How to AVOID Regretting a Freeze Dryer Purchase (I Wish Someone had asked me THIS) First Impressions

Learn more about Harvest Right Freeze Dryers HERE: affiliates.harvestright.com/2...
Sign up to get my FREE Pantry Chat Grocery Guide Newsletter Here: tinyurl.com/4nadvnrd.
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If you have reservations, hesitations or are a bit skeptical about freeze drying, good on you because you should be. It's natural to question new methods you're considering trying in your kitchen, especially when it comes to something as important as food preservation. In this video, I need you to hang on tight because I’m showing you up close through 7 different meals, featuring both raw and cooked foods, the results you’ll get from freeze dried foods and how to get a fast return on this purchase. I'll also share the single determining factor you need to make when deciding if a freeze dryer purchase would even make sense for you. If you're already an avid food preserver like I was before I even considered freeze drying, you likely want to know how raw and cooked foods even turn out. This video will share now only how simple it is to operate your freeze dryer, but reveal how freeze dried food actually turns out!
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MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS:
Sign up to get my FREE Pantry Chat Grocery Guide Newsletter Here: tinyurl.com/4nadvnrd.
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer:
affiliates.harvestright.com/2...
GreenStalk:
greenstalkgarden.com?rstr=BEAFARMGIRL
Canning Journal:
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For Jars Canning Supplies:
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OTHER MAINSTAYS I ENJOY
Canning Cookbook: The All New BALL Book of Canning and Preserving: amzn.to/3BOzmBK
Fermenation Book: amzn.to/2Z7N9o9
Redmond's Real Salt: shop.redmond.life
Pamona's Pectin: amzn.to/3HByMKt
Preserving with Pamona's Pectin: amzn.to/3zIP56f
Scrap Collector and Freezer Compost Bin: amzn.to/3Ij0A67
Canning Lid Rack: amzn.to/3jYob2y
Ball Secure Grip Jar Lifter: amzn.to/3e3qRIs
Stainless Steel Canning Funnel (2 pack; 1 wide, 1 regular):amzn.to/2TNk6Uj
Blue Ribbon Canning: Award-Winning Recipes: amzn.to/30FmQTu
Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker- amzn.to/2ORtGCp
Lodge Trivet Pot Holder (Red): amzn.to/3cjbkTQ
Ball 4-ounce canning jars (w/ rings & lids): amzn.to/34OKb78
FAVORITE CANNING/ FERMENTATION RECIPE BOOKS_________________
The All New BALL Book of Canning and Preserving: amzn.to/3BOzmBK
Blue Ribbon Canning: Award-Winning Recipes: amzn.to/30FmQTu
The Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving: amzn.to/3ezuHKc
Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving: amzn.to/3ahXpfJ
Complete Guide to Home Canning: Principles of...(UPDATED): amzn.to/3tdqTCD
Preserving with Pamona's Pectin: amzn.to/3zIP56f
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Email me: [e-mail]
Visit my blog: www.becomingafarmgirl.com
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Thank you all so much for believing in my farm dream and this channel. Don’t underestimate how much JOY you bring me and my family. I love becoming a farm girl alongside you!
FYI: This video may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links at no cost to you. THIS VIDEO IS NOT SPONSORED

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Learn more about Harvest Right Freeze Dryers HERE: affiliates.harvestright.com/2651.html Sign up to get my FREE Pantry Chat Grocery Guide Newsletter Here: tinyurl.com/4nadvnrd.

[@kilroygirl7347]

Thank you for sharing this video! Although I can not afford a freeze dryer at the moment I enjoy learning about it. I would like to share a channel that I believe you would enjoy. It is Retired at 40. Also Live.Life.Simple. They had a name change but both channels have a wealth of Recipes and information. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. ❤

[@jodyw9531]

Cassandra- Huge fan of you here! You think of things that I don’t and give me inspiration. I don’t know if you have thought of doing this or not, but I can’t speak highly enough about creating your own bone meal of all types by first (this is my method and takes only 3.5 hours to do so) using my Instant Pot on Soup/Broth setting. I put the broth in fridge overnight, skim off fat (you can save that if you want to cook with) then warm broth up and put in jars and water bath can them for 3 hours. I prefer that method over pressure canning like the Amish do. The broth is much lighter in color, less “burned”. Then I take the bones and pick off any remaining meat and put the bones in a ziplock bag and mash them. The InstantPot makes the bones so soft. Then I freeze the quart size bag. When I get enough of the bones in ziplock bags to make a tray full, I freeze dry the bones and I have instant Bone Meal for the garden. I hope this helps someone else as it’s a game changer.

[@jodyw9531]

Something I have not tried yet, is taking banana peels, cutting them and freezing them on a tray and then bagging them and placing back in the freezer until I have enough frozen banana peel until I can freeze dry them and then blending them up in a blender and putting them in a container to fertilize my garden with. I can’t wait to do that. The freeze dryer has so many uses, I love it. The only thing I don’t love about it, it’s very noisy and makes the room hot. I live in the south and heat is not something I need extra of in the summer, so I refrain from doing too much freeze drying in the summer because it will just end up running my AC more to try and cool the house down. That is a real bummer. Wish I had a basement like you have up north. That’s where I would store it if I had one.

[@malibu405]

Buyer beware. I don't know if they still do, but we bought 2 years ago, and it arrived not working. HR was NO HELP. My husband is thankfully VERY HANDY and was able to get it fully sealed, all HR offered was software updates, it wasn't the problem. Our unit had faulty seals. It took s lot of time, trial and error over 3 months to get it done. NO HELP FROM HR

[@user-qy5jm4gy8x]

😢 3:22 Buyer Beware: I received a damaged Harvest right freeze dryer, damage due to a forklift (5 June 2024).

[@renitameares3838]

Cassandra, my mother is 87 years old and since my father died, she just doesn’t cook anymore. She picks up takeout or eats cereal. I started making meals-in-jars using my freeze dried foods. She loves them and one quart mason jar meal gives her multiple servings. It is peace of mind for me since I live 3 hours away.

[@phoebedigs1356]

That’s a great idea for my mom.

[@pomroy65]

That is a GREAT idea and I bet she really appreciates it!

[@NANASplash]

What an outstanding idea! I’m gonna try this with my granddaughter who goes to school 6 hours away.

[@kristybowman8731]

We ended up selling ours. I just didn't care for the texture of the reconsitituted foods. We freeze dried a bunch of things and still have them in long-term storage. It was a pretty large expense, and a fair amount of work for mediocre food. I much prefer canning, dehydrating, and freezing. I wish i would have been able to try someone's home freeze dried foods before purchasing the freeze dryer.

[@islandgrl7346]

I’ve read way too many negative reviews about freezer dryers to justify the huge cost of purchasing one. I too am sticking with canning, dehydrating and freezing. I know there are some people who love them and that’s great, but it’s just not in my budget - nor do I want the headaches involved with keeping them running and then having to deal with poor customer service (based on the reviews I’ve read and heard from people who have purchased one).

[@victoryoverheresy9417]

Exactly the comment I wanted to read. Phew. Thanks so much!!!

[@tinkertailorgardenermagpie]

And I’ve had WAY too many technical difficulties in the few years I’ve had mine. Right now, it’s a $3000 paperweight!

[@marcfruchtman9473]

@@tinkertailorgardenermagpie Really? What model?

[@lynettemunson7953]

I love mine! I’ve had it for 14 months and use it regularly. I am a single FT working mom with 3 young adults and now a grand baby in the house. I do very little complete meals but usually components. It just generally saves me lots of time, better flavor than canning, and more vitamins etc. Freeze dried candy for kids, fruit for every one, herbs, onions, etc. preserve what I can grow or get at the local farm or on sale… no need to can lots of stock. FD it and it is ready on the shelf just add hot water. The uses are endless. So worth the investment. I’ve only ever had one issue and they emailed me an update I put on a flash drive and voila. No issues since.

[@debr8107]

Excellent presentation! I bought my FD 2 years ago and have never regretted it. Today, my weekly food budget is under $30.00 a week, and we are eating very well, seafood, pork, and beef. The deciding factor for me was the nutritional value of freeze drying compared to canning.

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hello friend! Whoa, you have impressive results and what you described is exactly how I know freeze drying would only continue to safeguard our food budget, even with the initial costs. And the ease of literally laying already cooked foods, or fresh or raw foods and have it come out fully preserved has been a time saver in ways I'm so thankful for. It'll allow me to stock my pantry faster for not only my home, but for items I like to share with my parents.

[@tlflora]

@@BecomingaFarmGirl yes! me too :) but im widowed so ill have the food right there in case i cant get out for anyperiod of time.

[@elizabethcoates3024]

We made the leap to a freeze dryer nearly 2 years ago and have not regretted it for a second. We did a lot of eggs intially, that we got on clearance and boy did that save us a ton of money. Now whatever we can find on clearance we freeze dry, allowing us to keep our canning jars available for the garden harvest. As well as for those things like jams, jellies, sauces,etc. We haven't done a lot of raw meat, instead we bulk cook, and then freeze dry complete meals. Or we do a lot of single ingredients. Like we got 8 grocery bags of peppers at $2.50 a bag. We chopped them and got them onto freeze dryer trays ASAP.

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hey Elizabeth! Exactly, my friend! You are a woman after my own heart. Food deals (in season, on sale, or what you've already cooked) are out there and when you have a means of preserving it you really see how a freeze dryer earns its price over time. I'll be getting plenty of use out of it this summer for sure!

[@sailthebigorb7174]

I learn a lot from this channel but one of the handiest things I learned from Cassandra is using a brake bleeder suction tool to vacuum seal canning jars like at the 10:12 mark. I have gone through several electric vacuum sealers and got tired of the expense to replace when they break down. Never in a million years would I be clever enough to figure out this cheap tool for kitchen use that I now use all the time. Thanks, Cassandra!

[@darkskinwoman]

I literally paused the video to reflect on the genius brake bleeder hack.

[@sailthebigorb7174]

@@darkskinwoman It is amazingly cheap and effective. I use it to keep crackers in pint jars because I don’t eat an entire sleeve of saltine crackers each time I open one and they always go stale.

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hey lady! I'm so glad to pass this on (although, I learned this from Heidi from Rain County here on YT--if you haven't heard of her I think you'll love her channel too). I love that it stores easily and don't have to worry about it breaking down on me. I've had mine for years!

[@darkskinwoman]

@@BecomingaFarmGirl Hey farm girl! I'll check her channel out. Random question... do you plan to stay in the DMV area when you get your farm? I'm thinking of moving to VA.

[@diannelittle2331]

@@BecomingaFarmGirl, do you have a link to the suction tool you used?

[@constancebeck2992]

I've had my harvest right almost 5 years. Love it! I was taught raw food use cold water or cold broth. Cooked foods hot water or broth.

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hey lady! Oh, I'm so happy to hear this. This will certainly be a game changer! Oh, I"ll have to try cool water next time. Thanks for sharing!

[@constancebeck2992]

@@BecomingaFarmGirl love your videos!!!🥰

[@barbeewear4240]

I’d had my freeze dryer for 1 year and love it. It ran every day during the garden season and for the first time I didn’t throw zucchini on the compost pile. I was able to take advantage of produce I love at the farmer’s market without running out of freezer space. I didn’t have to buy produce at the grocery store this winter. I still can and sometimes run the dehydrator when the garden harvest piles up end of summer.

[@NothingWasted57]

We LOVE our Harvest Right. Having said that, it may not be the absolute best way to preserve every last thing. However, we are a suburban family in Southern California. Space is a premium here and we do not have room for a large stock of home canned foods. Freeze drying helps us preserve more in a smaller space without worrying about running an extra freezer or figuring out where to store more jars than would reasonably fit in our pantry. We love eating fruit as is for a crunchy snack instead of chips. We have a large stock of green onions which I ground into onion powder, a year of thyme, sage and also some basil from our garden. We ran a few batches of pureed beets and their greens to powder up for our smoothies. I was even able to share with all of our out-of-state family and friends last year at Christmas for a fraction of what it would cost to ship other homemade items. I just ordered the book, Discover Home Freeze Drying, with a teacher gift that I received this year. I am also really looking forward to the upcoming release of a book called Freeze Drying the Harvest by Carolyn Thomas. We have had to do a little routine maintenance, but it really has been a good experience overall.

[@randomrandom3402]

You gotta weigh the food while it's wet before freezing to calculate the amount of water needing to be added

[@allthai100]

So glad you are covering freeze drying! I love freeze dried scrapple! I do that if you aim for powdered scrapple the rehydration is easier. You just have to rehydrate, shape and pan fry. You can then get far more squished into the tray and storing it as a powder is far easier than pieces. This also allows you to calibrate your portion on the fly as and when you use it.

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Wait, what? Powder it? Oh that tip is gold! I'm going to try that. Thank you for sharing sweet friend!

[@allthai100]

To maintain some texture I just crumble it on the sheet pan. There is no need to pulse it in the food processor otherwise it will be more like pate. The best part is you can send your mom more to a bag! On a separate note making it is so easy just with the food scraps you have!! And also you might enjoy Geotta if you like scrapple. It’s the Cincinnati poor man’s sausage and tastes amazing! A great crock pot project that goes a very long way!

[@lucyjones2184]

We have had our freeze dryer for about 2 months. It’s been awesome and we love it, but it’s not for everyone. My favorite is apples! We also did 100 eggs which are perfect for baking with. Now we can make our favorite baked goods even when eggs are not available or super expensive! If anyone is worried about buying it and hating the food, try buying some freeze dried foods and eating them first. It is a huge expense if you don’t like the end product. Also candy is fairly quick and easy to freeze dry and if you sell that it can help offset your expenses.

[@live4christ7777]

I thought I was the only one who used a break bleeder for jars! Love! Now - to show this video to my husband - to prove that our soon to be delivered freeze dryer will do what I told him it would!

[@laa6549]

She is energized and inspirational. If she ever ran for office holy molly.

[@IslandTiffiney]

Great job demonstrating texture and what you can freeze dry! I now realize that I was thinking too small about the usefulness of a freeze dryer. I can't wait for a freeze dryer to be in my budget. Thank you for an informative video that was so well done!

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hey lady! I'll continue to show more ways I'm using my freeze dryer, but please don't rush into the purchase. In fact, I'm so glad that I managed a kitchen that utilized canning, dehydrating, and fermenting for years before we got the freeze dryer. What I can say is the simplicity and array of options you have to store foods that don't preserve with the other methods has tickled me the most. I'm so glad you found this video helpful!

[@user-ys6pl4wo3c]

Im glad to finally find someone that is not just complaining about not really knowing what they are doing.

[@shelleylee8774]

We've had our medium HR (with the old standard pump) for over 5 years. It has never given us a moment's trouble. I mostly freeze dry complete meals. It's just the two of us but I cook family-sized meals and freeze dry the leftovers. I also freeze dry eggs when our chickens are producing more than we can eat. For long-term storage and possible future food insecurity, I don't think we will care about slight textural differences. This is really an investment in your family's future. Thanks for a great video.

[@MSLILLY4533]

I'm so very glad you're working with Harvest Right you are giving your community so many valuable options in food preservation. I can't wait to see all the wonderful ideas you have for freeze drying. God Bless❤

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hi Friend! I am really enjoying how fast I can just put food on trays and let this machine do the work. Between canning, dehydrating and now freeze drying, I'll be able to continue to stockpile my pantry for home and my folks!

[@Tjensen999]

All the explanations given is the very reason why I purchased my Freese Dryer a few years ago. 😍

[@crystalh1402]

I get so much encouragement from you because my home is a similar size and I have always felt it’s just too difficult but now I have the proof in my own pantry that it is possible. Thank you for lending me the courage to just try.

[@annamccosker7878]

I'm so happy to see you again! You always make me smile. I wish our stores had regularly marked down food items, however, we have so many ppl jammed into our local area.

[@carolynsinyard5215]

I absolutely love our freeze dryer from Harvest Right. We have only had our freeze dryer for almost three months and it has already paid for it's self. Thank you for sharing this video with us. Have a blessed day.

[@crystalwilliams9125]

So glad you put this on this week! Just finished paying off our freeze drier this past week and it will be shipped soon. The more knowledge the better!!

[@JeanHudson2022]

I have watched a lot of video's on freeze drying and never seen meats or lasagna or meals in general so thank you for this. I have wanted one for a long time. My sister down the road bought one at Christmas time. He might of used it maybe 2 dozen times she does candies mostly. I am going to try her freeze drying for things like this to see if I like the flavor and texture of rehydrated. I also never seen them rehydrate meals like this. So thanks for always showing it all. I have seen people down south make their scrapple. Was interesting watching her make it

[@Liqidslver]

Thanks for the close ups on the food. I know we won't be going for it right away but it is something we are eyeballing hoping the technology gets cheaper soon. For now its great to have an few ideas on how to even use it.

[@explordition]

Excellent presentation - these are the type of demos/reviews people really need to inform a decision. Well conceived, written and executed. Thank you

[@taliluna3746]

Your video was suggested in the right-hand column, and I am so thankful! I feel like I have found a kindred spirit. THIS video is perfect for the information I was looking for. I just subscribed to your channel and will follow you dutifully. Many thanks for your contributions!!!

[@freedomis4all]

In this case, I would love having buyer's remorse, it'd mean I was able to buy myself one.

[@gelwood99]

Same!

[@siasgal62]

I’m going to be purchasing one the fall to freeze dry herbs, meals and candy for my family. Thank you for showing us how you use it, as it’s been educational. I’m glad you could freeze dry the scrapple for your Mom…it was my Mom and Dad’s favorite when they were alive.

[@kewpiefan72]

You are such an amazing content creator! Love your passion!

[@tshoptiludro]

Just havta say how much I enjoy your videos. Thx a billion from Jemez Springs, NM.

[@suzannepoffel2160]

Thanksss... I was raised and my family's in Maryland! and enjoyed

[@betterlivingonabudget]

LOVE this video, and thanks for the inspo! I'm from Kansas, and one of my fondest childhood memories was visiting my German Gma who would occasionally treat us with slices of knip. It's very close to scrapple. I'd never thought about it until this video, but knip a/k/a scrapple, would be delicious thinly sliced and freeze dried - kind of like a dry beef jerky - yum! Great point about freeze-drying preserving vitamins and minerals!

[@donnamullins2089]

Oh my goodness Cassandra you are on a roll. Everything looks really good. I need a neighbor who has a freeze dryer. I thought about you today at our Brookshire's Grocery. Must be a new policy if it doesn't sell it is off the shelf and sells for $1. Rao's 24oz Italian sausage & mushroom sauce exp 2027, Mezzetta Basil Pesto 6.25oz jar exp 2027, Amora Pesto paste exp 5/25 and Amora tomato paste 4.5oz from Italy exp 11/26. Organic brown sugar 1lb. Lots of baby food in squeeze pouches you name it. The bins were full. I only purchased 20 items. The Rao's is $14.79 each at Walmart. I almost choked. Right place, right time. I was only there to buy fresh corn 3/1$ and Duke's Mayo was on sale. Came out with 20 extra bargains. ha ha

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hey Donna! Always god to see you lady! Honey those are stellar prices and see---the sales are out there and as a preserver, you can take advantage of that. High five for you friend!!

[@sheilawilliams6282]

Thank you so much Cassandra for sharing. I would love to have a freeze drier one day. I always enjoy all of tips and suggestions. Thank you so much

[@tinakoziol1690]

When rehydrating meat use broth to give the freeze dried and vegetables better flavor! I have found fruit works the best in the freeze dryer and eating them that way is great. Cucumbers can be seasoned and freeze dried into chips! Awesome snack. Options are endless!

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

It’s a wonderful option for preserving food while keeping the nutritional value high. Thank you for sharing. I hope your mom loved getting the scrapple in the mail!

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

She was so tickled! Usually when she visits, she'll eat scrapple EVERY morning because she can't find it in the stores in Florida, but now, she has her own stash. She was beyond excited and now when she's up, she's going to freeze dry the food herself and pack it in her suitcase!

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

@@BecomingaFarmGirl Love it!

[@ronm6585]

Very cool device. I'm in Canada and this is the first time I have heard of scrapple. Thanks for sharing.

[@Just-Nikki]

I love how much space I save just from powdering FD tomato sauce, pumpkin puree, eggs, applesauce, broth etc. I just scoop out what I need and reconstitute it. You’re gonna have so much fun playing with it!

[@alsmokent5719]

I love this video. I've had my freeze dryer for months but never used it. I recently started setting it up. fears. this video is inspiring. thank you

[@pamt8430]

Jump in and try something simple like frozen veggies from the grocery store that are on sale, like corn, peas, green beans (smaller veg.) Start on a weekend off. I understand the nervousness, trust and believe, but once you get that first batch done and put away you'll be like....I got this!!!

[@karenbrooks9251]

excellent presentation!! thank you!

[@09echols]

I'm glad you have your freeze dryer. Mine is on the list of desired appliances

[@veronica978]

Same

[@maryhulen7277]

Not happy with ours. The mushrooms were great. But meatballs tasted like styrofoam. Don’t do milk. It’s far more convenient to buy already powdered freeze dried organic milk. Ours stopped working a week after the warranty expired. Fruit does well. Some veggies do well. Don’t do onions.

[@startingoverhomestead6503]

Why not do onions?

[@dcgirl8765]

How long is the warranty?

[@BlueJadeU]

Which brand did you buy?

[@laurasonnier]

Ditto to the three above questions

[@irony11]

​@@startingoverhomestead6503Some people have complained about the smell. I think most people place it in another area away from the main living area to avoid either the smells or the noise. That eliminates the issue. Freeze dry onions, garlic etc and blend for your own powders.

[@melissacasler9017]

love ours! we pre freeze everything as it makes the process faster...I havent done raw meat - may have to try that! happy freeze drying!

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hello! Coming from the pressure canning, regular dehydration world I am blown away at how hands off the process it. I can literally take what I've already cooked or frozen, and now I have an option to store items that I can't can (milk, eggs, other dairy). Wow---I'll be able to stock and store so much more for my house and my folks. So glad you're having a great experience too!

[@charlotteparton8581]

I LOVE my freeze dryer!! Great video

[@vahultman860]

Soooo love the Carhart!

[@kimproffitt3419]

I'm so glad to see you freeze drying now! We talked last year at the HOA about you needing to get a freeze dryer. Now you will never have any food waste and don't have to worry if you have enough freezer space. I love mine. Can't wait for you to do fresh herbs, oh my goodness - they are wonderful! Can't wait to see you at HOA this year! xoxo

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hey Kim! Girl, this has been a game changer already! I'm so glad you prodded me because what I've realized is that I now I can easily double what I can stock simply because the freeze dryer can run without me needing to be so hands on in the ways that canning and dehydrating require. Canning is and will always be my joy, but you cannot beat throwing raw (or cooked) meat, meals, fruits and veggies on a tray and walking away. And now I'll be able to preserve dairy items and eggs! I've been loving it so far! Are you coming to HOA this year too?

[@Just-Nikki]

@@BecomingaFarmGirlI love my All American canner but I recently got an electric canner and it does all the work. It’s basically like using an Instant Pot and doesn’t require babysitting.

[@s.oliver5735]

I love this video! I have been freeze drying a lot of veggies, meals, and cooked meat. You inspired me to branch out to raw meats. I just finished 4 gallons of raw ground beef that I caught on sale. I eat delicious leftovers from a mason jar every day for lunch, rehydrated with hot water. Tastes just like fresh.

[@renitameares3838]

I have had my FIRST medium freeze dryer (Harvest Right) for 3 years and added a 2nd one 2 months ago. There is a learning curve and I still can’t but I love freeze drying and using the foods that I process. There is convenience and no nutrients are lost unlike in canning. Before I purchased my first one, I spent thousands on freeze dried foods for about 5 years. I could have saved thousands if I had that machine earlier but I like to research and watch before taking the big plunges. For those who are on the fence, make sure that when you do make that purchase, READ THE MANUEL. WATCH EVERY KZbin VIDEO OUT THERE. Become familiar with your machine before you start and don’t rely on Facebook groups. They did their research and homework. You should do the same.

[@aunttiasbackyard5028]

What I really did not expect was to see someone freeze drying RAPA scrapple! I feel seen Sis! Love it.

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Haha! We love us some scrapple around here! And now my mom loves that I can mail it to her :) As the saying goes---preserve what you eat and eat what you preserve. I knew showing scrapple might draw a few stares, but for those who get it (like you) you get it!

[@amyschmelzer6445]

My parents are midwesterners but I went to college in Virginia where scrapple was served in the cafeteria. I don’t remember sampling it because I never ate it at home and just wasn’t that adventurous. It didn’t make a big impression on me if I did try it.

[@suzieo8230]

Your video is the best one on freeze drying I have seen yet! I might even have to try this stuff you call scrapple. :)

[@carolclarkson4859]

We love our harvest right. Had it for over three years now. Your video is really good. Please show more!

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Thank you!, Carol! Will do!

[@tawanajackson5545]

Oh girl I love your coffee cup ❤

[@babyana231]

Wow thanks. And also really the quality of your video. Very clear. I’m wondering what type of camera you a re using?

[@stephanievarnes9428]

Love your idea of FDing scrapple. Will try that with my family's recipe using hot sausage. I FD Vidalia onions, (raw chopped), when @ their cheapest in spring and use the rest of the year. Preshredded cheddar and mozzarella are super easy and go into canning jars. Thanks for the FD ideas!

[@danellehoward1906]

I grew up in SE Pennsylvania. That scrapple brought back memories!! Looking forward to my freeze dryer arriving soon and being able to try these ideas :)

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Isn't scrapple the BEST?!!!!

[@thefrankperspective4247]

I looked up for a second, then heard brake bleeder hose, and thought I accidentally switched videos. This is easily in the top 10 best thought out kitchens in terms of approach and equipment

[@robininva]

I love scrapple. My daddy made it and I don’t make it enough! Thanks for the reminder!!

[@sandyseas8355]

LOVE ur channel; you are so thorough. I can't wait to get one. BTW, Pinterest has recipes for Scrapple ❤

[@debbiehullen-be2kz]

I too am a native MD girl but have never had scrapple. 😅 I think my mom probably never ate it so that is why. I did recently purchase a pound package at a farmers market for my mother in law and she was thrilled! Hello from Ellicott City! 👋

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thank you so much my dear friend for a wonderful video and thanks for letting me know so much great information. I watched from the beginning to the end. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Warrior-In-the-Garden]

YES!!! "Punch above her wt. class" you in a nutshell my friend! You are a PRESERVATION POWERHOUSE!!!!

[@lindalanham9487]

Haha I am in Maryland. Bern eating scrapple my whole life. Love it! Great video!

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hello fellow Marylander! Those that 'get it', get it. I love scrapple! As the saying goes "eat what you preserve and preserve what you eat!"

[@marciahohn4521]

excellent video!! Thank-you!

[@dollydog5]

I love this! And I love your food mindset! I have a large Harvest Right machine still in the box, as for the past few months, we have been unsure if we are transferring to a new state. I've been waiting to get started. I love the idea of buying sale meats. We may be moving to Alaska for work. Thus, I am envisioning hunted moose and caribou, copious amounts of salmon, gallons of wild blueberries, and U-pick farm veggies and fruits (actually a thing in Alaska!). I can't wait to have so much abundance near me that we can harvest for almost free. Alaska has earthquakes, so I have been worried about using my canning jars (unless I can figure out a really great way to keep them safe if a quake hits). Doing all this in mylar bags feels much safer, since food security is important to me.

[@tracyg4783]

My favorite thing to freeze dry is stock. We live in a 900 sq foot house and storage space is at a premium. I can fit 2 gallons of stock into a 1/2 gallon jar. It rehydrates beautifully and you don’t loose the nutrients that you do by canning it. I do recommend pre-freezing just for less mess and shorter time running the freeze dryer but you don’t have to.

[@pobo6113]

I wish I had not bought mine. What a waste of money, electricity, and time. It does take not just hours but days to run.

[@dcgirl8765]

I looked at this a year or so ago and couldn’t figure out if it would finish in a reasonable time. Thanks for sharing.

[@malibu405]

That's our experience as well. Couple days

[@irony11]

The time varies on how thick or thin the items are. It also depends on the moisture content and if you pre freeze the item or not. Many people pre freeze the items as the freezer is already running. Slide the trays in the freezer for hours or a day(s) ahead of time. This will save time in the freeze dryer itself.

[@vernonmatthews3445]

Another aspect is the MT's. MT's are in essence, the root of Freeze Drying. The lower the MT's, the closer to the perfect vacuum. Hence, the faster and more efficient the processing. I believe Harvest Right shoots for minimum of 500 MT's. Yet with their supplied hose with a superior seal, I get down to the mid 300's. It's had a great impact on the overall efficiency of our output.

[@Shaniqua63]

Yes but doesn't cost much to run ​@malibu405

[@whizkid9124]

My mom said take a mini step weigh before and after then you know how much water to add. Thanks for posting!

[@doriethiessen9138]

I think that's a duck egg! The shell had a translucence to it and was larger than a chicken egg (at least it appeared that way). A guinea egg is small, very pointy on one side and speckled. Love your videos!

[@sura-quayarbon6055]

Since you love scrapple it would be worth checking out goetta (pronounced get-Ah), it is similar and cooked the same way you cook/serve scrapple. Is from the Ohio/Cincinnati region. I actually enjoy it better, it's a bit heartier since scrapple sometimes can be a bit mushy from the cornmeal. Goetta is a bit grainer and uses beef and pork with pinhead oats, onion, garlic and seasoning. It's actually fun to make at home from scratch.

[@barrowpeter604]

Very informative Video

[@heidiw8406]

Our biggest problem with the freeze dryer is where to use it. We have a small house and it is loud. We store it in our bedroom and move it to the livingroom while in use, because it is so loud. It also overheats easily. We still use it, but wish we had an air conditioned out building or basement to put it in.

[@k.p.1139]

Honey, you are a ray of sunshine! I was in the kitchen talking with the Lord, and started thinking about making cereal - quick duck-go search and there you are. I have a freeze dryer, and hadn't dove into raw meats, because well...I just haven't. I'm thinking NOW, I just might give it a shot... Especially- scrapple. We do miss that from PA! I get your husband too! I'm from Fl., spousal unit is from PA. I had never heard of it until we visited Lancaster. It's pretty good! 😊😊 Tell your Mama that Publix does have scrapple- frozen. But, the family, unless desperate says, ummm, it's just OK! 🤣🤣

[@emekasearthgems3376]

Thanks for sharing 💜

[@kcsunshine6416]

Love the video. My only concern about a freeze dryer is that there have been some problems with operation/breakdown/non-function, and what I have heard and read has kept me from purchasing.

[@barbragil440]

Thanks for a great video…Well done! The newer freeze driers come with 5 trays and the heating sealer. Did you get an older model?

[@stephenross4333]

I appreciate your videos. Apparently you can pre-freeze food in your regular freezer to save time in the Harvest Right. Been thinking about getting one of these, but so expensive. Main negative I hear is that they need to be repaired from time to time, requiring shipping back factory (heavy & expensive). If I buy, I'll use your affiliate link. LOVE your Brake Bleeder suggestion. Former Texan, now happily in the Pacific Northwest.

[@Imjetta7]

I LOVE mine!

[@oldchickenlady]

Your kitchen is beautiful

[@debbiesykes5491]

Thanks for sharing Cassandra I wish I could afford one of these but right now not in my future

[@jackiesnowflake2255]

I have two dryers a med and my mom’s small one. I have 33 hens, nuf said😂 yah I’m freeze drying eggs galore! I do a lot of vegetables and then powder them and fruits too. Meat is another one I love to do. If I’ve canned something that I don’t care mostly vegetables for I will powder it and put them in soup or casseroles.

[@marcfruchtman9473]

Freeze Drying is super interesting stuff. Also, the quality of the video image is really great. Thanks for the video! So, were you basically saying, that you wished someone had told you about the cool saving factor? or was there some other question that I missed... Also, to Anyone not sure about the "taste", you could just order 1 or 2 packets of freeze dried food online.

[@sheissunshine]

Scrapple? Definitely a regional thing never heard of it lol! Great video!

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Totally! It's a dish made from scraps of pork meat, usually trimming, combined with cornmeal and spices and is soooo tasty!!!

[@thechristinediane]

The Appalachians have livermush, a similar (but not the same) dish that is pan-fried the same way. My grand dad from Philly was the family expert on the Scrapple vs. Livermush comparison. As I recall, Scrapple has a nuanced, rich flavor with a variety of soft pig parts + grain + spice. Livermush has pig liver + grain + spice.

[@siasgal62]

It’s a Jersey thing too…I grew up eating it and I’m now 62 but I no longer eat it.

[@heidiw8406]

@@siasgal62 A friend of mine is from Jersey and talks about scrapple all the time.

[@katieauth8979]

Couple tips… been freeze drying for four plus years… 1. You can reconstitute with any ‘liquid’… be creative. Broth, more pasta sauce, beer etc 2. When eating FD foods not reconstituted make sure you drink LOTs of water so you don’t get backed up 💩 3. Herbs, herbs, and more herbs!! There just isn’t a better preservation method for herbs!

[@ohiofarmgirl3384]

You have scrapple and in SW Ohio/N. KY, we have Goetta

[@adamevans9697]

You don't become a farm person, once you consumed food you belong among us 😊

[@chelseycarrillo8824]

Being a military family as well this allows me to preserve as much food as I want without the added weight and fragility of canning. It's always a battle to get the movers to pack our home canned goods 😒 . I have not regretted the purchase of our large freeze drier. I almost feel guilty if I don't have it running.

[@ChristianLove7]

Love that mug❤️!!! Where can I get one🤔?

[@tawanajackson5545]

I want one and am saving and almost there.

[@blueraven2345]

But you have an addressed one of the most important components in its evaluation and that is the actual mouth feel and taste of the end product. Everything else was very helpful and thank you for that.

[@demitaylor8873]

Yea, they're great,WHEN THEY WORK!! My machine as NEVER worked ANDthe customer service SUCKS!!! GOOD LUCK I'VE HAD MINE FOR A YR..

[@melsolomon8256]

Did you contact Harvest Right to upgrade your Freeze Dryer last year? You should be able to get an insert to make it a 5 shelf dryer.

[@lajra9763]

Brilliant idea using a flat iron! My only problem is that freeze dryers are far too expensive. I can't afford one.

[@tammycarr9637]

scrapple is definitely a MD thing :) I send it to my brother in TX regularly :) Freeze drying would def be easier and cheaper lol

[@Vanfamshow]

Hello there 👋🏻 I live in Florida if she has a Publix near by in the freezer section there scrabble. If she has a rose IGA by the breakfast food is fresh scrabble.

[@rebeccabrook8804]

SCRAPPLE! My late husband was from Maryland and loved that stuff. He searched for it in GA and I swear when he finally found one it had dust on the package.

[@BecomingaFarmGirl]

Hey Rebecca! When my mom comes to visit, she will prepare scrapple EVERY DAY because she has searched all over and the stores don't even carry it down south and hardly anyone knows what it is. She was too tickled to get the package of scrapple I mailed her! Us Marylanders love love, LOVE our scrapple!

[@garynicholls72]

Hi Gary from the UK here grate video very interesting and informative keep them coming, So how much is the unit, how much does it cost for extras e.g bags and other stuff

[@JazzyMamaInAK]

PA/DE girl here - totally understand the scrapple deficiency. A friend mailed us some a couple of times. Did you cook it first?(I'm listening while driving)

[@TrixieJFerguson]

Texas checking in … I’ve never even heard of anything called scrapple. 🤷🏽‍♀️ What is it? I have the Med Pro Harvest Right (5 tray). I’ve only run a few loads but so far I love mine.

[@joannastryker1151]

Thank you for this useful information. I have taken other courses and no one really gave me the tea. P.S. why don't you do a vid on how to cook/season scrapple. I mean I would NEVER have though that was edible, lol.