Ep 5: Freeze Drying Adventures, Tips, & Hacks

Hot tip for fellow freeze-dry enthusiasts in humid areas: Dehumidifiers and strategic A/C can be game changers. What’s your setup like?

Join ‘chele and Judi, as they navigate heat, humidity, and hilarity in Texas! They share a few quirky life hacks for keeping their freeze-dryers cool and personal freeze-drying tips. Share your favorite hacks and tips in the comments!

Get your Harvest Right Freeze Dryer here!

Chapters:

(Click the timestamp links below to jump ahead to each chapter).

00:00 Meet Two Loco Ladies

• Introduction of Hosts:
  ‘chele and Judy introduce themselves as the “Two Local Ladies
• Texas Weather:
  Did ‘chele just create a new season? Or is Judi on target when she says there are only two seasons?
  

01:20 Freeze Dryer Adventures

• Initial Discussion:
  The hosts discuss their current freeze-drying operations, including how they handle the heat and humidity to ensure efficient processing.
• Humid Environment Solutions:
  Various strategies to combat humidity are mentioned, such as using ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners to improve freeze-dryer efficiency.

05:43 Freeze Drying Foods

• Freeze Dryer Placement:
  Discussing optimal locations for freeze dryers based on climate and space availability, including the importance of an air-conditioned environment.
• Power Requirements:
  Highlighting the need for specific plugs for larger freeze dryers and the importance of considering electrical needs before purchasing a larger model.
• Cleaning Mishaps:
  Sharing experiences of dealing with spills and cleanups, including practical tips like pre-freezing liquids and handling overfilled trays.
• Learning Curve:
  Emphasizing the learning process involved with freeze-drying different types of foods, such as the trial and error with milk, caramel, and pre-cooked meals.

19:19 Freeze Dryer Accessories

• Food Preparation and Storage:
  Tips on pre-cooking and freeze-drying various foods like mashed potatoes, carrots, strawberries, and tips on using accessories such as silicon mats and tray dividers.
• Storage Techniques:
  Practical advice on using mason jars, food storage strategies, and the importance of oxygen absorbers to keep freeze-dried foods fresh.

26:26 Saving Money

• Investment Justification:
  Discussing the initial investment in a freeze dryer and the long-term cost benefits, particularly for high-cost items like freeze-dried strawberries.
• Shopping Smart:
  Advice on taking advantage of sales and discounts, especially during special days like Mother’s Day for freeze dryer accessories, and utilizing local sales for bulk purchases.

30:12 Why We Prep

• Prepping Mindset:
  The importance of being prepared for emergencies, sharing personal experiences from past hardships, and the benefits of a community-focused prepping mindset.
  

43:07 Building Community

• Neighbor Relationships: Encouraging viewers to become familiar with their neighbors’ skills and potential contributions in a crisis, promoting a collaborative community environment.

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