5 Month Old Zucchini, Chicken Melts | Freeze Dryer Experiments

[@LittleMountainRanch]

I heard back from Allison after I was done filming, and she said not to worry about oxygen absorbers or vacuum sealing the jar if we're going to use the food up right away. Have a wonderful day, friends!

[@desiree3488]

If you leave the root end on the onion when slicing it won’t burn. It works for me every time.

[@joannak4640]

Love you, girl ❤️

[@mikalasimpson7789]

When courgette grows into a marrow the UK hollows it out and stuffs it

[@brendahoffer5534]

Sometimes if you use two lids, one facing up towards the vaccuum lid and the other correctly on the jar, it will help your lid seal. Hope this makes sense :)

[@elizabethpendleton3421]

You should try vacuum sealing a jar again but remove the hose from the plastic sealing top first to release it's seal, then remove the the plastic adapter. Also, you can clean your dutch oven with Bar Keepers Friend it works great on any baked on crud extremely well without scrubbing. Just wet whatever your cleaning and put the powder on the crud creating a paste, let it sit for a minute to activate and then wipe with a rag. Or make a paste on the rag and spread it it around letting it sit for minute before wiping. My choice is the first way, using my finger to make a paste.

[@aneenvanniekerk7029]

You have such a calm nature and I feel so much less stressed and calm after watching your videos! Thank you for putting so much positivity into the world! You don’t know what an impact you have in our lives! 😊

[@LittleMountainRanch]

You are so welcome!

[@carmancloud]

As for things in the background, I can’t speak for anyone else but all I ever see is how hard you work and what great care you are taking of your family! 👏❤️

[@LittleMountainRanch]

I appreciate that!

[@heatherpfeil2939]

Don’t stress about if your kitchen is tidy or not; it’s a real house with a real family. Looks like my kitchen! We’re cooking together😁

[@lisabooker6405]

Chelsea you can use a brake bleeder and your food saver lids (the white part you use to suck the air out) to remove the air from your jars and no electricity is required. I’m sure Dan probably has a brake bleeder since he works on so many things. If you look on RainCountry Homestead Heidi has tons of videos on it. I actually have the food saver but just use the brake bleeder so I don’t have to drag out the clunky machine all the time. Lol Hope this helps. Love and hugs ~Lisa

[@KrafTlady61]

I LOVE my brake bleeder. So easy to get out, use and put away. I also learned about it from RainCountry.

[@ldg2655]

when using the jar attachment, try disconnecting the tubing from the lid. Maybe that would release the suction in the lid, allowing you to remove it without losing your jar’s suction.

[@weloveourkittens]

That is how I do it with no problems. Most times I will rerun it just to get extra air out. The seal is much tighter running it a second and third time.

[@daralynnhale1565]

We use parchment paper for anything that contains sugar or starch One year later still don't use the silicone mats. Mangoes are absolutely delicious. Our journey has been single items like you would shop your pantry to make meals. Mac and cheese does fantastic. Any grapes or tomatoes cut in half :) Lemon and orange slices are fantastic and easy to rehydrate. Ground hamburger meat is my favorite time saver freeze dried meat :) Tips from your Oklahoma friend :) 1870's Homestead! Love them!!!!

[@ldg2655]

I was wondering if parchment paper or waxed paper could be used to line the trays with, and if the grit stuck to the paper or not.

[@robingirven4570]

@@ldg2655 I use parchment- haven’t used the silicone mats yet 🤷‍♀️

[@kristiebaker7125]

Do not be dicouraged with the sealer. The regular mouth accessory does not work well by itself but if you invert a second lid (sealant side up) on top of the main lid, you will approach 100 % . This is NOT a problem with wide mouth sealing. Kris in Orlando

[@kathleenhamilton483]

You have to take off the hose from the jar before you disconnect it from the jar top. Once I learned that I haven't had a problem. You can use two lids if still having trouble, but take the hose off the jar before you disconnect it from the jar top attachment.

[@tjeanvlogs9894]

I'm a microgreens grower. At the density you have with your first round of peas, cut and come again will work for a short period unless you add fertilizer to the water. Bottom watering is best if you are doing this. I add fish fertilizer to a strong compost tea and add this to my bottom watering tray highly diluted. Normally you cut the microgreens closer to the medium so regrowth isn't likely. If you plant denser, you run into mold issues though bottom water does minimize this. For your grow room. Move the cooler germinating plants down towards where it is cooler. A bowel of water with a plate as a lid to evaporate in the room to increase the humidity. Adjust the lid for more or less humidity. You can run a draped shower curtain along the front of the shelves to create the microclimate your plants need. From your friendly maritime pac north wet permaculturist.

[@LittleMountainRanch]

Thank you so much for your tip! I saved this one.😊

[@vickyprice1932]

Don't stress about the little things. With little drips and a cluttered window seal, it's just life and a happy family. 😊 ❤️ We enjoy watching you not your little messes.

[@jackthornton2510]

Hi this is Christine from Az. I use the hand held food saver vacuum sealer for my wide and regular mouth jars. I have the big food saver but I only use it to seal bags. I do not use an oxygen absorber if you take all the air out by vacuum sealing in my jars. I have never had an issue with the seal lids popping off. I just gently rock the adapter off Love your growing room. I ordered the special lids to try to grow my own sprouts in Mason jars. I will have to look up on your site to see how you grow your spouts so I do correctly. Thank you for being such a great teacher and homestead influencer❤️

[@janetpaulsen195]

So much fun content. It was fun listening to the kids off camera giving their opinions.

[@kathleenritter4532]

I've seen that RoseRed used 2 lids to get the first one to seal. That way the cap pulls the one on top instead of pulling the sealed lid when you take it off. I've been researching this because I'm adding food savor to my preservation tools this year.

[@LittleMountainRanch]

That makes sense!

[@kevinsleeter8830]

I was going to mention doing this. It helps increase success rate for us.

[@TrishInThePiedmont]

I saw that also and I have a food saver. I also purchased the vacuum jar sealer accessories. Both sizes. I’ve only used brand new lids so far and have only needed to use one. I’m curious about when I reuse lids that I originally used for canning. I may need to start using two in that scenario.

[@barbcutright5581]

I believe that just has to be done for the regular mouth lids. I think the wide mouth do fine.

[@melindawargowsky8176]

It sometimes works for me. And sometimes I put one upside down on top of the other.

[@kathleenroberts7972]

Try lighting a candle and keep it burning near by when chopping onions. I love this freeze dried adventure, that's a part of homesteading I haven't tried.

[@scotserve]

Looks absolutely gorgeous.

[@suziereinhart7975]

Hi you can also vacuum seal all your jars and or Mylar bags in the freeze dryer machine. You can do numerous jars at once . We’ve had a FD for 5 years and have learnt some tricks. Also liners for the trays you can use cut up parchment paper but can get pricey so we use oven liners that we have cut up and they are washable and reusable. This trick makes it a lot easier to scoop stuff up and won’t stick. Much faster process.

[@doriskuhberger8559]

Hello Chelsea. I usually don't comment or your videos. I put my onions in freezer for half hour before I use them. That helps a lot. Love your videos. I learn so much from them. Thank you so much for sharing. Love and Blessings to you all. Doris, Penrith 🇦🇺🦘

[@kayemoore]

I am a freeze dryer - Harvest Right Large for a year now. I’m not trying to be bossy, just trying to be helpful. WARM your freeze dried foods before removing from the FD to avoid instant (and often intense) condensation aka moisture! You will be much happier with a much longer lasting FD product 😍

[@deno.520]

I love how you've turned one of your least favourite activities into content that is entertaining, informative and inspiring. The perfect example of turning lemons into lemonade.

[@LittleMountainRanch]

My favourite comment in reference to my kitchen video ever!!❤️

[@ashleycarwile6427]

I have the rechargeable vacuum sealer and love it. Try removing the hose from the top before taking it off the jar. It releases the pressure

[@thispreparedlife]

Hi Chelsea! Tip on the sticking I use parchment paper. I cut pieces to fit and use them over and over until they are too dirty.

[@kerryberry142]

Grandkids love when I do freeze dried fruit. Strawberries and apples are the favorites! Second favorite is skittles and caramel lol

[@gracieshepardtothemax1743]

Not once did I notice your “cluttered” window sill. But it did make me realize mine matches yours! Great video once again! I live in Alberta but am watching on vacation in Dominican! Cheers!

[@dolorescampbell]

With the vacuum sealer, try disconnecting the hose from the adapter before trying to remove it as that works for me.

[@chrisanndunn8814]

Have you ever thought about the time it takes to grow the food, harvest, can, and now freeze dry? Time is valuable. Hmmmmm, something to think about. Love watching you in your kitchen, it truly is my blood pressure pill.

[@ldg2655]

I just paid my freeze dryer off yesterday… it will ship in 2 weeks! I can’t wait!!

[@LittleMountainRanch]

Yay!!

[@cindy-ki8ex]

When you use the vacume sealer you need to detach the hose first and then take off the lid attachment and it should work then.

[@vickyprice1932]

Lol 🤣 love the big pink hat your little one had on!!! ❤️🤣

[@maritzakincaid4303]

I too have a high sensitivity to chopping onions but I have found a genius way (at least I think so😂) to avoid that altogether. I chop up a full bag of onions out on my back porch, with my food processor or by hand. The breeze helps keep the fumes from irritating my eyes or sometimes I put a fan on. I then put the onions into gallon size freezer bags that I lay flat in my freezer., no thicker than 3/4". When I need chopped onion, I just break off a piece, it thaws very quickly. It has been a game changer for me.

[@stefuhfuhmarie]

So glad you can finally use your new freeze dryer! It seems to be one of the best ways to preserve stuff. The comment on the styrofoam feeling is exactly why I stopped buying freeze dried fruits! I’m such a weird texture person 😂 If I had one I would probably use it more for eggs / milk/ broth/ spices / herbs than direct eating snacks. ❤

[@susanvandermolen4677]

Hi Chelsea, I love following your site and seeing what is going on at Little Mountain Ranch. I want to tell you about how I peel and chop onions, which always made me tear up when I chopped. I have to say this idea came from my husband. We have a fan above the stove that is vented outside, so when I have more than one onion to chop, I take my cutting board to the stove top and turn the fan on high. It seems to suck up all the onion fumes and I never cry any more when chopping onions. It doesn't look like you have a vent/fan, but it may be worth the investment with all the cooking and preserving you do. All the best.

[@redgingerbreadpam]

Absolutely enjoyed it. I love the realness if your videos in a real kitchen & cozy home.

[@AOKUrbanHomestead1]

May you always be blessed as you teach us and all your people so much. Thank you

[@weloveourkittens]

I always take the hose off the white mason jar sealer first after vacuuming it. That way, you are not putting pressure on the seal.

[@lizhaynes3524]

Living Traditions did a video on the cost of running their freeze drier that was very informative while using a power monitor

[@momthebest5908]

We use parchment paper on our trays to help with any sticking problems. Also, we slice our apples like you would for pie and dust the apples with cinnamon sugar before pre-freezing.

[@robingirven4570]

I just pulled my first batch out this morning- bananas and apples! Too funny They do have super lids! They work great!

[@garybenaszeski3465]

Hi Kelsey, just started watching your channel, your one busy hard working women! We have had a large freeze drier for several years and just love it with over a 100 cycles on it and it works great. I hate to bring you bad news but like you guys we have large gardens, a dozen or so mature fruit trees and a small vineyard (about a quarter acre) and your quickly going to find you needed the large drier. In fact we just placed an order for the new model XL drier today. We had our larger drier going going 24x7 for 2 and a half months and just could not process everything we wanted to. Any way we like the channel and good luck!

[@chrissyfrancis8952]

Keep trying the jar sealer. I have to do it several time too & my FoodSaver is new. The trick is to make SURE it locks on(snaps when it does) the jar before sealing.

[@shfrederick1]

FYI...When the food saver stops, immediately pull the hose out of the attachment on the jar. Then remove the lid attachment from the jar. Then detach the hose from the machine. I hope this helps.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Really enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@robynclarke5274]

I had a clut of zucchini recently (we are in the southern hemisphere) so I made zucchini boats, one with chicken and mexican flavours and another with tuna mornay. These were a great hit. I now want to make a relish. I have just bought some sprouting peas, yours looked great. I also got some broccoli seeds for sprouting. I grew up on sprouts they are so good for you. Live food is the best.

[@harrietmartens742]

Hi Chelsea the bananas and apples turned out very nice. When doing bananas the peel can have brown spots on it, but if there is browning on the inside, cut that part out and do not freeze dry that piece. When the inside of the banana get too ripe they will explode up and can make a real mess inside the freeze dryer - it’s caused by all the If you are eating the fruit soon and not long term storing no oxygen absorbers is needed. When doing strawberries it is best to slice them up, plus add more dry time at the end of the cycle because the seeds retain extra moisture. Also do not mix frozen and not frozen foods in the same batch

[@alesiawallin3860]

Freeze dried lemons are wonderful in tea!

[@metamud8686]

I just use a break-bleeder together with those white pop-on vacuum suckers that you showed. About twenty hand-pumps per jar and they're absolutely perfectly vacuum for food. Tip from Heidy from Rain Country YT channel. No need for an electric vacuum pup to suck those jars vacuum; just use a breakbleeder and handpump. Great exercise for your handmuscles as well. Make sure to alternate which hand you use to pump between jars, so both hands improve equally in strength. 🙂

[@dianneb208]

So fun to have the freeze dryer. I had a zucchini last into winter. I diced it up into soup, thinking the skin would soften - and it didn't! I had to pick it out when eating. I hope the skin was soft for your muffins. My sourdough recipe calls for 25 gm of oil, I use about 15 - it makes for a softer loaf and yes, I also am amazed with sourdough. Such a gift! Take care.

[@katehassen6021]

Just had a thought about trying to grow lettuce and cooler growing plants. Since cold sinks the lower shelves might be a better place to put those trays.

[@leoratriden8757]

hey Chelsea! found your channel about a month ago & wanted to tell you that you're my new favorite! thanks for sharing!

[@LittleMountainRanch]

Thank you so much and welcome!

[@pamt8430]

Hey Chelsea!! Great video as usual. Before you "give up" vacuuming sealing jars try taking the hose out first before removing the attachment or try an older lid since they are thinner. (no clue if that would work.) Thanks for all your videos!!! 😁 LOL guess I should have watched a few mins more before commenting.

[@sgrvtl7183]

Your pea shoots look very healthy & substantial. Enjoy all your videos~

[@krishunter6355]

When using the food saver vacuum lids sometimes you can use two lids at a time. This helps it seal for some reason. Nice job on the freeze dryer

[@debminder4420]

Remove hose from jar first before removing part that covers lid. Hope that makes since. Also use parchment paper on freeze dryer trays. Helps and saves money.

[@weloveourkittens]

One of my most favorite things to freeze dry is herbs. They dry really fast in the freeze dryer ... about 9 hours. My electric bill went up $100 a month running it 24/7. I have the small fd. Do as much freeze drying as you can in the winter and cooler months. The heat it produces is great in the winter time but hard in the summer in a humid and hot place. Raw eggs are my 2nd favorite food to freeze dry and then meats.

[@carriem7832]

You can use parchment paper to place juicy items on to dehydrate. I dehydrate pea shoots for green powder which is very expensive to buy. Great for smoothies and soup.

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good evening LIttle Mountain Ranch. I'll bet those chicken melts with micro greens left over from dinner will make the perfect lunch - especially with that chopped lemon zest. I most certainly can't wait to try them!

[@jmt7676]

I'm learning so much watching your channel. So pleased I found you.

[@LittleMountainRanch]

Welcome!

[@teakkabean5369]

We use a bread saw. They are excellent for fresh bread and there is a guide so all slices are the same thickness. Love mine.

[@barbmoyer6345]

Using a scoop for cupcakes/muffins is great for consistent sizes and nice round tops. Great for klutzes like me :)

[@elenacuthbertson2954]

Chelsea try taking the hose off of the lid sealer before removing it. That’s what I do with no problem ❤

[@ljnewton]

For the air sealer i found that you have to take the nozzle out of the lid before you remove the cap and it will stay sealed. May take some practice.

[@ksd6122]

Chelsea, I really enjoy your content and learn a lot. Thank you for sharing. I’m looking forward to more freeze dried stories as you get accustomed to incorporating it into your leftover care, preserving, etc.

[@fredsimmons2793]

Hearing you and the family chewing that fruit was like music to my ears Chelsea.

[@leahsiemens1424]

Just found your channel. It's like KZbin knows I love watching people with freeze driers and homesteads :-D A few freeze drying tips: Don't pack your food cold. When I first got my machine, I set the extra dry time to 12 hours (see your manual for how to do it) so that if it's done in the middle of the night or while I'm away, I still have 12 hours to get to it before it goes back to freezing it. And as someone already suggested, add some parchment to your trays if you have sugary foods like fruit. I would also recommend a layer of parchment on TOP if you're doing blueberries as they tend to splatter a lot. You also need to make sure the skins have been pierced so the liquid has some way of escaping. Lots to learn! But I love my machine! You can also learn a lot from Retired at 40: Live Life Simple (KZbin and Facebook) :-) Happy freeze drying! Keep up the great work!

[@bcworth444]

Super impressed with the longevity of that zucchini!

[@karenchaney9160]

I can see eating peanut butter with the apples and Nutella with the bananas perfect snacks

[@dasroberts6811]

I find that parchment paper works better than the silicone mats. Also be sure to drink plenty of fluids when eating freeze dried foods. When using the vacuum sealer, remove the tubing from the top as soon as the vacuum stops suctioning and then remove the top cover. Everything you make looks delicious!

[@lunachic03dh]

I just have to say - I found your channel not too long ago && I’m so happy I did!!! I absolutely love watching your videos!! All the information - cooking - projects!!! What a FANTASTIC resource for all things!!! I especially enjoy your cooking - you bustling through the kitchen making 3-4 things. You’re so efficient, knowledgeable and fun to watch!! Also loved the little 🐷 Too cute!! Thanks for all you do and share!! ONE DAY - I WOULD LOVE to be able to get a freeze dryer. I pressure can, water bath can, freeze with my Foodsaver, dehydrate, and even water glassed a jar of eggs - freeze dryer - options are endless!!!!

[@LittleMountainRanch]

Thank you so much for your kind words, and welcome!

[@elizabethlink3993]

💚 I love hearing about the freeze dried foods. Not sure I'll ever be able to get a freeze drier, but I'll keep it on my "Wish List". So cool that you're getting the sheep..and bred too! 💚

[@lynsmith2698]

Hi Chelsea. Regarding your cost to run the freeze dryer. When living tradition homestead got their freeze dryer he bought a metre to find out what a batch of freeze dried stuff cost and it turned out to be Pennie’s. Like a 24 hour run cost like under 50 cents if I remember correctly. Their hydro cost was comparable to ours here. I’m Excited for you and all the things you will dry. That’s incredible about the zucchini eh…who knew they would keep so well. Great video. Cheers 🌷

[@hitchhikerfromanothergalaxy]

I have the same old foodsaver you are trying to use. I can see what the problem is. Release the latch on the right side of the foodsaver (the green light will go out), then pull the suction tubing from the jar. Then try to pull the white jar closer from the jar. Should work.

[@debminder4420]

Absolutely love your channel and look forward to watching them every week.

[@sarahqueener946]

I love that you use goggles when cutting onions! I do the same thing. If I don’t, I am a crying mess. Lots of great meal ideas and loved seeing your grow room.

[@karacochran2091]

When we first used our vacum sealer. We had the same problem with the lid popping off and we pulled the hose out first then took the white top off

[@sarahludos7970]

I love the flavor that the lemons give to the chicken, my husband used to put the lemons under the skin, nice flavor as well.

[@lunayahwitch]

I’ve had that trouble with the jar sealer, when this happens I just use 2 lids during air removal, then when you remove the sealer, the addition of the extra lid allows removal without pulling off the lid that’s actually sealing to the jar.

[@deanscott8289]

Hi Chelsea, Alberta here again. You can seal your jars with the freeze dryer. Remove the seal ring from the chamber then unclip the harness at the back of the shelf unit and remove it. Put a cookie sheet in the bottom of the chamber and set in your unsealed jars. Leave the rings 1/4 turn from being tight. Put the door seal back on and close the drain. Now go to the settings on your screen and run the vacuum test for 60 seconds and voila your jars are sealed.

[@LittleMountainRanch]

Thanks so much for the tip!

[@angellaleboeuf3776]

Love watching you in the kitchen, so motivating! Thank you

[@daphnehouchins1769]

What I use to vacuum seal my jars with is a break bleeder. I know it sounds crazy , but it works every time. Just use your jar attachment and hook it to the break bleeder. Then, just pump it up to 12 to 15 depending on how big your jar is. You can get one on Amazon for less than $20.

[@kanderson8981]

Hey Chelsea, I only live 4hrs north of you and can relate to the weather concerns. Love your channel! I use the jar sealer often and I always have to hold the nozzle on the attatchment. That could possibly be why it didn't vacuum seal for you. I'm trying to say it's not hands free, lol. Ta for another great video:)

[@usbpphillips]

Push down on the jar sealer for a second and twist just a bit to help it get a good seal and then see how it does. I sometimes have to do this with my old food saver.

[@heathermorrison6983]

You can take the really big ones and dehydrate then grind up to make zucchini flour. I am learning about using zucchini flour to replace 1/3 of the flour called for in a recipe.

[@Bev437Sqn]

We finished 4 trays of strawberries last night and have 4 more trays of strawberries to go in tomorrow morning when the beet chips and garlic are finished tonight.

[@donnaa4775]

I hope those grow back again!! I love my freeze dryer, using it right now for ground chicken, sourdough starter and onions. I have to try the bananas now. Thank you and love your land.

[@pennynewell3459]

I use parchment paper when freeze drying fruit, works great. You can buy precut paper, but I buy a large roll and cut my own. Much cheaper.

[@bowenfamilyfarm9776]

I just love watching your channel. God's blessing to you and your family.

[@kukaburraFM]

I use 2 lids if I’m working with my food saver and the mason jar attachment to avoid pulling the one I want on my jar off.

[@TheOriginalBrian]

It's funny to see you going through this process as I have just been doing the same thing with my mom since I got her a freeze drier for Christmas. Try grapes they are like candy. It's great to see your channel growing so much recently. Keep making great videos.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Great video, Chelsea! It would be fun to have a freeze dryer, especially with kids. I doubt I’ll ever get one, as my kids are all up and out.

[@pauline-bc-com-missp]

The sun with the natural colour of the log walls makes it bright n beautiful. Also haw far away do you have to travel to get to a Costco or cdn tire? If I may ask

[@SerenityHomestead]

Hi Chelsea! If you take a little bit more of the bananas out of the jar then put a piece of napkin, coffee filter etc. your jar will seal beautifully.

[@knkbigelow]

Just fyi, you can vacuum seal with the harvest right, just touch the leaf in the upper left corner and it will pull up a diagnostic type menu, pick vacuum, make sure valve is closed and jar is inside with lid on like for canning and give it a minute or two.

[@dudeusmaximus6793]

Thanks for the freeze dryer feedback. Been looking to get one, not a ton of in depth feedback on the Utubes.

[@janisgriffin7278]

I think the dried fruit would be great instead of croutons in a fresh salad- we have used dried pineapple- delish in salad🥰❣️💁🏻 LOVE your goggles❣️My answer, as I have the same problem is have my husband, who willingly chops my onions, do this💁🏻♥️🥰‼️

[@memascabin1186]

Lol the goggles are the best lol

[@schisslerhomestead]

The bubbles are sugar! Oranges are the worst at sugar explosion but it tastes delicious. We have mats for ours, they work great for keeping things from sticking, but parchment paper works just the same. Peaches are the best. Strawberries and Raspberries are great and they work excellent to flavor homemade yogurt! I like the vacuum sealer idea, haven't tried that yet, we just throw Oxygen Absorbers in the jars. Love your channel, enjoy learning with you!

[@gillianmellin8315]

Don’t worry about how your kitchen looks like, nobody notices, honestly. It’s a family kitchen .As a mum of four grown up sons and now a grandmother of four , life is hectic and messy 🤣

[@rachellepollock9877]

Love your videos. I never heard of a freeze drier before you explained what it is and its purpose. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you.

[@janecannon5567]

Everything looks good and growing good.

[@ms.royahrens8777]

Living Traditions Homestead on YT did a cost analysis for their Freeze Dryer; and Deep South Homestead has shown the lids for the trays as well as the silicone mats. I hope someday to get a freeze dryer-I’ve watched sooo many channels and videos on them!!