Freeze Drying Hamburger for Trail Meals

[@iiinsaiii]

Hey Jim, I’ve been freeze drying for a while. Something I’ve learn is just because the freeze dryer completed the process, it’s doesn’t mean your food is completely dry. It’s a assumption. You need to weigh your trays to know it’s completely dry. One the machine has finished, you would weigh each tray in grams. Write the weight down of each tray and return the trays to the freeze dryer and add more dry time to about 2-3 hours. Once it’s done you weigh the trays again. If the weight has drop, that means there is still moisture in the food and it needs to go back in for more drying. Keep doing this till the weight has stop dropping. Then and only then it’s completely dry. I do my own MRE’s and freeze dry raw chicken breast and hamburger patties. They all take more then 40 hours of freeze drying. When rehydrating food. You need to use hot water and let it sit covered do 3-5 minutes. Mix and let it sit another 3-5 minutes. Then everything will be hydrated. Remember. You will not have a microwave on the trials. Good Luck and God Bless

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks.

[@scott6499]

I found the best way to move freeze dried food to a container is to cut a food saver bag, or a roll of vacuum bags about 5 " longer than the tray, then put the whole freeze dried tray into your cut bag and just dump it in the bag. Then using a funnel in your jar, slowly pour the contents from your freeze dried food into the jar.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the tip! Sounds as if it would work great.

[@Akresq777]

I cut and heat sealed my food saver bag into a funnel on one end.

[@xandersycuan345]

OMG….. It’s so good to see Jim in front of the camera. Great job Jim!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much!

[@rikkim4818]

Good on you Jim. What a great team u and Pam make. ❤

[@taylormclain4017]

if I could give you an extra thumbs up for the intro, I'd sure do it!!! love you guys...

[@louisianacooker321]

Great job, Jim and great camerawork, Pam. This is exactly what I was looking for. I need to freeze dry more meat and this will be so easy to adapt to lots of recipes. I may just freeze dry some soup veggies and tomato products for soup and spaghetti sauce. Thank you.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Terrie23JTN]

Thanks for the video! Do you not have to drain or rinse the grease off the meat?

[@debbiecook8230]

I am going to freeze-dry ground beef this weekend at my sister's house. She said to cook, drain & rinse the meat after cooking to get the grease off. Is this necessary to do? Thanks so much for all the you both do to help us to preserve food.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Some people like to do that. We just buy very lean ground beef, blot it before we put it in the trays, and freeze dry it that way.

[@conniesowers5125]

Just ordered a medium freeze dryer this morning. I am so excited. Any suggestions for accessories I might need? I did order a second set of trays. We purchased 1/2 beef last fall and I want to freeze dry a lot of it. Did I mention, I’m so excited? Thank you for your videos on freeze drying. I’m sure I’ll be reviewing them often.

[@amsohn1]

Hi Connie, we've had our large freezer dryer for about a year... we got the covers, silicone pads, and a set of tray holders, and a large wide funnel... works great. Everyone is different and uses different gadgets. You'll figure out what ya like and whatcha don't ❤ Blessings

[@gorgo4910]

I like to pre freeze most of my food in 1 or 2 gal ziploc bags. I find that not having the food frozen to the trays makes the drying process more efficient. Obviously this doesn’t work for eggs and broth 🤣

[@trailgrazers3690]

Are you truly excited...? I can't really tell! LOL! Of course you are! So happy for you.

[@kathleendyer672]

Tray dividers from the guy named Brian who has the “retired at 40” channel. He has a freeze drying supply store. I love the dividers for things like steel cut oatmeal bars and mac and cheese! I like his pre-cut parchment sheets, too!

[@dorciecole762]

Great job Pam!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you--I cut Jim's head off a couple of times and we had to do it over! LOL!

[@Mary485]

Can we dehydrate this? Thank you.

[@trailgrazers3690]

It is not recommended that meat ever be dehydrated with the exception of jerky and even then there are pretty strict recommendations for safety.

[@luci8784]

Love how jim introduced himself ❤ just like pam everything described in the process from start to finish .Love these guys stay safe &take care guys.xx

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much! We appreciate that.

[@maddogmaz1576]

if you take the shelf unit out of the freeze dryer you can vacuum seal the jars in it.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I have done that, but it is not recommended by the company so I quit doing it.

[@carolpratt3761]

Would you let meat soak longer if microwave isn’t available? Or, warm over campfire when you are in the boondocks.😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

We would certainly use whatever the best tool for the job is when available. You could rehydrate the meat several ways very successfully.

[@katielin2379]

Awesome. Great switch up. Jim cooks.❤🎉

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks! It was fun for us.

[@missykuss9975]

Jim, you did a great job in front of the camera! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@trailgrazers3690]

I think he did, too! I will pass this along to him.

[@melodyvoss4074]

Great job Jim! Good to see you in front of the camera.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I think he did great! Thanks.

[@judyjohnson1012]

Jim seemed a little nervous to talk at first, but then relaxed as time went by and he did great! Great job, both of you!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, he gets nervous in front of the camera.

[@ts7844]

You two are amazing.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@TheErador]

Nice one Jim, it's daunting talking to the camera, so well done for keeping it fluent and calm.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much--appreciate that.

[@karenf14]

I like the idea of using the half gallon jars, the problem is it caught on and they're impossible to find . Waiting for a meat sale then will stock up.😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, they are very convenient. We still have them available where we live. But quarts would also work.

[@FLY2KO]

1/2 gallons can be difficult to find we buy some if we find them at a reasonable price, I make moonshine and get 1.5gallons per run and the halfs are great for storage.

[@karenmyers7122]

Hello Jim, good to see you! Job welldone!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@PattyLU2]

Great job Jim! Great to see you showin us how to do!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@cindynix2999]

Oh my! I just got to watch this one! I can hear Pam chuckling in the background. (sorry Jim) The burger/onion products spilling on the counter may have embarrassed/frustrated Jim but thank you for showing it. It is real life! There are too many who would have cut that out and re filmed it. You two are real life "stuff happens" folks. Thanks for being real!

[@bethrichardson5998]

Jim you rocked this video.. so good to see you..

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@francescapps7394]

Great job, Jim. How long would you anticipate that this freeze dried hamburger would keep if some is not used within a couple of months?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks. It will keep for several years.

[@unleashnow226]

Great Job, Jim! Think of all the ways we all could use that when camping, traveling or trailing🥰

[@BiteMe-lz8th]

Fantastic video, great info and I am going to try!! Thank you Jim & Pam ❤

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are very welcome.

[@misterp158]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing. Love that intro music.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are very welcome. Glad you like the intro music!

[@jenn9579]

Great job Jim!👍

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@cheribrodeur9928]

I just started watching trail grazers. Love you guys. Good to see Jim in front of the camera.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Welcome and thanks for subscribing! After 4 years he is finally more comfortable getting in front of the camera more! Yay!

[@kathleendyer672]

Great job, Jim! I’m glad so you’re doing more with the freeze dryer! I recently freeze dried steel cut oats with lots of grated apples, chopped craisons, cinnamon, cardamom, and brown sugar. I used maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the second batch. Both are delicious dry and reconstituted. The consistency is like a crispy breakfast cookie. You can break into chucks or use tray dividers for little squares. Please try it!

[@trailgrazers3690]

That sounds wonderful! We will try it.

[@cathybailley5844]

You did great Jim!

[@trailgrazers3690]

He is reading this over my shoulder and just grinning! Thank you!

[@chickenmom6case965]

No oa in jars? When u use meat do you have to re vacuum the jar?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Vacuum sealing is all that is needed, or OA--both are not needed. I usually do re-vacuum seal jars when I use only part of the meat in the jar.

[@bydeborahsavage]

This was so interesting! I am new to this

[@trailgrazers3690]

Glad you liked it! And glad to have you join us!

[@roraev9296]

You did good Jim!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@sewpretty13]

Love this freeze dryer idea for hamburger.

[@trailgrazers3690]

It is very easy, and so good. Better than home canned hamburger!

[@vikkisoderquist6013]

Tfs, good presentation. Made me hungry 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

LOL! Thanks for watching.

[@boymama1623]

JIM I seen and purchased a French fry scooper to use for filling. Just a thought I thought I’d share.. love the videos!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you. I will look into that.

[@twohomesteads6512]

This was fun with you switching roles.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Glad you liked it.

[@kimray4666]

Do you prefer the freeze dried to pressure canned hb meat?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Without a doubt!

[@DebbieAndrews3435]

He did a great job in front of the camera. Will give ground beef a try in the freeze dryer

[@trailgrazers3690]

I think so too!

[@DM-fz3ly]

You are making a mistake by not putting an OA in that jar even if you vacuum seal it. Unless you pull a vacuum for several minutes you are NOT getting all the air out and the fats will go rancid over time. OA's are cheap insurance and for expensive protean you should include at least a 300ml OA. Don't go to all the effort and then cheap out on a 20 cent OA. Also for long term shelf life I would go with 7 mil mylar over glass.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are most welcome to express your opinion here.

[@snarky_farmer]

Great video, Jim! That's encouraging with the burger and definitely something I'm going to try.

[@trailgrazers3690]

It was much easier than some things we have freeze dried!

[@carolclarkson4859]

Love your freeze drying series. I miss seeing them on the other channel because I forget about this one!

[@trailgrazers3690]

I am going to start making community announcements on RoseRed when we do freeze drying videos over here.

[@luci8784]

Love pams giggles❤

[@trailgrazers3690]

LOL!

[@KitchenFairy61]

You can add fast beans for chili and/or burritos. The possibilities are endless. I wish that I could afford a freeze dryer like many of us in the comments.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, those are great ideas. Thank you.

[@alwaysbeprepared6323]

Nice video. Great variety for the trail.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Glad you liked it.

[@ChieftuckabuckawaysWife]

Jim, That was fantastic! Thank you!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Jim is loving all the compliments! Thank you. He is right here reading over my shoulder!

[@maryr8233]

Oh my gosh! I'm so impressed! You both act like you've been doing this forever. I so appreciate you two and I feel so blessed I have you in my life......indirectly........but still there. I feel so close to you like you are family. I love the way you both are just your natural selves on the camera. Priceless. Also, I don't know which end you'd want to put this on if you choose to do so but I have purchased a Sun Oven. Would so appreciate any ideas of how to use that also.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much! Yes, we will do some videos on the Sun Oven. We have a couple over on RoseRed already.

[@maryr8233]

@@trailgrazers3690 Seriously???? I try to view EVERYTHING you make. Im gonna have to check on that. Thank you for the update.

[@maryr8233]

Pam: It's me again. I've been wanting to tell you why you have a special place in my heart. My mama was a red head..... just about the same color of your hair. You also have similar features she had in your face. Two good-lookin women! Both with BIG hearts. Okay. I'm gonna leave you alone now. I know how busy you are and I'm not expecting a reply. Just wanted you to know. ❤❤

[@trailgrazers3690]

Mary, you are so kind. Thank you. And no need to leave us alone! We love your comments!

[@terrynordahl251]

Did you rinse the ground beef before you freeze dried?

[@trailgrazers3690]

No not for this video.

[@karenhood4105]

Great job switching things up you two!

[@MaryWehmeier]

It’s apparent the two of you taught. Jim your explanations were clear and fantastic. My husband watched and said how he could relate and understand your processes. (Now he wants a freeze dryer… ) Thanks! We are thinking this would be great to make a freeze dried chili for taking in the RV.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you, Mary. Jim is reading over my shoulder and appreciates your comments very much. We have freeze dried chili and it works great!

[@ob1smom]

I like the idea of home freeze dried meat because you know exactly what’s in it- no chemicals, etc. Excellent job! That freeze dryer looks amazing, too. Do you freeze dry fruits?

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes we will have a video out shortly on freeze drying fruit.

[@robins5880]

What a fun change of pace! So nice to see Jim in front of the camera (the camera operator did a great job too)!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you! We were both nervous, but it was a fun challenge for us.

[@marygallagher3428]

You did a great job Jim!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you, Mary.

[@jackieperkins8514]

Good video, you guys. I love the Grill Mates seasonings. My favorite is Roasted Garlic and herb.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Ohhh...that sounds great. We will have to try that flavor soon! thanks.

[@kimbowyer7453]

Looks great. Awesome job.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@danniemcdonald7675]

It's good to see you in front of the camera and showing off the flat top. Pam, I think you have a promising second career as a camera lady but I still want to see you on the other side of the camera ,too. Good job both of you!

[@trailgrazers3690]

LOL! Thanks.

[@timothywilliams9678]

Great job, Jim. I have been waiting to see you cook for a long time! Great camera work, Pam. You should try switching rolls more often!😊❤

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you so much. We had fun and plan to do more of it!

[@amsohn1]

I've been experimenting with this as well... weve found it takes about 1.5 water to meat ratio... otherwise its a bit crunchy. Thanks for the video... blessings

[@trailgrazers3690]

We have found that each batch is a little different, which seems counter intuitive to me, but that is what we have experienced. I figure whatever works is what we will do! LOL!

[@patriciacooke886]

Thank you Jim, great demo. I wish I could purchase a freeze dryer way out of my budget. Love your videos so helpful, can’t wait for camping season.

[@trailgrazers3690]

An alternative would be to freeze it in small packages in your regular freezer.

[@CC..Jeremiah9_24]

Great job Jim! You’re camera lady is top notch too. 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you! We appreciate that. I cut off his head several times so we had to re-shoot parts of the video! LOL

[@kathygarner419]

Jim and Pam: Did you rinse the hamburger before you freeze dried it? There is an ongoing debate about whether it is necessary. Eggs as you know are almost 50% fat and many of the already available MRE's on the market that contain meat are relatively high in fat and yet are listed as shelf stable for 30 years. I would like you guys opinion on this matter.

[@trailgrazers3690]

We did not rinse off the fat and they did great in the freeze dryer. I know commercially prepared food can do processing that we can't duplicate at home, but our eggs have now lasted for 3 years and are still good.

[@stephaniephouotrides2435]

Papertowels on top helps absorb grease too

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, I should have thought of that. Thanks for the tip.

[@mrskimmieg]

Great job, Jim! Nice to see you on the other side of the camera. 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@123melarat]

JIM IF YOU WILL POKE A HOLE IN THE UNCUT END OF THE HAMBURGER LOG IT WILL ALLOW AIR TO GET IN THERE AND THE MEAT WILL SLIDE RIGHT OUT OF THE WRAPER. JUST GIVE IT A LITTLE PUSH.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great tip! Thanks.

[@Livetoeat171]

The problem I see by adding too much water is that the meat is losing all of its seasoning when you strain it out.

[@donnamullins2089]

Good job Jim. Looks good.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks, Donna!

[@dennisscribner6377]

great job jim.. keep that beard thicker fuller.. enjoy both of your channels .

[@trailgrazers3690]

LOL! I have never seen Jim without his beard. He is reading your comment right along with me and laughed!

[@dennisscribner6377]

@@trailgrazers3690 , GLAD THAT YOU THOUGHT THE COMMENT WAS SOMETHING TO LAUGH AT. HOW CHRISTIAN OF YOU...

[@dawninthemountains]

Very informative, and a wonderful trail food idea. Great job, Jim! Appreciate you both for sharing with all of us. I learn so much from you.

[@trailgrazers3690]

So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind words.

[@Patriot1459J]

Hey Jim... is the electric put let a 110? For the Freeze Dryer. Thank. So about 1 onoin per pound of burger? Thank You so much

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes and yea.

[@lynsmith2698]

Way to go Jim, you did a great job. This only makes me want a freeze dryer even more, thanks guys. Great video again. 🌷🇨🇦

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks, Lyn. It was a challenge for both of us!

[@chefevilee9377]

L O L I was looking at Jim’s picture and thinking who is this man? I know him from somewhere! I’m so use to Pam doing the videos😉

[@trailgrazers3690]

LOL! Love that!

[@20camarogirl10]

It’s nice to see Jim in front of the camera! You did great!!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@juliewilliamsnewzealand818]

This was a nice surprise :) I am thinking that I would just put in the amount of water that 'feels' right and if there is some liquid leftover then does it really matter ? because you could add some freezedried onions or sweet corn or whatever vege you prefer to 'beef it up'? Just a thought :) xxx

[@trailgrazers3690]

There are lots of ways to rehydrate food and your idea of filling in with dried veggies is great!

[@elizaC3024]

I love this 💡 idea. I just got 8 pounds of hamburger at 50% off, this would be great to have shelf stable cooked hamburger, to add to canning jars of spaghetti sauce or chili base. Easy meal. 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

The whole process was very easy. That is a fantastic buy on that hamburger.

[@robininva]

Those rounds of ground beef are called “chubs.” Weird But True. LOL😂

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you! New vocabulary word! LOL

[@MrandMrsBurns]

Experience has shown me paper towels under the burger in the tray as well as over the meat removes lots more oil.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for the tip!

[@gorgo4910]

That meat has a maximum absorbency makes sense- we put hamburger and other meats in soups and stews and let them simmer for hours in excess liquid. Thanks!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, it really seems to work that way. Thanks.

[@TammyToo]

I would have used a can of Rotel on the taco meat instead of water.

[@trailgrazers3690]

That sounds interesting.

[@TammyToo]

I am going to try it and see how it turns out.

[@CC..Jeremiah9_24]

Pam….something different about you. Can’t quite put my finger on it. 🤭

[@trailgrazers3690]

Maybe that I am just so happy to be retired??!!

[@forthosewhoHUNGER]

But you rehydrated it in a microwave. 1. Much of your viewership refuses to use microwaves for items that will be ingested. 2. This is a trail food channel. I don’t know of many people who take a microwave with them. Could you rehydrate future meals on the stove that more accurately mimics trail cooking methods?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I don't believe most people refuse to use microwaves--yours is the first comment we have ever had about that, but that is your choice, of course. You could easily heat it using other methods.

[@dianelamb5410]

Great job Jim!!!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks.