Rehydrate ANYTHING with These 6 Methods (Reconstituting Freeze-Dried Foods)

Learn the six methods of rehydrating freeze-dried foods. From steaming to soaking, spraying to cooking, learn which method works best for each food type and why.
For more information on how to rehydrate dehydrated foods, visit the blog post here: homesteadingfamily.com/rehydr...
This video is part of a collaboration for #freezedriedfebruary put on by Angela of ‪@TheInquisitiveFarmwife‬. To watch more of the videos, search the hashtag #freezedriedfebruary or checkout the playlist here: • #freezedriedfebruary 2024
HUGE thank you to this year's Freeze-Dried February sponsors:
~ Harvest Right, Avid Armour, Freeze Drying Supplies and ForJars.
And thank you to the generous participant donors:
~ Freezies Treats, Sophos Survival, This Prepared Life and The Inquisitive Farmwife.
To find out what all is donated you can watch this video - • 🤗Big Announcement! 🥳 W...
There will be a Grand Giveaway on March 6th at 6 PM CST on Angela’s channel, so be sure to follow her and tune in for your chance to win. To enter, all you need to do is leave genuine comments on this video, and any of the other collaborators' videos throughout the month. The Grand Prize will include $500 toward Harvest Right supplies or 50% off a freeze dryer!
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MORE ABOUT US!
WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo
Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
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A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!
Healthy Healing at Home - Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt
Your Best Loaf - A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: homesteadingfamily.com/free-b...
Meals on Your Shelf - Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-f...
FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. homesteadingfamily.com/free-h...
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. homesteadingfamily.com/5Steps...
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
Summerfields - Morgan Taylor ROYC0BMLPGY9FK3F
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Back On The Farm - Andy Ellison XLQIMKYFYZ2VN3OU
Tik Tok Tailgate - Andy Ellison XWQLZEGAZNKSXNME
Roses - Ian Kelosky VFLUC2NNZMR3PXCR
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A New Man - Heartland Nights TY0ISLOUEORVRGDE
Running Next To You - Andy Shaw JMKAGXNA4HR2VJDK

[@gregjean130]

Finally someone is talking about the rehydrating process. Thank you so much. This part is what was stopping me.

[@sandys.1891]

I love my freeze drier. The problem is I've been freeze drying for long term storage since the day it arrived. We really haven't tried to rehydrate anything because I feel we're on a deadline and I'm a freeze drying maniac. So this video is a blessing. My husband even sat down and watched because he also has so many questions. Thank you for doing the leg work and I look forward to buying your book. Now to find the list and start watching the videos I've missed. This was a great idea for February.

[@rrbb36]

I love my freeze *dryer (noun) too… it gets foods much *drier (comparative adjective) than a dehydrator👍

[@valerieclark3306]

I am excited for your book to come out!

[@melissaharper6124]

I hope you do more rehydrating videos...that's a fuzzy yet IMPORTANT step in the whole process!

[@juliabrown5948]

Yes so true! It's the part of freeze drying that is the hardest for me for sure

[@OrganicMommaGA]

Thank you for not only trying all these ways with different foods, but sharing your process with us! Knowing how to preserve foods is only useful if you also know how to USE what you've preserved. What a great video!

[@aaronchapin9331]

I think you missed the instant pot/pressure cooker method to rehydrate. Imo, it's the best way for thick foods like lasagna or cake. The pressure helps force the water into the inside of the food.

[@aaronchapin9331]

@HomesteadingFamiIy. I wish I had more details for you. I've seen it done (and tasted the results), but I don't have specifics yet. Just received my freeze dryer, so I'm looking forward to some experimentation. Will let you know what I find...

[@LauraMiller-xh3xt]

Someday I'll own a freeze dryer. Until then I'll just keep watching videos and dreaming of that day.

[@debbiekiehl9166]

Carolyn!! You are such a gifted teacher!! I can't hardly wait for your freeze drying cookbook to be available! Thank you for your contribution to Freeze Dried February 2024! You're a true blessing!

[@terrieyandall9401]

I think rehydrating/using your freeze dried items isn't shared enough. Thanks for joining and choosing this topic.

[@nanakat2005]

This video on how to BEST rehydrate the freeze dried products was much needed and appreciated by us. We've been saving up for a freeze dryer and will need this info for how to use/cook with the products after they've been freeze dried.

[@arleneheg]

I have been freeze drying everything I can for almost two years now but we have only eaten things dry, not rehydrated because I've been nervous about how to do it. We decided it was time to try so this video is perfect timing! Thank you.

[@willsmama1907]

We've had our our freeze dryer for two years now. It's paid for itself with being able to preserve sale foods, left overs, and all our garden produce.

[@jeneanegarwood7528]

Thank you for sharing the other half of freeze drying, how to rehydrate the foods. I appreciate all the tips and information as to why certain methods aren't practical or just don't work for certain foods. Be patient and take your time. Thank you for participating in the Freeze Dried February 2024 collaboration and as always, I love watching and learning from your videos!!

[@teresapotter2714]

Thank you so much for this video. Freeze drying is the easy part. Rehydration or reconstitution have been difficult for me. Thanks for the information.

[@Thisisit120]

I agree please do more Freezedryer videos.😊

[@user-ky6or6tj7j]

I love freeze drying eggs...and now I'm seasoning and adding ingredients for omelets before freezing. Works great!

[@jonnystephanieowens3490]

I wasn't sure when to use room-temperature water vs. boiling. Now I know. Thank you!

[@jessiebird2264]

I've wanted a freeze dryer since I found out about them about a year ago. But I had no idea so many things could be freeze dried! I had in mind fruits & vegetables, but when I learned about soup, broth, meat,etc, mind blown! And, I'm going to learn even more from all the videos in this collaboration. Thank you so much!

[@bridgettpletcher5204]

Love your willingness to share all of your knowledge with others! Your family is truly a blessing to so many!

[@user-xf9es9dp7b]

I bought my freeze dryer at the hype of freeze dried candy. It paid for itself in a month and half. I have stopped with candy and I am starting to freeze dry foods for my household. I am loving these videos.

[@SheerStitchery]

Thinking of getting a freeze drier and this is so helpful to understand how to reconstitute them.

[@pearcefamilyco]

I can’t wait for your book. This month will be such a learning experience watching all the videos and being put in the drawing is icing on the cake!

[@debbieeast7866]

I just love you and your beautiful family. I love how you and your husband are able to make and do Everything for your family. You are very through when you show what your doing. 😅

[@loisbowen2397]

That was a nice demonstration on reconstituting food. I'm so glad that you did that last method on the cake because I imagined it being a soggy mess and it wasn't.

[@rosehemlow1339]

I had the same results with #4 5, and 6. Thank you for demonstrating #’s 1-3. I use 1 and 2 all the time but the way you show them helped me see how to get better results.

[@barbaras2899]

Thank you Carolyn for participating in the freeze drying collaboration. You gave us some very valuable tips. I’m always learning something new.

[@annsmith8343]

We are researching all about freeze drying and considering buying one. It’s certainly not something to make an uninformed decision on. So much to learn. We are getting older and need an easier method to preserve our harvests. The health benefits are also impressive. Thank you for taking the time to do this video on freeze drying!

[@theCrystalMHunter]

I know from experience that this is so much better for elderly. I help my Nana (80) she much rather prefers to freeze dry the harvest now than to freeze or can.

[@lyndaash6766]

Same here!

[@SquirrelRun]

Caroline, this is so informational and educational. Especially since there really isn't reliable information out there on rehydration. Thank you so much! I'm so stoked for your book!! Looking forward to it!

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janesecrist1203]

I love that the example was cake. I have done pumpkin roll and it did great. It seems a lot of recommendations are not realistic. This helped.

[@kathythompson655]

Thank you so much you this. Your explanation on the different methods of rehydrating was very informative. I can't wait for your book to come out.

[@user-kn4mz4ps7r]

Have watched you all for years. Love the information always provided. God Bless!

[@lindacariri2967]

I am getting one after 15 years or so of wanting a freeze dryer! I love your videos, thank you!

[@BethFrank-xt8my]

Mind blown!!!! I would never think you could freeze dry lasagna or cake. What an amazing machine. Having one of these would be a game changer.

[@skybluewalker1556]

I’ve seen these freeze-drying videos for a while but have been uncertain about it. So glad I got to see the rehydration steps it takes. Thank you for doing these videos. So very helpful!

[@renaesutton3145]

Thank you so much for the info! I have had my freeze dryer for almost two months and have been dabbling but not yet dove into using it. My big drawback was the how to use food once dehydrated lol. This video helped a bunch! Love all your other content as well and look forward to your upcoming book!

[@kated6442]

Thank you for stepping us through these methods Carolyn. It’s so good to get a real tried-and-tested honest review. I don’t have a freeze-dryer YET but I’ll be the first on the pre-order list for your book as I totally trust your judgement.

[@spayne9496]

I love my dogs and have had multiple problems with dogfood So I’ve ordered my freeze dryer to try to come up with a healthy alternative to keep it shelf stable. I’m so excited to start the process and the videos are a life saver. Thank you guys and God Bless you all!

[@birdwalker7379]

Very informative video! Steaming intuitively seems like a good way to rehydrate because the hot steam would slowly infuse into the food. Who would have thought the end product would be so disappointing? Wow! Thank you for doing all the experimenting for us. Great information as always. ❤

[@dragon.dreams8386]

I just watched the episode where you interviewed the guy who worked for them, and he explained how it became available to everyone. Its fascinating

[@dawnalowe2687]

I am tucking away all of this knowledge for when I get a freeze-dryer. The hot vs. cold water with cooked or raw food is great information and I would have thought the steaming method would work. Thank you, Carolyn, you are such a great teacher!

[@karindinarda8755]

I purchased a freeze-dryer in the fall and have not done very much because I can't find any good recipes except candy. I don't have anything except trays and would love to get more tips and tricks. I'm looking forward to your book coming out so I know I'm getting good advice! Thank you

[@mikegaumer2916]

My wife is loving the idea of a freeze dryer. We dehydrate a lot of things from our garden AND our yard(weeds)...mostly lambs quarters. We vacuum seal them with brake bleeder hand pump. thanks for your info.

[@kathygarner419]

Carolyn: I had many questions about the re-hydration process. I now feel a bit more at ease with the whole freeze drying idea.

[@colleenjerns9239]

You’ve given really good advice with the raw food vs cooked food method for rehydration. I am amazed at all the things you freeze dry. You are so adventurous.

[@deddleman3099]

We have had a freeze dryer for a few years now and love it. So far we have freeze dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, fruit, goat milk, and soooo much more. Even made our own garlic powder and onion powder. Love your videos!

[@magogo560]

A freeze dryer is only a dream for me.

[@andreandlynndubien8026]

We were skeptical at first, but now we hope to purchase a freeze-drier before next season's harvest.

[@mtnn4459]

I love your video. I was uncertain how to use a freeze dryer but your video offered a lot of information -- hoping someday to try this. We love food storage but our pantry is sort of small. We should have designed our kitchen pantry larger but we use the closet in our guest bedroom. Love your bread videos too. Please enter me in the contest, I really want to buy a freeze dryer and this prize is a great opportunity to get a better price.

[@catherine6802]

I bought a small glass sprayer/spritzer for rehydrating foods I'm not adding a lot of moisture to. It was very inexpensive, under $5. I washed and sanitized it and keep it specifically for food only. So far I'm very pleased as the amount of moisture is evenly distributed instead of more liquid in one area and none in another. Excited about your new book!

[@deanierobinson2089]

Thank you so much for explaining these different methods because I have my storeroom filled with casseroles and meats that I freeze dried a couple of years ago and I really had no idea what I'd need to do to actually eat them! LOL! You're a life saver!

[@janiceschriber4762]

This has been very helpful, as I am considering adding a freeze dryer to my arsenal of kitchen "toys". ❤

[@user-tp8ho2uo6u]

I've just started freeze drying. This is an awesome video that shows what works, but also what doesn't. I think we rely to much on the recipe makers to have perfected techniques and wonder what we did wrong when they don't work. I am excited to try whole meals for camping and long term storage. Thank you for taking time to educate us!

[@nsdavisart]

Thanks for doing this video - i have the hardest time rehydrating. It is really great to see that methods didn’t work for you too, so it’s not just me.

[@lauranadig6696]

Carolyn, thorough as always! 😊 Was neat to see the whole, solid foods (cake and lasagna) rehydrated using the pour over method. I did NOT realize that water temperature mattered in your rehydrating. So good to know! Thank you for your comprehensive video. ♥️

[@ErinHausen-qd6lr]

I have been on the fence about getting a freeze dryer because it’s such a different concept of preserving food and the learning curve can be a bit daunting. Thank you so much for doing this video! It definitely helps take away some of that uncertainty and makes it look doable.

[@MinastaurielLithoniel2713]

My mom and I want to get a freeze dryer! Can't wait until we can use the amazing tips and tricks you give us!

[@ggdavis181]

Thank you Carolyn for this newest video on freeze drying. I have tossed many FD items because I didn't rehydrate the foods properly. I appreciate your showing us the right way. I'm excited to rehydrate some of the foods I have left. I'm looking forward to seeing your new cookbook as well!

[@jillcox8084]

I’ve been freeze drying about a year and have only rehydrated raw eggs. I was surprised when you said the cake was shelf stable for months. I thought it was years. Guess I need the book. Great video.

[@gone4days956]

I’m in for the Grand Prize! Good luck everyone!

[@marshak1926]

I have been wanting to get a freeze dryer. I watch as many videos as I can so once I get mine I can get right to it!

[@alliehumphreythreepines]

I really thought steaming would work! Glad I found your page! I’ve binged a few of your videos. I will now be growing medicinal herbs and making my own allergy relief as well as freeze drying everything 🎉

[@pamelarayburn1304]

I have been watching your videos for several years now with it a day or less when posted. Love the information you are putting out. Been budgeting to get a freeze dryer this year.

[@sarahreynolds1430]

There is such a HUGE need to know how to do this!! I’m so glad you made this video!!! It is exactly what I’ve been waiting for since I first got my freeze dryer! I’d like to actually use my food for more than just freeze dried snacks and this information will allow me to do that! I’m also really looking forward to reading your book!

[@ashleylittleton3547]

I have been stalking freeze dryers for years. I hope to have saved enough soon to finally get one.

[@cynthiax.wilson7801]

I love my HR freeze dryer! I have it running almost 24/7

[@heatherautry7217]

Thank you for this tutorial! We’ve rehydrated some of our FD’s food, but nothing structured like lasagna or cake. This gives me the information I need to fully utilize our stored FD’d foods.

[@katedmond2996]

I so want a freeze drier, and am saving diligently to be able to get one. Thanks so much for this information as my research for deciding if I wanted a freeze drier lacked information for this topic and slowed my decision drastically as I wasn't sure I would be able to rehydrate things that were freeze dried. Your channel is awesome and keeps me going in my quest to be food self sufficient. Thanks so much.

[@bernadettestykel7504]

I have a horrible time with rehydration of my foods. Thank you so much for the information especially when to use hot or cold water.

[@Happyhive86]

I have struggle rehydrating deserts so I love the idea of ‘pour over’ I can’t wait to try that.

[@terrytarrance1503]

I have many quarts of dehydrated foods but I have only bought freezedried foods. I know Carolyn seems to just love the results. Hopefully one may be in my future😝

[@tammycanatsey3355]

I’ve had a brand new All American canner for two years and am afraid to use it. City girl new to homesteading. So I think the freeze dryer will be less scary and simple for me. I’m definitely going to buy your book and watch all the videos from this challenge. Thanks so much for doing the videos you e done so far! I’ve been binge watching this afternoon. 😊

[@tamisalazar8365]

Thank you for showing options for rehydrating. I had no idea you could freeze dry these kinds of foods!

[@janeverette8027]

I am SO excited to hear you will have a new book coming out soon on freeze drying! I have learned a lot from watching this video and look forward to learning a lot more. I am anticipating a freeze dryer purchase in the near future. I enjoy all of your videos and look forward to watching many more since I just purchased the membership. Thanks for all of your hard work and time in making these possible for everyone!

[@centreeki-librecenter9506]

One of my goals for next year! Saving money a little bit every months towards it!

[@59Carlota]

We just got our freeze dryer so this is perfect timing for me! I’m going to watch all the videos multiple times.

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jourdanclifton4684]

This is AMAZING! I have never considered freeze drying as an option for keeping food!❤

[@lindaquigley5611]

Congratulations on your up and coming book...Excited to see it when it comes out. Thank you for the great tips and ways to re-hydrate your item you freeze dried. I did not there were so many different ways to re hydrate. Now I know the best way to re-hydrate....

[@Take_a_little_time_to]

This is great information! Freezing the food seems to be the easy part. Learning how to rehydrate it has a learning curve 🤔. Thank you so much for showing all the ways that work or don't work and why. Your videos are always so informative and educational .😊

[@marybethlehnert8284]

Thank you from NC!! I’ve looked for this exact info for months!! Awesome job!!! Thank you for sharing with, and caring about, those of us on the same journey! ❤

[@kimberlywalders6063]

I have yet to make a purchase on a freeze dryer. But it’s coming soon! Today I saw where ppl are powdering their freeze dried fruits! And they add them to all kinds of things. Smoothies, pancakes , ice cream ect. This is a oh my in my book,can’t wait till I do my purchase. Love your channel. ❤

[@lindaengelen]

I have been Freeze Drying for 2yrs now. I have only been drying sinlge foods. Wasn't really sure about drying meals. I need to get your book. Thanks for sharing.

[@valariedavis2219]

Freeze dried chocolate cake.... I'm so on board with that 😂. I've never freeze dried before & didn't realize all the different rehydration methods. Thank you for explaining the different processes!

[@mistycherie]

So many great tips and tricks, really appreciated how thorough this was in helping remove some of the mystery of rehydrating foods after they have been freeze dried.

[@theOGmb]

First timer here. Freeze dryer on the way 😊. Been watching all your videos to prepare!

[@HomesteaderWannaB]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! I’m trying to get started homesteading in the city! I’ve learned to water can. This year I am hoping to learn how to freeze dry and pressure cooking canning. I hope I win so I can get started freeze drying 😊

[@gregtaylor3535]

im just getting into food dehydrating and vacuum sealing i love these types of lifestyles

[@Linda-dw8wd]

What a wonderful video for freeze dryers! Thank you for doing this.

[@jenmvm17]

Appreciate the rehydration tips! It is the trickiest part on the freeze drying process in my opinion.

[@georgiacramerthurman3104]

I hope to be able to purchase a large freeze dryer this year. I am very thankful to glean from your experiences so I’m able to label best rehydration info with my freeze dried food!🎉

[@talmamincey1748]

I do a lot of preserving and think about freezer drying a lot....but am a little scared. You make it sound amazing. Maybe I'll find my courage and jump into it some day... soon. Thank you!

[@jeffmouch240]

Very interesting to see what to do with it once it's been freeze dried!😊

[@tammymarple5347]

I love this video! I’m saving for my own freeze dryer and read and watch everything I can about freeze drying. Thank you Carolyn! Have a blessed week.🙏

[@karentuthill8308]

Hubby has given me the okay to seriously consider the purchase of a freeze dryer but I am terrified to mess up any of our harvest and hard work. When you brought out that CAKE😮 I knew I could do it! ❤ thank you for all this encouragement 💗

[@HomesteadingFamily]

You can do it!

[@nancyrogers1372]

Absolutely love you and your channel. Glad you’re doing this with freeze drying. Rehydrating my food is the hardest part of freezing for me.

[@sandram938]

You have done such a great job in explaining this important and overlooked aspect of freeze drying. I looking forward to trying freeze drying!

[@susanmiles679]

Love watching you and seeing all you do. You and Josh are a wealth of information. Thanks for all you teach us.

[@dctarrant5]

I can’t wait to get my freeze dryer. I’ve been waiting 3 weeks. Hopefully, not much longer!

[@Judten1]

This is EXACTLY what I needed to learn. I cannot wait for your book!

[@rachellegaston6473]

This is so exciting! I’ve been saving to buy my own but I just love watching others use theirs. Thank you for the wonderful content!!

[@annemcgirt5296]

Never would have imagined you could freeze dry cake! Interesting!!

[@applewatermelon6561]

I habe never asume know a cake can be rehidryte. But i love learning from you.