I heard that dehydrated marshmallows are good :)

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Wonderful!

[@Imjetta7]

I LOVE dehydrated bananas! They're like taffy and don't last long enough around here to worry about moisture issues.

[@kenrnet6706]

We too dehydrate as you recommended a while ago - extremely happy with the outcome. Love them as a snack!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Great to hear! Thanks for updating me on your adventures!

[@MM-oc3sb]

I am so thankful for all your factual and insightful teaching! I grew up with my dear Grandmother in our home - even after I was married and had my own young family. Having gone through the Great Depression, she imparted the values of personal independence and food security along with a few of the basic skills. We are now in our own elder years and able to focus on this important investment. Unfortunately, I feel as if most everything I knew about meal prep and preservation has to be re learned from a low to no carbohydrate skill set as hubby was recently with diagnosed Type II diabetes. I've learned all kinds of new baking with alternative flours, sugars, and fiber etc. Now I'm struggling to learn how to store items like these that are higher fat and don't freeze dry well long term. 🤷🏼‍♀️💕

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Life for most of us is a continuous learning experience--I don't know if I will ever have learned enough to be satisfied with what I already know! I hope some of our videos will be helpful for you.

[@Cherbear609]

Wow, I enjoy your videos so much! I love the way you present each & everything topic, from all angles. And you have a delightful sense of humor. I’m so blessed to have found your channel. Sounds like you & Jim are happy campers 💕

[@RoseRedHomestead]

We are so glad you found us as well! Thank you.

[@chabeli6804]

Thank you for sharing your incredible wisdom backed up with science. I'm in the process of adding more fruits and veggies into my diet and has always been curious about how to preserve them longer to avoid waste while maintaining their nutritional value ! 👍☺️💖

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Sounds great! Thanks for your comments.

[@kilgoretrout9312]

hope this message finds you well... very informative video... felt like I was back in science class in middle school😀

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Wow, thank you, Jim

[@timmy2272]

As always, another great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you so much! And thanks for watching.

[@almazaaudette3429]

Thank you very much for sharing your time with us. I enjoy your videos 💖

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are so welcome. Glad you like them.

[@cmcas]

I'm looking into this process for hiking & camping food. Thanks!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Our pleasure!

[@Jsh465]

I love my freeze dried bananas .

[@terryatckison9746]

Thank you for this video and you explain it so well. I love freeze dried bananas!

[@terrykunst3883]

Thank you so much for another fantastic video. I’ve been eyeing up freeze dryers for A number of years, and just haven’t made the leap yet. Your description of how de hydrating and freeze drying work are the best and most succinct I’ve ever heard. Thank you again for all you share with us!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Glad it was helpful! It took us 5 years to finally take the plunge. I am glad we waited because they improved some things and am really happy with the results we are getting on most things.

[@journeywithnichole]

Thank you!! I sun dehydrate my fruits and veggies and all the you tubers use freeze dried so I have been wondering if it was that much better. The freeze dried fruits I have tasted, do not taste as good as what I make sun dehydrating. I have been a sub for couple months and LOVE your videos!!! So helpful!!!

[@jimkunkle2669]

Kelvin. That's hysterical.

[@petracripps3474]

Your videos are always interesting and full of good practical info. I look forward to new ones and when time allows, watch your older ones.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you so much!

[@Eyes2C.]

Tip: if you let your bananas get ripe almost to the point where they start to get brown spots, they are so much better tasting. I blend mine to make a powder for smoothies, banana bread etc. Yummy ❤️

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I think taste is a matter of personal opinion. I don't like them that far gone, but I know a lot of people who do! Thanks for watching.

[@jennobrien3590]

But the sugar content is Sooo much higher the type the banana.

[@minnietomlinson8761]

Another wonderful video

[@olgawagner1339]

Thank you from Kazakhstan!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are welcome!

[@DK-qx3lv]

Thank you for the great explanation on difference in processes! Love your videos.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

D K: Thank you! We enjoy making the processes clear and understandable. Jim

[@ashleesmith4639]

You are so adorable! Thank you for the informative video! I enjoyed watching it!

[@uddercharmsfarm8159]

Such a great explanation and comparison!! We are looking at the freeze dryer too.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you.

[@Goldbacker00]

Love your hair!

[@debbiegolden-alvarez9555]

Pam can we do banana chips with same process-jars and silicone but dehydrate them longer🤗

[@georginapinzon01]

I have a question. Which do think holds more nutritional value between the two? Great tutorial, both look delicious 😋 thank you

[@RoseRedHomestead]

According to articles I have read, dehydration preserves about 60% of nutrition while freeze drying preserves close to 90%. I have not yet verified that by comparing among several sources--just so you know.

[@abesmith4637]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, very helpful!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Abe: Glad it was helpful! Jim

[@lindadelehanty2675]

Thank you for your videos. I greatly appreciate them I am new to dehydrating

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are so welcome!

[@danellafarrell7138]

Love bananas either way.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Me too!

[@ts7844]

I just love these videos. Such a wealth of information it’s amazing. 🤩🤩

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you so much!

[@kellyjeancrafts2492]

They both look great. I love your chanel!! Can’t wait for the bread baking videos. Thank you 💞

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Coming up tomorrow! Thanks for your comment.

[@Thisisit120]

So glad to see your videos on freeze drying been waiting for this.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

More to come! Thanks for watching.

[@linhill4516]

Something interesting I read in one of my canning books. Said to freeze green beans first after branching then put in regular dehydrator. Well tried it! Amazing the difference. They were more the size and shape as before drying crispy I could bit into them without breaking a tooth, they powdered in my mouth. Haven't tried anything else as just used the last of beans before fall freeze last year. Will. Try again with more things as they come on. Kinda like freeze drying?

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I think that sounds like a fabulous idea! I am going to have to try that. Thanks for sharing!

[@redeemedvintageseamstress4728]

QUESTION: I don't know if you'll see this since this video was posted quite some time ago.....but I'm wondering how the freeze dried Bananas are after re-hydrating? Do they go back to similar consistency as fresh, or are they slimy/mushy? Mostly why I'm asking is because my mom LOVES to put sliced fresh Bananas in her cold cereal. I'm just starting my freeze drying adventures. My 3rd load is in right now! I soooo appreciate all your content & time! 😊

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I don't even try to rehydrate bananas! I like them dried. I imagine they would be slimy.

[@redeemedvintageseamstress4728]

@@RoseRedHomestead Thanks for getting back with me. 😊 I love dehydrated ones, anxious to see about the Freeze-dried ones too. I just got done watching your asparagus series from last spring....I have my first load of asparagus in the FD right now! Anxious to try your soup recipe! 🍲

[@bumblebee7922]

How cool!! Love your videos!

[@clearprintsolutions931]

Can you vacuum seal the dehydrated Bananas in a glass ball jar. Also can you vacuum seal dehydrated apples that are not crispy but pliable in a glass jar. For some reason my Apples did not get crispy this time. I cut them just a little thicker that i normally do hoping they would be just a tad bit thicker than paper thin. I love your videos !!

[@tatifontana]

Thank you so much love your videos 🥰 I kind dehydrator you use ?

[@vikkisoderquist6013]

Love it, thank you so much!

[@Earthy-Artist]

Enjoyed the video 🙂.

[@wfleming537]

interesting comparison! the freeze dryer looks really cool, I'll get one one day

[@RoseRedHomestead]

They are fantastic. Thanks for watching.

[@handcraftedluxuries1980]

The freeze dried can be used for good banana bread

[@paralegalalternatives5436]

I received my Corsoi Dehydrator 04/06/22 & bananas are next. But, I did strawberries for the 1st time during the night, & they really stuck. I read you can put parchment on the trays to keep fruit from not sticking. Have you used that before? I like how your trays are built with close holes. The holes on the Corsori are large. Can you let me know what brand dehydrator you have? Thx so much for your fabulous videos. 😀

[@phansly]

Thanks for the great explanation

[@ncflowergirl1446]

So can we put the dehydrated bananas in a mason jar and vacuum seal? Just beginning 😍

[@carolclarkson4859]

I would like to see some more competitions like this!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

We will see what we can do!

[@angelasheppard7197]

Wow great tutorial. I had no idea

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@starrstylist7441]

OK, YOu didn't mention if you could Vacuum the bananas? Can I use the jat and do it or will they have to be in the freezer after dehydrating? And if so, how long will they last dehydrated and vacuum sealed?

[@oldfaart7923]

Love the freeze dried bananas. One way to increase the amount you can process when freeze drying is to slice the banana leaving it together like still whole and run a wooden skewer (you can buy at most dollar stores) through it then gently separate them on the skewer. Now you can fit 4-6 bananas on each tray depending on the size freeze dryer you have.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

That is a great tip. Thanks! Truth be told, I prefer the taste of dehydrated bananas over freeze dried, but that is just me!

[@Seekthetruth-forus]

Ma'am I have a question to ask. Why do you dehydrate food when fresh food is available? Just curious as I live in Pakistan as we eat fresh food You are sooo tech savvy. Bless you ma'am .

[@caroltochterman0000]

Can you still put the Bananas that were hydrated in a pint jar and seal it up with a food vaccum sealer?

[@deirdreocarroll1975]

Yes

[@MaryWehmeier]

Pam, try the freeze dried ones in Oatmeal. I'd love your opinion.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Sounds great. We will have to do that! I often cook steel cut oats for breakfast, so maybe this weekend!

[@ncflowergirl1446]

I just watched your strawberry dehydrating video wondering how that egg slicer would do on the bananas 😍

[@RoseRedHomestead]

NC: That should be fine. Jim

[@loriseverns8363]

How about blackberries, mangoes, oranges, kiwi, pomegranits/seeds, any fruit not to dehydrate?

[@Clynn57]

Is DH'd long term storage not an option...OTHER than freezer?

[@tammyj.9152]

I was wondering if you have ever drizzled these bananas or apples, dates, etc..... freeze dried and/or dehydrated, with maple or date syrup or perhaps honey? I wonder how they would do? I have both machines. Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. I love your videos. Thank you so much.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I have not, but it sounds really good! Thanks for sharing.

[@mcomeslast]

Oh my dog loves banana but I don’t give her a lot because it’s so sweet. I don’t eat them because I’m on keto. I’ll pick some up for her and dehydrate them.

[@bk587]

Love your videos, thank you!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@kathyb5247]

Your videos are making me focus on a freeze dryer now! Can you please make a recommendation on one or is there another video you made covering this? There are just two of us, retired, looking to preserve and prepare for who knows what may come. Thank you!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

That pretty much describes us as well, except we are both still working because we want to. We are in our 70s. We bought a Harvest Right medium and are really enjoying it.

[@kathyb5247]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I will definitely research that one then make sure we have a place for it before I make the plunge. I started dehydrating about 8 months ago and am loving that so far. Your videos are very educational and I appreciate all the work you and your husband put into the preparation and delivery of them. Be well.

[@lah189]

You're the best

[@adavis155]

Would you please create a video on rehydrating meat from the freeze dryer? I'm considering a home freeze dryer but am worried that the meat will have a unappetizing texture when rehydrating. I've watched other videos but no one explains or considers different aspects and elements the way that you do.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Here is a link to my first vlog I did just a few weeks ago when we went to Moab. I showed several meals where i had done advance preparation including one with freeze dried pork shoulder which I reconstituted. After I do more meat in the freeze dryer I will definitely do a video on reconstituting.

[@Uprightfossil]

This is my favorite channel, however I try to fast forward on the freeze drying information. I’m only interested in dehydrating.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Wendy: I understand. Jim

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

I had bananas dehydrating when your video came out! LOL. What a coincidence!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

LOL--great minds think alike!

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

@@RoseRedHomestead I really appreciate your videos from a scientific standpoint. Because of you, I bought a pH meter for canning. Thank you.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

@@SouthernLatitudesFL That is fantastic! Way to go!

[@09echols]

Even dipped they go brown. When I dehydrate them in rhe airfryer at 130° they don't brown as much as my set temperature 165° dehydrator.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thanks for the comment!

[@elizabethhorne6383]

When I spoke to a representative at harvest right I did in fact ask them if I had to freeze foods first and they said no.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

No, it is not required. We do it because it reduces the processing time. Lots of people on the channel I follow do it, so we started doing it as well. I've been tracking the processing time for various foods, and it often saves 3-4 hourts.

[@gladtidings4all]

I only tasted freeze dried ice cream from Dicks Sporting store in the camping department. I did not liked it. It tasted like eating dry crumbs. Powder. I have made dehydrated banana chips with my Excalibur dehydrator. And also dehydrated strawberries, and frozen mixed veggies. I have vacuum sealed them using my gamesilver Foodsaver in mason jars.

[@moniqueevans5135]

you mentioned mylar bags will last years longer, is that the case for most dehydrated foods?

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Generally, yes. Vacuum sealing also works well for dehydrated foods.

[@carolynmoody9460]

BLESSINGS 💖

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you! You too!

[@artbykcappadona5166]

If you vacuum seal the dehydrated bananas, in a jar or bag, how long can you keep them on the shelf?

[@RoseRedHomestead]

They will easily be good for a year. Longer, if you place the bag in the freezer. Great question!

[@mellow_mel1313]

I was just thinking last night that I needed to ask you to try freeze drying Zucchini !!!! (And other summer squash)

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I am planning on growing summer squash like zucchini this year, so I will indeed try it!

[@DangerZone-w6y]

Invest $8.00 and get a banana slicer... Wow, this simple tool will rock your banana slicing world!

[@sandycrum2020]

Do dehydrated banana chips have to be frozen for longer storage? Or can they be vacuum sealed in jars? Ty for all your videos👏

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I have never stored them in the freezer. We just vacuum seal them.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

My bananas darken much more than that in my dehydrator. Is it a temperature thing? I've tried 140 and 145 degrees F.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I probably use about 150-160 degrees for bananas. But I am not sure if that is the answer. I can tell you that the color doesn't bother me, ever, even if they were darker so long as they are properly dehydrated.

[@pstoneking3418]

I'd definitely prefer the crunchy over the chewy bananas.

[@rachelcelinejohnson9232]

I love freeze dryer but a bit expensive for me 😀😀😀😃😀,

[@lilliegibson5561]

Have you tried to reconstitute the freeze dried bananas?

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Not until I read your question! I just tried it. Ugh! Slimy, turned brown, soggy. I won't use them that way ever. They are much better to eat just the way they come out of the freeze dryer!

[@starr3099]

Can you make powder out of the banana

[@RoseRedHomestead]

I have never done that, but I bet you could and I bet it would be delicious! You should try it!

[@KatherineAnnabella]

I am new to your channel and to dehydrating. What dehydrator do you use? Thankyou

[@RoseRedHomestead]

We have a Magic Mill. Ours is old. I love the new ones--more trays and they are made from stainless steel mesh and not plastic like ours. Excalibur is also a good brand.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

Wish you had shown how the freeze dried bananas rehydrate.