One Year with a Freeze Dryer. Was it WORTH IT?

Today we are testing out more of our freeze dried food and giving our thoughts after owning a freeze dryer for nearly a year.
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[@HappyHealthyLiving]

The freeze dryer is such a valuable tool and a great investment. Most comments I read about why people get them is for emergency preparations. I bought mine to be prepared for when I am elderly. As I watch my parents age and see the struggles they are enduring with low income and being too weak to grocery shop (or even prepare their own meals), it makes me think about what I need to do to ensure I am able to take care of my needs when I’m older. I am preserving my garden harvests now so that when the time comes that I cannot garden, I will still enjoy fresh, home grown, wholesome food. In addition to produce, I have yogurt, milk, eggs, soups, and casseroles prepared. And I won’t have to pay the grocery store for over-priced, nutrient deficient food. Prices are too high even now, I can’t imagine what a tomato will cost in 20+ years.

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Smart thinking!!!!!!

[@wendya1250]

Wow I never thought of that. Thanks for sharing!

[@grandmatuesday1184]

That is exactly why I bought mine. I could have wrote your comment word for word.

[@royaldame6492]

This is the best idea ever!

[@sv3931]

@@grandmatuesday1184 Me too! I make a meal and divide into 3-4 meals. One portion is for this wks meals, then I vac seal/freeze one portion for later, and FD the last 1-2 for long term storage. I generally cook 2-3 meals at one time. This way I can cook for the week _in half a day,_ plus FD long term all at once. I love my Harvest Right! Many thanks, Kev & Sarah!

[@sesteadman]

I think Harvest Right should “gift” you a large unit for all the good promotion you have provided this FDing community. Thank you so much!!

[@susanwestmoreland9732]

I think they were gifted the medium one…they were gifted one tho.

[@mnhealthadvocate2024]

I agree!

[@joandanza]

I agree. I bought one because of their reviews.

[@patwilliamson4701]

I agree!

[@QueenGomez1111]

I totally agree.✌🏿🕯️💞

[@tmw94777]

Y’all were really the inspiration for my newest program at my food bank kitchen! A donor bought four large freeze dryers and I have been testing recipes for the last six weeks and am nearly ready to start packing individual freeze dried meals for our homeless clients! I am SO excited to be able to reach the most vulnerable folks in our community! Thank you so much for your honest feedback and your tips and tricks! ~Chef Teresa

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Wow! That was a cool idea and a generous person!

[@lilolmecj]

That is very exciting!

[@marthaadams8326]

Having worked with the elderly up in MT, it would be great if they had some food when no one can get to them. Great work you are doing.

[@cindychurch925]

What a fabulous idea

[@ARasputinaFan]

Make sure you also give them the water to drink/rehydrate the food as well. :)

[@iselasmith4526]

Love your videos. Sometimes "time" is necessary when rehydrating. If the drying process takes 10-12 hrs. some things may not rehy. in 10-15 mins. In the beginning each batch is a new experiment. I like to leave out a bit of each new batch so I can figure out how long it really takes to rehy. then I write the instructions on the bag.

[@tamararobinson2069]

Good Idea!!!!

[@cherriemckinstry131]

@@tamararobinson2069 yes I agree. Think about how each freeze dried food will be used.

[@eugeniarichards4356]

Viola! This is great.

[@calamityjane6884]

what a clever idea! thanks for sharing

[@learntocrochet1]

That's a great idea!

[@frankiebutler2894]

Lawsy, the light bulb just went off!!! As you are freeze drying your harvest yearly until you can’t do it anymore & staggering usage (oldest first), you will be able to continue & feed yourselves for ALL of your lives. How amazing is that?? Plus, if you have to go underground or in hiding for protection against many things, you’ll have food!! I think you are very smart to plan this way. Wish I were younger (I’m 77), so too late for me, but I have much admiration for the manner you are taking care of each other, role modeling for your girls, & sharing with our virtual world your knowledge. My brain is foggy!!! Thank you.

[@lesliefischer6680]

Never too late. My friend is 71 and just got one. We have been taking advantage of summer sales, and will do the same for the fall harvests. You can make individual meals or separates to combine into meals or desserts. If you look at the cost of a can of soup, the larger cans are more than one cycle. Where you can save multiple meals. A family can go together financially to get one and all use it. So much easier to just add water and cook for 10 min or so. You just have to remember that freeze dried raw meat is raw when rehydrated whereas a food dehydrator actually cooks on low. Same with raw vs cooked veg. Bless you. Not criticizing, just giving another perspective

[@florencemariagardy584]

I have a brand new harvest right freeze drier in my kitchen waiting to be set up I can’t wait until I get it going Been waiting for about three years and now I can join those of you in planning for future meals Bye’’- Flo

[@madesimplyathome953]

You two inspired my husband and I to get a freeze dryer and we love these type of videos. Keep them coming. We are on batch number 5. We plan to give all of our married children emergency food for Christmas this year. Can you share some of the whole meals you’ve freeze dried that were successful. We’ve only done individual ingredients so far. Thank you again for your amazing content. We love it!

[@marymarysmarket3508]

What a fantastic gift.

[@janineneville237]

I've been freeze drying all kinds of soups, stews etc. A one dish meal down the road

[@sv3931]

*@Something..* _Retired at 40_ yt channel does meals; his Chili Mac is easy and absolutely delish! Also, _School Reports_ yt channel.

[@dynamicschwabee8207]

Don’t forget “John in bibs,,,!” He’s ALWAYS making interesting dinners and snacks. I highly recommend his channel, too!

[@sheilajaroniewsk2461]

I had been trying to get my husband to get us a freeze dryer to add another method of preservation of our foods. Your video of the freeze dried omelet was the thing that got him on board. Our freeze dryer will be here within the next 2 weeks.

[@c.s.9427]

I hope my future wife is conflicted with food preservation lol

[@Murder.Muffin]

Congratulations!

[@rhondaalbrecht]

Just additional info for those interested: There are 3 vacuum pumps available for the machines. The one that is inclusive in the purchase price, you have to change the oil every 4-5 batches. The Premium one, which you pay an additional amount because it and the oil-less pump are considered upgrades, you'll change the oil every 20-25 batches. The oil-less pump, of course, you don't need to change the oil at all. If you're going to buy the Large size freezer-dryer, you'll need a dedicated 20 amp circuit for it... you cannot use any other electrical device with it on that circuit. The Small and Medium, you can operate it on a 15 amp circuit, with other devices, so, just so you know in your decision process, ahead of time.

[@msgottaneedtoknow]

Thank you very much. That’s important to know. I wonder how the types effect the longevity of the freeze dryer. If one lasts longer or breaks down more often...

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Thank you, that's REALLY important. Most household circuits are just 15 amps, and a machine that requires 20 amps will very often just kick off your circuit breakers and not work at all... so it's essentially useless for a lot of people.

[@trevorallen2274]

Helpful

[@OrthodoxBeards]

We bought a medium one a year ago and they recommended a dedicated circuit for it. We had one installed for like $100.

[@scoop2591]

Thank you so much for this info !!! :) Still can't bring my mind around to spending that much $$$ on a freeze dryer. Plus the reviews on Amazon aren't very favorable.

[@Metal_Vistas]

I just started watching your video, and I felt I needed to pause to interject a comment. You are probably better off with the premiere pump. Most people do not realize the oilless pump does require maintenance, and according to harvest right, it needs to be sent back for a rebuild after several thousad hours of use (The number I have heard varies from 3,000 to 10,000 hours). In the long run you are probably much better off with an oiled pump - $$$.

[@vivy45]

The oil less is also louder than the other pumps. Sometimes I wonder if I should have gotten the premiere.

[@Metal_Vistas]

@@vivy45 I believe it also runs hotter than oiled pumps, which can be a factor if your machine is already in a warm environment. I think Harvest Right should do a better job of making these factors known prior to purchase. If I had not watched a lot of videos and done a lot of research prior to making my purchase, I would have thought the oilless pump was the way to go, too.

[@vivy45]

Yes it does run hotter. I have to keep fans on it all the time which also makes it louder.

[@Kokanee474]

After running my lg HR freeze dryer and oil-free pump for 3 yrs (with some down times), I concur. Like for others, it wasn’t smooth sailing, had to ship the FD back from Canada for repair after barely a year. These things are heavy and it’s not straight-forward nor cheap or fast if you live rural. I am now working through another vacuum hitch and here’s the learning curve: The oil-free pump does run hot (and loud), and unless you have it in a cool concrete basement with AC, the FD runs flashing the ‘hot room temp’ warning during the hottest time of the year = harvest time. Yup. Mine sits in a heavily insulated shop on 10” concrete slab, and fans don’t do it. Also: the ball valve in the drain hose is not stainless steel, and unbeknownst, corrodes in the wet drain. It then develops a slowly progressing vacuum leak, pump works harder, runs even hotter, more equipment stress and dry time until it’s a crisis. Now your pump has also fatigued. HR sells pump rebuilds (CAN $120 shipping ea.way plus $ rebuild) but no partial trade-in for a new pump. If you decide to switch to an oil pump (because you learned oil-free=loud, hot, price not worth it) you now own a very expensive dump item. For where I am it was cheaper to pay 1-way shipping for a rebuilt premier pump than repairing mine. Since running the Oil Pump I’ve been stunned at the much lower noise, heat and weight. Changing oil once in a while is totally worth it ! Together with a new drain valve (looks like HR is now upgrading these) I am back running batches but wondering what stress the poor drain/pump scenario placed on the FD unit.

[@HomegrownHomeschool]

Thank you for that. We are looking at one and I was leaning towards an oil less one but not with that info.

[@janbrinkerhoff5348]

The premier pump is best. You did right. Oilless breaks down more. 👍

[@MrsSecor]

Good to know! Thank you!!!!

[@bonafideslacker2626]

Agreed.

[@kathyevans1033]

We just bought a freeze dryer this year and it has been running nonstop also. We freeze dried tomato slices and boy they are delicious!!! It’s like eating a fresh except it was freeze dried!! I love my freeze dryer!!

[@zombiemaster123456]

does the FD food dry out your mouth when eating it without adding water

[@cindynielson4231]

Our neighbors across the road have gifted us with some of their freeze dried harvest. The sweet corn reminds of the sugar corn pops cereal. They also gave us some apple slices. Just for fun they freeze dried skittles they were a sweet treat. TFS

[@sortathesame8701]

lol my kids would have loved freeze dried skittles! Just because it is a tool to save food, doesn't mean we shouldn't also have some fun with it!

[@kathytarver2996]

My grandkids tried the freeze dried skittles from a friend, they loved it. I am going to buy one now, is there any way you get any credit for referring us?

[@brandymyers8409]

A family where I live has one and they freeze dry big hunk candy bars. Oh my goodness, delicious!

[@marilynl4321]

Love the TShirt

[@mdillo2696]

Love Kevins shirt!

[@garethward2984]

I love how you both keep going back for another bite!

[@carollloyd7178]

Sold! I’m going to put one on layaway. I just want to say my husband and I have learned so much from you both! We feel we know you personally 😉 We love y’all and appreciate all you do!!!!

[@menow7851]

I found this channel when they had 40K subscribers. My husband found interest when Kevin made a pizza. Now we look forward to their next video. My hubby wakes up and imitates Sara's voice saying "Hi, everybody!" I love these people. They have no idea how we viewers feel like they are family to us.

[@kelliejohns2677]

Do they sell these in stores?

[@kelliejohns2677]

How do you put one on layawa

[@tagladyify]

Texture is a huge part of flavor for many people. That portion of flavor should not be diminished.

[@jammiecrowell9096]

The green beans just out of the bag would be so good on a garden salad. Yummy

[@cyhomer]

..or just as a snack!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Howdy guys 👋from your freeze drying neighbor up north (iowa). Good to see you are putting your Harvestright to work.

[@jeannieneuser5316]

You're in Iowa?!! Me too, born and raised. I 💖 this state.

[@vivy45]

I recognized the blue funnel in the sink. Glad you are here too.

[@mrshappytexashomestead6578]

I wish you would do a little ebook or pdf book for freeze drier recipes and TIMES. love this video! You guys do wonderful explaining and really showing things!!!

[@Utriedit215]

Cook your food the way you would normally cook your food then freeze dry or freeze dry everything separately and cook it the way you would normally cook food duh

[@sueh7219]

Check out Chef Tess Bakeresse for mason jar meal recipes. She used to work for Honeyville Foods.

[@lindalevrio3319]

I'd checking the oil free pump..I had one for 2 years and it needed rebuilt twice at a cost of $350 plus shipping..and the down time..I switched to the premier and am very happy...it runs better in my opinion..

[@Alexis_9339]

This is why I got the premier pump instead. Read multiple places less maintaining and longer life.

[@Kokanee474]

Yes, just posted my learning curve, and kicking myself I opted for oil-free against intuition.

[@andrewlittlefield3425]

You have to get the oil less one rebuilt every 2 years according to the sales rep so the premier pump is the best option 😉

[@cyhomer]

S &K….you know those packaged mixed veg chips (sweet potato, etc)…you should try that???or potato chips!

[@nancysala7769]

Thank you so much for this video. For so many years I wanted a HR freeze dryer, but it was your first FD video that made me take the plunge. I’ve had mine for a month, and it runs 24/7. I love it. Every time you do a video with freeze drying, it helps me get more confidence. ♥️

[@beverlygiroux2824]

This FD video is really great...although I do not have one (retired and on fixed income, and a widow) it is still a lot of pleasure to watch the things that you are putting "by" for years to come. Love you both, Bev in Maine, and God Bless.

[@dianepinao9919]

Love your shirt Kevin 😂

[@ThePatriotPirate]

Just wanted to mention I just bought a harvest right freeze dryer and I have not receive it yet, but I noticed that mine wasn’t coming with one of the pillows. I ordered a pillow from someone else online and its being shipped, but decided to reach out to the sale team yesterday and ask them about it. They actually told me people had issues with the pillows and just in the last 3-4 months they’ve totally changed the doors on the freeze dryers to fix this problem (I think they said they are acrylic now) and have not had issues since they changed the doors out. So on the newer models just 3-4 months old, that’s why they no longer use the pillows, but it sounds like they should probably still be used on the older models or else you should replace your door with a new door. I would call their sale team to ask them about this specifically with your older model since it sounds like you might want to keep using the pillow unless you got a new door. And ask them if that’s something they can ship and you are able to replace yourself. Other users on your channel might want to know about this, but since I don’t own an older model, I didn’t ask them what people with older models should do, so I would call them to find out.

[@godsgreenacreshomestead708]

Kevin, just love all your shirts! Telling it like it is! LOL Great info guys. Thank you 😊💓

[@jlarryturner]

I should like ta see y'all's storage of how it's all put away Swamp gal here

[@cryformycountry]

We just received ours and will be starting to use it tomorrow. So excited! We have 2 daughters who are breastfeeding their little babies and they tell us that in the 'mothering community' freeze dried breast milk is a life saver for some moms (and their babes).

[@brenna5202]

How do you do this?! I’m breastfeeding and our freeze dryer comes in a few days!

[@kcs.farm09]

Good Morning! I absolutely love my freeze dryer! And dill pickle chips are Amazing!! I have done about 2 bushels of peaches through there as well!!

[@KLU421]

Dill pickle chips are my next load! They are in the freezer waiting for their turn. 🥒😀

[@JmarieD]

Are they actually chip like? Not chewy at all??

[@KLU421]

@@JmarieD I haven't done mine yet, they go in tonight, when it's cooler. BUT anything that is chewy, isn't dried yet, everything that comes out is "crispy". (When all the moisture is removed)

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

@@KLU421 Thank you, good to know!

[@kcs.farm09]

@@JmarieD they are not chewy at all! I will be making more soon!!

[@robertamorrison3462]

Definitely something I would love to be able to invest in. Especially, if I could have one living the van life. Think of the weight you'd be able to save, as well as having fresh tasting food to enjoy.

[@cyndidame1721]

Love my freeze dryer. When things go on sale I buy it up and FD...ie .79 a lb asparagus which FD's so well and is a great snack. Was it worth the money? Yes. I am going to do a lot of tomatoes, salsa and pumpkin from the garden soon. And chicken broth really is amazing!!!

[@reneeallen3569]

Wait until you freeze dry fruit!! One of the best “pocket snacks” you’ll ever do!!! I’m an mre reviewer and everyone in our community just prays we get the fd fruit out of the old rations!

[@carolclarkson4859]

So many things we love to freeze dry that can't be canned or dehydrated very well. Meats, meals, dairy, eggs, and ice cream. So diverse what we love to preserve with our freeze dryer. Also, it is MUCH easier than canning.

[@stanleypennock2118]

Freeze drying is also a great way to stock emergency rations in your tornado shelter. They will last longer and save space. Do you have a tornado shelter at your new farm? If not, the building of one would be interesting viewing! God bless and keep you all!

[@allencallender2205]

You could make it both tornado shelter and root cellar and save quite a bit over two seperate ones.

[@gerrymarmee3054]

There is a video from a few years back of their storm shelter. It was awesome. You can find it I am sure.

[@stanleypennock2118]

@@gerrymarmee3054 Yes, I watched it, but they also said that they were selling their homestead so that they could move to their farm. I am unsure if they have a storm shelter at the farm as well.

[@Off-Grid]

In Kansas.....storm shelter is a must!

[@stanleypennock2118]

@@Off-Grid That's what Dorothy and Toto said! Lol. Tornado Alley goes right through Kansas and Missouri, but by the time they reach Ohio most have dwindled down although we still have several tornadoes every summer this far east. We lost our barn to one, built in 1886, 4 years ago, but many people have lost far more.

[@KenJohnsonUSA]

Now this is a great idea for dealing with supply chain distributions and as a little security net.

[@cobrafox8640]

I LOVE your t-shirt! That says it all.

[@justintime6346]

Haha I work @ O 31yrs I traded my spare Subaru for a med. Freeze dryer! It's fantastic! Love your videos 💝 Blessings to your family!

[@lisareed9296]

How is that working? What is the difference?

[@desutho56]

By storing away some FD food while you are still actively gardening, it's also a retirement fund since it's good 20-25 years and would help reduce your food costs! If I gardened and freeze-dried enough for a family of 4 every year for the last 5 years before retiring, there would probably be enough food for my husband and me for 20 years into the future!

[@marysmetana6998]

I cannot believe this... I just said to myself I need to see how the Living Traditions couple feel about freeze drying after they have used it. I turned to your you tube and this is what I found. I think you are a confirmation. Thanks You two are great!!!!

[@Off-Grid]

You're a psychic!

[@LazyKFarmstead]

My kids (all grown) and I have started saving to buy a freeze dryer we can all use for harvest next year. 4 gardens between us.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

That’s a great idea, but I’m wondering about the harvest. It seems like there would be too much produce all at once for the freeze dryer to keep up with. What do you think about this?

[@LazyKFarmstead]

@@cynthiafisher9907 Could be. I suppose we would have to be selective.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@LazyKFarmstead Yes. I’m thinking it would be helpful to have successive planting times so the harvest would come in gradually. The freeze dryers take quite a lot of time to run and they don’t hold all that much.

[@LazyKFarmstead]

@@cynthiafisher9907 That is a good idea. Thank you. Definitely will need to do some planning ahead to get the most from it.

[@valjalava1951]

Great video ,,I would love to have a fridge dryer but iam 70 years old and I think for us Canadians it’s so expensive

[@jerilee76]

I hear through the Facebook freeze drying groups that with the oil less pump you have to literally send it to Harvest Right for maintenance that can cost $350. Personally I LOVE MY FREEZE DRYER. We have the large with the premium pump and that is perfect for us.

[@lindalockhart1266]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@Off-Grid]

Worthy investment at any cost

[@lindamcneil711]

Really, I think two mediums would work better for optimize cycles. I have the medium. I love, love, love it. And yes, I think I am going for two machines. I also do our dog food in it, so I need more run time.

[@erindud8106]

"Retired at 40" seemed to think 2 medium's would be better for a multitude of reasons.

[@Karma-sj8gm]

I absolutely love my Freeze dryer , I’ve had mine almost a year as well. I need a few more machines, I can’t keep up with the garden harvest. All 3 of my freezers are full of stuff to FD.

[@charlotteseden9303]

Thanks. I just got mine. Cannot wait to start.

[@cyndiburns7932]

Thank you so much for explaining the details for all your projects. Whether you are gardening, preserving, animal care, and selling some of your products. Very helpful if anyone wants to do even just one of your projects. And thanks for the help in canning. Was never introduced to it when I was younger, and no one locally does it, so you are giving me the confidence to do it. God bless you both!

[@kelcritcarroll]

Space saving as well! Ive never looked into freeze drying, ive dehydrated and canned my garden items but have so much I dont have the space to store all that plus with canning they say 18 months is how long u can keep things and rarely do i use my stuff in 18 months and have emptied out jars many times and what a horrible feeling that is ……this is my next thing on my wish list that my husband will look into and get for us!

[@corinnedavies707]

I love tomato juice, but in my area I can only ever seem to find it in a tin can, and the juice always tastes like tin. I would love to try the freeze dry method!

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I love V-8 but have never been able to make it and have it taste like the bottles of v8. I bet the veggie powder might give it a better ratio of flavor

[@lousylou]

Kevin's shirt is perfect! I think I may need one!!!

[@cindyhoupthealthymovement8483]

I have a medium sized Harvest Right. I bought it in May and it runs pretty much non-stop. I also wish I would have purchased a large size, but am so grateful for this method of food preservation. Thanks for all of the great information. Oh, and Sarah, I am currently making tomato sauce with the roaster pan simmer, dip out the juice as you go method! Brilliant!!!

[@Selahsummersofficial]

I’m seeing all the love you got for your video! For storing freeze dried food, I’d like to use jars. Do you know if I could vacuum seal freeze dried food in jars successfully? Would I still need to add an oxygen absorber? I like to reduce plastic where possible.

[@charleswise5570]

When you harvest the watermelons, I'd love to see the results of freeze drying it. If you haven't already, and I might have missed it. My guess is, you could powder it to add to drinks, or eat it like candy.

[@lorindav5549]

Like watermelon lemonade! Yum!

[@startipper3767]

Be VERY careful with watermelons. The juice from the watermelon when freeze dried looks like cotton candy gone wild inside your freeze drier. My sister had to drive their freeze drier back to Utah twice to get it to work properly after drying watermelons. Just a heads up !

[@ranchodeclux7994]

We have done watermelons and they shrink up but man are they tasty. We had no trouble with the clean up but we also put them on parchment paper so I don't know if that helps with the mess or not.

[@carolclarkson4859]

We have freeze dried watermelon and it was so fun.

[@Elena-yw6ni]

Parchment paper didn't save me from a mess after doing blended tomatoes. They exploded in the back and front and down the chamber walls.

[@mojoflyingsolo639]

I just purchased a small Harvest Right Freeze Dryer and got the Premier Pump. It is just me and my husband and I wanted to preserve food in a different way. Got to wait 1 to 3 weeks to get it. Have you done carrots? That is what I want to try first. I started looking at these 10 years ago and I thought then how much they were I would never be able to purchase one, I just bit the bullet and order it. I think it will come in handy with the way the stores are having trouble stocking food. Thanks for all your videos, you taught this 65 year old lady some new tricks. Bless the both of you.

[@loopyhomestead]

You guys inspired our family to get a freeze dryer right after one of your initial videos a year ago. What we would love to see, is how and where you store your freeze dried foods once they are sealed in their bags. 😄

[@sandymire3131]

Hey. I took my green beans. Sauté onions in small pieces of bacon and cooking my green beans completely without them breaking down AND omg. We can’t get enough. I freeze dried them with the liquor great snack also. With seasoning in the beans

[@stephaniejohnson3739]

Love this video. And we LOVE our freeze dryer. Especially for preserving the over abundance of eggs during spring and summer. Love that it’s a rich protein source that is shelf stable for 25 years and no longer takes up my freezer space!

[@sv3931]

I love FD my eggs too! I add my spices in, and sprinkle cheese across the top when putting the trays into freeze; then powder the whole thing. So quick & easy to make a _scrambled omelet_ later! Some batches, I separately FD ham chunks, and mix in with the egg powder before sealing.

[@marcialittle7893]

I love, love, love what I call my flaked broth, because out of the freeze drier it turns flaky, just like milk and sour cream, not a powder but like salt flakes. Love my freeze drier. And your channel.

[@jomurphey]

Preserving my harvest is the reason I bought mine.

[@bbrown8353]

Kevin I love your shirt! Thanks for this update on the freeze drier -I'm saving up for one!

[@FatherOfTheParty]

Thanks for the reporting on the freeze dryer. It's a big investment and it's great to hear your experiences and opinion. Thank you!

[@marymarysmarket3508]

☑️Excellent presentation. Thank you. I want one now but..alas...no garden. That’s how good this was. 💥From Illinois🌽

[@babyroot3479]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this video. I've really enjoyed seeing some of the fun things you've made with it in the past! We finally purchased a medium a week or so ago and its still in the box in the garage waiting to find a good place to set up. Its just my husband and I and though we do garden, we're not at the level of production you guys are. One day we'd love to be as successful as you are. We're in NE Nevada Zone 5. Very short growing season and a year round risk of frost. We will be using grocery store produce until we can grow enough to store for ourselves. Thank you for sharing your homesteading experiences, its helps so many of us just starting out. Many blessings to you guys ❤

[@wandasetzer1469]

Have to admit I didn't watch the video but I'm commenting on the title. You're pretty young. Anything you buy to preserve food is worth it, if it's made well so you can use it for a number of years. Just this week I got out an old slow cooker that I've had for at least forty-five years, and although I was gifted a newer one a while back, I still turn to that old one. It isn't made the way they're made now, and it keeps chugging along. To tell the truth, anything I ever got my hands on to process and save food is still with me. It's all worth it, and worth even more as the years go by.

[@sunnycharacter]

Lol, that tshirt describes my husband trying to teach me math.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I understand the the whys/formulas of math but I have a weird form of dyslexicia called dyscalculia (I don't spell well most days so excuse any errors) so I have issues with the numbers themselves. As in I see say an 8 and will write down 3 and 4 comes out 7 etc. So I usually really really watch out while writing down numbers. It wasn't caught in school. But once I hit 6th grade one teacher introduced algebra and found I can add letters fine. They never figured a form of dyslexia because I've been an avid Reader since I was 6. In College my advisor/ admissions lady said. Hum you wrote this down wrong. Looked at it and my other math errors and had me try a test. And then another. Come to find out her child had severe dyscalculia and she recognized it. I got to take a few little extra classes with a specialist in the field and now I know what the deal is I have ways to deal with it. So. Try not to be so down on yourself 🥰🥰 and you know you're hubby has your back!

[@sunnycharacter]

@@Emeraldwitch30 wow, I have not heard of this! Another problem with my math skills was lack of extra tutoring, older brother was a math wiz, but too busy. Dad worked and Mom was more like me. Classes in California too large. Then again I’m more right brained and artistic creative type. Lol my sweet hubs bought me a tshirt “There are three types of people in the world. Those who do math, and those who don’t.” Haha, get it? I embrace it 😋

[@Emeraldwitch30]

@@sunnycharacter thats wonderful! I love that shirt. My hubs and brother are both big old math 🤓 nerds . But I was able to live on my own and paid bills etc so I can do it. It just takes a lot longer for me lol. Now I can cook. Like taste something in a resturant and be able to make it at home. He can make toast and take out! Give your hubs a big old internet hug for being so great!

[@sunnycharacter]

@@Emeraldwitch30 Lol I shall! Hubs is one of the lucky right and left brain guys. He’s a math wiz, computer programmer and artist! My sweet ole guy, been married for 47 years! I love to cook what I’m good at but always willing to learn. Ie., great at pies and desserts, and my lasagne is so big, thick and heavy to need to be a weight lifter to hold the pan. Lol I’m definitely going to learn to make mushroom ketchup!

[@Emeraldwitch30]

@@sunnycharacter oh my! I watch the one guy that does the recreations of the early Americans. I wanna say the Townsend family. He has mushroom ketchup and I'd love to try it too! Lol Ive been recreating several recipes from around Asia too. All thanks to youtube!

[@treasureslayer3049]

Love the shirt Keven I need one. Another great video

[@Thomas-ZET]

Picked up a med FD two months ago, great for eggs, I do them raw, blend up 60 eggs, FD then re blend for powdered eggs and are great, the book I think is to basic, no time’s so it’s a learn as you go

[@yknowgirl]

Thanks so much for your videos! You two are so fun to watch, and your camera friendliness is so fun! I love ge way Sara connects through the camera! Your videos are so well done, I love everything you cover on the homestead. Thanks!

[@jennifermeadows5193]

Love you guys! You’re always so giving of advice and experience. I’ve learned so much from your channel. I’d love to have a freeze dryer but the price is so high.

[@sortathesame8701]

Oh my! I remember the very first video with your freeze drier and it seems like it was two weeks ago! Time is flying as I age!

[@Thisisit120]

You guys ought to try Freeze drying guacamole and cowboy caviar I swear to goodness it taste like you just made it it’s awesome

[@karenf14]

I was wondering about cowboy caviar too. With fresh veggies in season here now I thought it would be great to have. Didn't know if I should leave the olive oil out or make it plain. I'm thinking it would be gone before next summer lol

[@centraltexashomestead-mike4956]

I just purchased the Harvestright medium oil free unit!!!!!!! Should help with our small 4 acre homestead here in central Texas. This will be another great way to preserve. Thanks to both of yawl for the video! God Bless.

[@anneo3754]

Another great shirt, Kevin! I like the idea of having a freeze dryer. It would be easy to fix a quick meal with tasty ingredients.

[@standdown4929]

Both of you are adorable. The first thing that came to mind with the tomato powder is, Chelada. I have had a food storage since 1981. I just learned about this machine today, at a military surplus store. My dilemma is Small or Medium.

[@fleebin2794]

I am new to this, but One problem I am having is water in my oil pump, which then throws a vacuum error and forces me to abandon the batch run, refreeze the load, drain the oil, wait for the water to evaporate, before I can rerun the load. The manual says after you defrost it, you can start another load. However, Harvest Right says to wait a day to let it dry out. I feel that is a sneaky, unwritten rule and truly devalues the entire machine. It also says do not over load or you may get water in you pump, however, that is very vague.

[@1288samson]

Are you draining the water/venting out before opening the door? Make sure the drain hose is not submerged at the end also

[@mineworks3688]

The problem with oil less compressors is that they wear out faster Because they use oil impregnated wearable parts which have a limited life time . Than compared to the oil lubricated compressors and pumps using the oil splash for lubricating the friction parts.

[@stayfree11]

Mine just came yesterday!!! Can’t wait to start!

[@kellyt5341]

What date did you order it? How long was it back ordered? I ask because ours was ordered in July and it said 4-6 weeks. Well I contacted them and it is now 10-12 weeks. They said they can't get certain parts to complete the build. Lack or workers(at home collecting coof checks) and supply chain interruptions.

[@stayfree11]

@@kellyt5341 I think it depends what you ordered. We got the black small with the oil less pump. We ordered like august 3rd or something.

[@kellyt5341]

@@stayfree11 I ordered the large with the newest oil pump. The pump that does 25 or 30 rounds before needing an oil change. Thank you so much for getting back to me, I really appreciate it freeze dryer friend....lol. I watch retired at 40 to what can and cannot be freeze dried. I just want freeze dried food when SHTF. My stubborn adults kids think I'm crazy. So I know when they come looking for help it will be to late and I might be able to send them freeze dried food.

[@Herschel1738]

You two are making me cranky. Because of you, I am feeling an irresistible urge to buy a FD....and that t-shirt. Are you FDing meats? And please, could you show us how you keep your food storage area organized? I imagine an entire barn full of freezers, shelves of canned goods & bins of FD food packets.

[@lsieu]

The instructions about the oil filtering was a great inclusion in this video. I would read on the freeze dryer site that the oil had to be filtered, but had no idea how to do that. Even if I go with the oil less option, and feel like I can make a much more informed decision because you included a visual and clear explanation of what's involved in filtering the oil! 😉

[@carolclarkson4859]

Honestly, the oil is so easy. I would go that route.

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

Hello, there have been several comments about the oil less pump being a real problem. One person said that they had 7 different replacements. They went with the Premier pump.

[@lsieu]

Thank you for your kind advice!

[@solventtrapdotcom6676]

@@carolclarkson4859 Yes. The oil compressor is more durable and long-lived; if you take care of it properly. The oil-less pump is throw away...

[@frodrickfronkensteen9241]

For those shopping... factoid... The "large" model dries (in one batch) more than one small AND one medium batch COMBINED! Food for thought. But... it requires a 220 plug (drier-type plug). I could have rewired one in, but... just too much to do these days. We went medium. So far, so great! Love it.

[@carolclarkson4859]

The large actually is a 110 plug, but needs to be a 20 amp circuit rather than 15 amp circuit. Love ours too!

[@frodrickfronkensteen9241]

@@carolclarkson4859 Whoops, my bad. Thanks for leading folks back on to the path. Thanks Tom.

[@MetaMorphea]

One thing you didn't touch on and I can't remember seeing it in your videos is meat. And the closest to ready made meals have been scrambled raw eggs and broth. Will we be seeing more of that? Because that would be amazing to have as MRE packs when camping!

[@tamararobinson2069]

I was wondering the same thing and if you could do fully cooked bacon where most of the fat is rendered off for like bacon bits?

[@lynnbetts4332]

They have done some meat. I remember one on chicken (cooked) and they have done chili. Making your own MRE for camping or hiking would be great. You KNOW what's in it.

[@lindalockhart1266]

“Retired at 40” on KZbin does tons of things, including meats. And he does taste testing after a few years. It’s a great channel!

[@carolclarkson4859]

I agree. Would love to see more of this.

[@vicclark595]

Meats turn out wonderfully! Remember to label your packages as cooked meats look like raw meat after being freeze dried. The leaner the meat the better. I just finished a load of Chicken Alfredo and spaghetti, they reconstitute without having soggy noodles. Freeze drying seems to enhance the wonderful flavor of foods.

[@rrbb36]

Oh no… I haven’t actually used, or even set up my new freeze-dryer yet, but the first thing I was so looking forward to doing was CREAM. I’m so disappointed to learn it doesn’t work “well” with high fat foods, but I’m very grateful to have the vicarious foresight of your experience Sarah. Thank you. 😘

[@dragoncantor]

Doggone it! I am a single person living in New York City with a tiny pantry, so I have no need for a freeze dryer, nor would I have anyplace to put it, but you make me want to rush out and get one!

[@michelegonzales7345]

Dear Dragon, Freeze drying would be a fantastic way for you to store food!, Find space - under beds, in closets,... How well were you able to get to a store during covid, 9-11??? Give yourself some options, at least a weeks worth of food on hand, (and the necessary water.

[@cindychurch925]

I live in an RV and would love to freeze dry food. This video is inspiring

[@tamarasteck6746]

I was just wondering if you had any fails and was so happy when you addressed that!! Thanktou for all you share, it is a real joy and Blessing! God always Bless you as well ♡

[@angelamayrose8931]

I love your shirt Kevin 😀 I work in retail at HD and yeah I need this shirt lol

[@kathleenbrenner2889]

I just discovered your channel and I LOVE IT!! I’m a self taught home preserver and I learn best by watching. You are so easy to understand and follow. Thank you for sharing what you know!

[@ashleyk2220]

Just starting my research on freeze drying food after looking into canning and it not meeting my needs. I'm glad I found you guys, you seem real and authentic. I am curious if I would be able to freeze dry my homemade dog food which is basically meatloaf. It has meat, organs, vegetables, eggs, kelp powder, small amount of flax seed oil and other things depending on the recipe. It is all ground and baked like a meatloaf. I want to make sure if in an emergency due to any reason my animals have food. Currently freezing them but in a power outage it will all go to waste in a few days. My other thought from watching your video is can I freeze dry desserts? I make pretty delicious desserts and it would be nice to be able to send them to my family all over the country. Or sending a random dinner I make that I know my mom and sisters like. It's would be like getting love delivered straight to your door. Thank you 😊

[@isabelladavis1363]

I’ve heard the issue about the green beans were not stellar but perfect in soups and stews…will continue my experimentation and thank you for sharing what does work…stay blessed

[@teresahatcher769]

Thank you for sharing. A Freeze Dryer is on my wish list!!

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

You can pay monthly on a Freeze Dryer. Then when it's payed for they send it. Couldn't ask for better. Talk to them, Harvest Right, they will explain everything!

[@Off-Grid]

Ours too!

[@patriciamoore3488]

I have been showing my husband your videos to help him understand why I keep telling him that we need to buy a freeze dryer. I think he is finally coming around to the idea. I like that freeze drying retains more of the nutrients than dehydrating. Thanks for inspiring me to do more to provide for my family.

[@nancy131630]

Thanks for letting us know what doesn’t work well in the freeze dryer. I’ve never heard that before.

[@BucktownLady66]

Thank you for the Pump oil you use I just went a signed up and had some delivered 🙂 I like putting my insulator in when I am doing long run frozen foods keep that cold cold in. When you vacuum seal too it will smash your foods all up.

[@MissouriPrepper64052]

I’m wondering if you use mason jars with or ox gym doors will it still last as long as the mylar bags are the reason I ask this is because I know mylar bags are not super expensive but they’re not as cheap either and Mason jars you can reuse it over and over again just a quick question learning a lot from the channel thank you so much

[@garyjinontariony]

You can reuse mylar bags just. Need to open bags with sizzors, cut as close too top of bag you can, clean out your bag, and reuse, reseal.

[@lindasimmons3167]

I use mason jars for my freeze dried foods with silicone packets as a safeguard against moisture since I open and close the jars frequently. Also, I vacuum seal the jars using a food saver attachment to preserve the food longer. I store them in a dark cool basement. Though any foods I intend to store longer than about three years, I instead use mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

[@renanims6630]

The only problem I see by using mason jars is the difficulty finding flats right now. 😥

[@phyrewillow6463]

Yes you can

[@lynnbetts4332]

I think part of the ability for the mylar bags to keep the food fresh for so long is that they are opaque. Light will degrade food. As long as you stored the jars of food in the dark, they should do well. Not sure if 25 years, but part of the advantage of the bags also is that they take up less space than jars.

[@vspook6214]

My husband has the same T-shirt!!

[@tammym110]

My husband and I are seriously trying to get a freeze dryer soon. Thank you for showing these things. I asked about salsa a while back so I’m glad you showed the pico de Gallo. I make large containers of black bean salsa that my family loves. It’s good to know the leftovers can be freeze dried and sent to people. That is wild that you can freeze dry broth like that. You know it doesn’t contain MSG or salt.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Oooooh black bean salsa yummy !!!! Will you share your recipe ?😍 Thanks

[@marleanhunt7653]

wow your have so much talent and thanks for sharing tip Kevin that is a little to much salt you will have a problem with high blood presure you don't want that take share sara is a great cook so are you take care

[@WalkScripture]

When talking about the creamer vs milk, you are talking whole raw cows milk, right? This is the selling point for us. Storing raw milk for 30 years ❤️

[@rachelholdt6840]

Freeze drying whole raw milk would preserve the microbes in it as well! Freeze drying is a very common way to preserve microbes for lab use.

[@kandymathis9867]

I am also interested in the possibility of freeze drying fresh goats milk. 😋

[@cynthiafisher9907]

What about the fat in the milk? Would it go rancid after a long time?

[@WalkScripture]

@@cynthiafisher9907 that’s part of my question.

[@tarikuepfer3021]

I’ve freeze dried diced onions and minced garlic and then powdered. It’s amazing. Cream cheese freeze dries very well. Beet chips are amazing. Flavouring the beans before freeze drying makes an awesome snack and replaces chips

[@methemonkeyking]

Great info. What type of spices do you sprinkle the beans with?