Freeze Drying Avocados and Citrus

[@nicholsceramiccoating8284]

FINALLY!!! SOMEONE GOT IT RIGHT!!! 👍its a vacuum chamber, air comes back into it when the valve is opened👏👏

[@decormiamour]

Pam, I really appreciate all your hard work! I love that you are willing to experiment with food, so we don’t have to 💕

[@essendossev362]

You can also put the jars in the freeze drier itself (taking out the shelves of course, and replacing them with a cutting board for example, to make a flat surface). Then if you go into the settings, there's an option to "test the vacuum pump", which I do for like 30 seconds to a minute. Best vacuum seal I've ever had.

[@sharonandrew7267]

I sometimes use a Break Bleeder to seal my jar lids!

[@carolclarkson4859]

The color from those avocados makes them look like fresh.

[@Sewlimitless]

This is awesome. I can't get a freeze drier, but I do enjoy watching you do this.

[@redstone1999]

I can not afford a freeze drier also. I have a small army of dehydrators. I do a lot of citrus every winter when sales/crops are in bulk at stores. Low heat (125 F) and flipping every 8 hours. I do raw white potatoes in fall and come out snow white. I will do a sacrifice guacamole trial tomorrow. I will spread out guac. in a 1/4 " thick layer on silicone sheet and leave 1" open border around edges. I will give a light spray of lime juice and freeze on cookie trays in freezer. once frozen, I will load excalibur set at 125 F. It should take about 24 hours or so to do. ( I will test for dryness as I do flipping. Once done, I will pulse the broken chips to make a gritty powder. Then add a dissenting (-H2O) pack and vac-seal jar. Hope it works.

[@leesaowen9341]

How wonderful! Thank you Pam and Jim for all that you do. My freeze dryer is a week away and to get it to Western Australia was a massive $8250 investment. Your videos will help me wring every cent of value out of it. Oh and please, please, more bean based meals in jars!!

[@kathyhirsch379]

i am trying to get one to, i leave in Melbourne but the $8,000 is a bit hard to do its ridicules only one company getting it here in Australia is there any other way to get it in ??? most likely you tried it to .

[@kathyhirsch379]

sorry to bother you how,, long it took to get your freeze dryer thank you soo much

[@leesaowen9341]

@@kathyhirsch379 Hi Kathy, it took almost six months as Oz Farmer, the Australian distributor, only puts in an order for a certain amount of units at a time and they wait until the order is full. It was almost a couple of months waiting for it to get off the ship and clear customs. It sat in port for quite a while. Once it hit Oz Farmer it was with us within the week which was exceptional. We’re over the moon with it after the initial teething problems. Good luck!

[@leesaowen9341]

@@kathyhirsch379 A friend decided to try to get hers direct from America and is having nothing but trouble. The large cost us $7500, the other $750 was delivery to Western Australia. Ridiculously overpriced here but if you want one, it’s really the only option. If it were as cheap as in America I’d have two!

[@zhippidydoodah]

@@leesaowen9341 The Patriot Supply store has a freeze dryer now, though they cost more than the harvest right. Since you're paying so much with the shipping, it may be worth it to look at and compare the shipping options.

[@jeriwright3214]

Your so funny.

[@kimberlyblake1786]

I slip my 1/2 gal ball jars into a standard lunch sack once I've vacuum sealed the product to keep light from degrading the color of the food. Seems to work well, color of vegetables is excellent nearly 6 months later.

[@marygallagher3428]

Great video! I'm glad you had such great results with freeze drying the lemon and lime wedges :-)

[@MeowsTheTime]

I can't wait to try this...!!

[@Bigmama-rj9ih]

You sound like you have a cold my friend. Take care of yourself! We appreciate you.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Meg: Pam is just getting over one. It seems to be gone. Thanks for your concern. Jim

[@isvalidisme123]

I really appreciate your thoroughness. I am a huge fan and having been watching all your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching our videos. Jim

[@zhippidydoodah]

hahaha the lemons ;) They look so pretty in a jar

[@vikkisoderquist6013]

Excellent! I really enjoy your videos. I'm learning more everyday. Tfs. Please stay safe and sending hugs to you both 💜😎

[@xrayqueen3]

Hi Pam and Jim, i try to make 4 trays of one item only…..4 trays of onions, or 4 trays of eggs…..This way they all come out the same and you have better control! You can never over dry anything in case you need to add extra time…..more time is better than less……i am just starting with the Harvest Right…..and i love it!

[@zhippidydoodah]

If you leave the items in and they are removed cold, do you put them back in to warm the trays or increase the processing time to allow for a time when you can get to them before they freeze again?

[@kristiaaker9426]

I loved how to tasted the lemon! 😅 So cute!!! I really enjoy you're channel!

[@dianecarroll9927]

I love your video's! I have watched countless freeze drying videos and In this one video, you have answered many of my question. Thank you You guys are the best!

[@mimiashford5544]

Bless you both for the wealth of information you give us all. THANK YOU. 😗

[@cubanmama4564]

Very timely video for me! Our avocado tree gave us 570 avocados this year. We probably gave 50% away to friends and family, ate about a ⅓ of what was left, mashed some with lime juice and froze it in 2 cup portions and I am about to freeze dry the rest tomorrow. I usually "bathe" my avocado slices in a water/lime juice bath before freezing and will do the same tomorrow before I freeze dry them. Did you use lime juice to preserve the color?

[@lizgaby9761]

Aggh I wish I had an avocado tree 🤣 my 11 yo is obsessed with them and so am I.

[@AcornHillHomestead]

Wow that is some harvest!!! What I wouldn’t give for an avocado tree. 🥲 my all time favorite food. I might have to buy a freeze dryer just for them 🤣

[@digitalgoonie]

Wow! I can only dream of having an avocado tree! All that fresh goodness

[@bcarol2484]

Envious!!❤️

[@theresatyree3090]

How wonderful! Where do you live?

[@ISayFinn]

Loved the lemon test! Fun and helpful video, going shopping for avos tomorrow! Very helpful.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

Fantastic. Thank you.

[@daydreambeliever6603]

So cool! So interesting. Thank you.

[@gypsymama2719]

Love this and cannot wait to see more freeze drying videos!!! 🥰 Thank you for explaining when the O2 absorbers are needed vs vacuum sealing the jars. I didn’t know if I had to do both. 🤦🏼‍♀️ We just got ours this month and have started adding to our food storage. My kiddos love freeze dried fruit snacks so those rarely make it into storage. But we are heading into growing season so that should make it easier. Today I’m trying sweet potato “chips” and a bunch of diced onions. Please do more freeze drying video ideas and tutorials. 🥳

[@julierobinson3052]

Brilliant video! I have just got my freeze dryer and can’t wait to get started. Thank you for putting the time in to make concise videos that a beginner can easily follow. Cheers from Australia.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Glad it was helpful! Let us know the results of FZDR runs. Jim

[@pamt3915]

What a brilliant idea to use those ice cube trays for the guacamole, especially for those of us without a freeze dryer. The citrus will prevent browning. I’m definitely going to try this the next time avocados are on sale.

[@garliclovers1416]

Thanks very much. This has been an interesting series of videos.

[@diananazaroff5266]

Woohoo! My Meyer Lemon tree has lemons on it and I was wondering how I would FD them. Thank you!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Diana: Yes, we have freeze dried lemon slices. Jim

[@tiffanyguynn8852]

I want a freeze dryer! Wow. I'm so into saving anything that has a use. I love cooking and really getting into canning and dehydrator and vacuum sealer!

[@sandys.1891]

I need to freeze dry some citrus today. Thanks for doing the legwork.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Sandy: Enjoy! Jim

[@bc24roxy4]

Wish i would've seen this one day earlier!! got bag of lemons from neighbor and sliced them all to freeze dry. Did think you do wedges. Next time. Thanks so much for the video

[@elleshepherd2506]

I really enjoy your channel!

[@judyabernathy80]

This was awesome to watch. What a dandy thing to have available to freeze dry so many foods for future use. Thank you for all your diligent hard work in making sure we have reliable information. A true, excellent, educator you are, Pam. ♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@t3rradni]

Thank you, very helpful experiment. I love avocado, but they turn so quickly and so far other preserving methods just ruin the texture and flavor of fresh avocado slices for me. I’d love to see/hear how those slices rehydrate and if they keep their fresh texture and not get mushy.

[@TracyKonoske]

I have heard that avocado's re hydrate very very well! About to do this myself!

[@coreybrown3137]

Rose I love your channel! You do a great job with your videos! Would love to see your pantry and what you have stored?

[@Mericel1]

I believe harvest right does not recommend use of the pad while freeze drying anymore. Just what I seen so not fact yet. I order my freeze dryer this weekend

[@marthafearsme]

I would up the OA's in a half gallon jar to at least 5-600 cc's (if you are not vac sealing them.) quarts to 3 or 400cc's. Do love your vids. I usually vac seal jars, not a huge fan of mylar bags. I like to be able to test the seal.

[@parsimyrum553]

I love them in rounds instead of wedges

[@MrandMrsBurns]

You are so appreciated and loved! Thank you for all you do.😘 Do you ever seal jars in your freeze dryer?

[@raiganmtz]

I am so excited!! I have been wondering about citrus. Thank you!

[@peaceofmyhearthomestead4611]

Thank you for sharing how many cc the O2 absorbers are. Details matter. All of your videos are so thorough and helpful!!

[@WendyinOhio2]

I would love to hear more about not choosing the frozen option, even for frozen food.

[@Knight-Of-YAH-WEH]

Hi! I've found (like Pam) that just selecting the NOTbfrozen food selection seems to work best. Even when the food is frozen certain factors can come into play such as the current room temp and humidity. Weather or not the FD is already chilled. It's not major but it's always easier to over freeze than to under freeze. Case in point. If eggs aren't frozen enough they EXPLODE in your FD. Remember what it's like to blow bubbles in your milk as a kid and they froth out of your cup? Well beaten eggs do the same thing. So when your eggs are partially frozen; during the sublimation stage of the process (water extraction), the bubbles form in the moisture. Like your childhood milk it keeps going until you stop. This creates a huge mess that involves taking things apart and a lot of frustration. I had all but given up on eggs until someone helped me with that tip. So long story short; any extra freezer time is worth it! The system is pretty good also as far as it's sensors. So if it see's that something is at negative 21 for a long enough duration it will automatically shorten your total freeze time to suit it's process. One more side note on eggs. I ALWAYS freeze them solid for at least 24 hours before putting them in the FD. Since I changed that little prep step I haven't had one single blow up. Prior to that it was hit and miss. I've done probably close to 1000 eggs! Happy Drying!

[@life_is_good2371]

You are so inspiring. 💕

[@stellagardner4142]

Love this ...thanks for sharing!!!

[@jenniexfuller]

I put my cushion in first then put the rubber door gasket on. You might consider trying it.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Jennie: I am not sure what you mean by cushion. Jim

[@donnamullins2089]

My goodness you freeze dried my favorite things. Yum. All I need now are chips and Tequila oh, and a Kelvan! (as in highly intelligent non-humanoid species) Thanks Pam

[@AZCanner]

I wanted to dehydrate lemons. But after watching you freeze dry them, I think they would turn out better from a freeze dryer. Thank you.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Karen: Yes they do. Jim

[@kathleendyer672]

Pam, my freeze dried avocados were very bitter. As I understand, avocados are likely to turn bitter when heated. Can you please tell me what your freeze dryer heat temp is?

[@WendyinOhio2]

Mine too! They are not enjoyable to eat.

[@dvhaltemam]

Thank you for all your teaching videos. Is this your favorite way to freeze dry lemons now?

[@JP1AO]

I was wondering if the avocado slices turn brown when you add water to them? Did you use any lemon juice on them?

[@bcarol2484]

Replayed the video to see what brand your new vacuum sealer was-as I have been researching for a few months now. My lack of impulse buying skills has cost me dearly. I can’t afford them now.😕

[@meganwinters5163]

Question: why not use FD to vacuum seal jars.? I've seen other comments (here & elsewhere) on loss lids... IDK if it's across the board; but my foodsaver sealer can't achieve nearly as quality of a vacuum on canning lids as my FD.? Thank you for all your great content ☺️👍 feel better & can't wait to read your book!!!

[@TracyKonoske]

I am new to freeze drying. have a medium. How do you use FD to vacuum seal jars? Please and thanks!

[@meganwinters5163]

@@TracyKonoske KZbin has some videos on the subject, if my explanation falls short here. One can use a tray flipped upside down inside your FD. Then go to your functional test screen (push the lil leaf in the top left on your home screen) then load up your jars onto the tray with clean, loose lids with rings (similar to how you would pressure can). Close door & drain valve. Next activate the vacuum pump from test screen down to the level of mTorr for your elevation / application. Release drain valve and voila! Vacuum sealed jars (you can use second round lids here i.e. already used for pressure canning once; they don't have to be brand new) simply ensure that they seal by checking the dimple on the lid. All the best on your FD'ing journey ☺️🙏

[@TracyKonoske]

@@meganwinters5163 wow!!!! Thank You! I have a lot of canning jars. And a lot of small batches. Or things I may want to seal in small batches. This is awesome 🎉

[@cherylsheartandhome]

QUESTION: after extending the drying time, did the stickiness of the sugars from the lemon go away or were they still tacky/sticky?

[@gkcollard2]

Very cool! I’m surprised the lemon and limes worked!

[@mary-annmckay4465]

I tried to freeze dry lemons and limes the other day. It took 60 hours and they still weren't done. I cut them in rounds, pretty thinly, except a few pieces that I couldn't help. I did three layers of limes using parchment paper and the same with the lemons. After two days of them still coming out sticky I took the parchment paper away and just layered on top of each other (side note I've layer food before and it freeze dried, so thought that would work w these as well.) and it still wasn't done after the 60 hours. That was a long time so I gave up and just put a little bit at a time in different vacuum seal bags and am just hoping for the best with them.

[@Knight-Of-YAH-WEH]

I've had some food take 80 to 120 hours just depending on how thick and the total water content. You should try the lemons and ljjmes again. I go out to the garage everyday for about a week and add more time (up to 24 hours). As lonvv as you're not pressed for time the outcome is great! GOD bless and enjoy!

[@robertbuksch7165]

I also got a large Harvest of avocados I don't have a freeze dryer so I dehydrated them any suggestions of what I can do with jars and jars of dehydrated avocados besides guacamole I made some of that too

[@shh1702]

You made a mention that you only use the frozen button for ice cream. Why do you not use it for food that you freeze before you put the trays into the dryer?

[@sheilam4964]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@ilovecharleston]

LOLOLOLOL .... I know EXACTLY what that lemon did to you because they did it to me when I test-tasted them.

[@deborahgardiner2802]

Did you use lemon or lime juice on the avocados to prevent browning?

[@diddyboler9000]

Pam I might have missed it but did you do something to the avocados like put lemon juice on them?

[@donnastormer9652]

Pam what was the total hours that you had to run your machine?

[@luzgamez6252]

Such a beautiful and wonderful woman you are!, I'm learning so much with your videos and I am practicing your advices preserving food. I can't have a freeze dryer so, can I use dehydrator for avocados? Thank you for your hard work

[@jeriwright3214]

How long is the shelf life using just the ox pouch in a jar? How long do they stay good for using the air sealer? If you put in a mylar bag and suck air out is shelf life the same as the other sealers or different? Thank You

[@RoseRedHomestead]

We have no experience with this. Jim

[@alexiaelena5370]

Hi! Any ideea if you could dehydrate them too? 🤗

[@RoseRedHomestead]

They seem not to do very well. They quickly go rancid shortly after dehydration. Jim

[@melvinajessop696]

I have always put oxygen absorbers in my freeze dried foods and vacuum seal them I’ve always been told you had to do both is it necessary or not

[@tiffanyguynn8852]

I always think I will remember my trial and error. Lol. I do write notes and someone always throws my note books away.

[@pjmineyerz]

I couldn’t help but notice, you mentioned that you pre-freeze your food but chose not frozen on the machine. Can you explain why, please?

[@photofreak21]

I thought the moisture in the lemons will make them mold. Please explain this.

[@cindymillion5595]

Good Evening Because it’s Pam and if she told me unicorns were real, I’d believe her😂 I believed I could FD lemons and limes😭 I need some insight from all of you who are wiser than me I have now had 2 total and complete fails of lemons and limes I’m not sure what’s going on I first thought something was wrong with my FD (BLIZZY Freeze😂) but cut wedges smaller after FD appeared to react to over crowding on first batch second batch smaller wedges fewer on try’s after 28 hours still slightly sticky🤯 I’m so sad I’ve lost 8 pounds of lemons and limes Thanks

[@bellainthebayou]

I just got a freeze dryer that I purchased with several of our children. I am excited to begin using it in February. We have 2 locations in our home that we could put it , the sunroom (off the living room) or the garage (near the kitchen). I live in the Southern States and wonder if having it in my garage would be an issue with heat. I suppose I could run a small airconditioner if needed in the garage. Any suggestions?

[@RoseRedHomestead]

That is awesome! Congratulations; Yes, heat is an issue and it will not run efficiently or at all in the heat. We have ours in the garage and put in a window air conditioner to solve the problem.

[@bellainthebayou]

@@RoseRedHomestead thank you for the answer and for providing these videos.

[@ladaneaelkins7765]

Can you use a oxygen absorber with some liquid? And would it work with rubbing alcohol?

[@sheilakingston6953]

How do you prepare the absconding for the freeze dryer

[@kathleenweld868]

My avocados came out so bitter!! Any tips?

[@ediemurray1692]

My son that is an electrical engineer, and yes literally a rocket scientist, who has designed rocket to the ISS and more, talked me out of a freeze dryer a couple years ago. I think I'm glad he did.

[@Kricket2020]

Why did your son think a freeze dryer is a bad idea? I am on the cusp of getting one but it’s sooooo much money, I would love to know his opinion.

[@ediemurray1692]

@@Kricket2020 because of all the extra electrical equipment that needs to be installed in the house, length of time, cost of electricity and I think I blacked out there because he was way over my head on the logistics.

[@Kricket2020]

@@ediemurray1692 hahaha that’s cute. Thank you for responding, that’s a really good consideration. Thank you for passing along the information

[@WendyinOhio2]

Perhaps one can say a rocket scientist may over think things once in a while 😀

[@marthaalward3740]

We have a previously owned older model. It has not increased our power bill excessively. We even bought the new pump you only have to change the oil @ every 15 to 30 cycles. We are still pleased .

[@SueSmith1]

Are the lemons and limes unpeeled?

[@debraschvaneveldt7151]

Is it safe to can barley in soup. The internet can't decide

[@RoseRedHomestead]

USDA says to avoid using pasta, rice, and barley in soups. Jim

[@honeyandbabba]

Friends, did you treat your avocado slices with lemon before freeze-drying?

[@537537]

Avocado is high in fat so how long do you think they’ll store for freeze dried?

[@RoseRedHomestead]

James: We are looking at a year or so. JIm

[@kathyhirsch379]

i don't have freeze dryer its over $8,000in Australia, can i dehydrate avocados in a dehydrator .Any body tried it ??

[@kristiaaker9426]

Have you done oranges?

[@RoseRedHomestead]

No, but my best guess is that they would do well.

[@kristiaaker9426]

@@RoseRedHomestead I'll let you know Rose, I've got some in my freeze dryer today, trying it out! 😊

[@kristiaaker9426]

Rose, the oranges came out amazing! They take longer due to the sugar content! But they are delicious! 😋 Thank you for sharing your experiment!!

[@robertbuksch7165]

My Lemon Tree only made one lemon my wife is going to have a talk with it next year a better make more or else

[@seekwisdom5102]

My equipment didn’t come with this black cloth cover

[@brucelarson4283]

Perhaps the lemons took longer because the way you sliced them left the magority of the ccell membranes intact?🤔🤔

[@janarichards5511]

Do you think piercing the membrane would aid in drying?

[@brucelarson4283]

@@janarichards5511 it would help!!👍

[@janarichards5511]

Thank you.

[@amsohn1]

I apologize I tried to put the edit my comment and it wouldn't let me... the KZbin channel is Retired at 40- Live.Life.Simple... there you can find his link for the Y tubing. Blessings