Please help me convince my husband that we need a freeze dryer!

Owl

I am all about being able to preserve and provide for my family and others in need and I think a freeze dryer would be perfect for retired people to heat up and eat whatever each wants because we aren’t much for cooking every day. From what I understand, freeze drying keeps food almost exactly like fresh but that doesn’t seem possible to me. I can things like gumbo and venison steak and gravy but I have to use flour alternatives and things like okra just don’t like to be pressure canned.

Torey

@Owl This is a link to the Purposeful Pantry. They have advice and recipes for dehydrating, canning and other types of food storage. So you can compare techniques.

https://www.thepurposefulpantry.com/

Lots of good suggestions. In the tabs at the top of the page, under Dehydrating Basics, there are links to the Best Dehydrators, Dehydrator FAQs and Dehydrating Tools.

I have a regular dehydrator but a friend recently got a freeze dryer and is loving it. I am very impressed with the products that have come out of her dryer.

shllnzl

@Owl Freeze dryers would be great for preserving meats, my greatest interest in them.

However, I have only seen large expensive ones.

I don't think my husband would approve the expense, certainly would argue that we don't have room for one.

I will be watching your journey.

Sharie

I'm trying to convince myself. Not sure if they are even available here but it looks like an awesome addition to any homestead.

Monek Marie

I have been considering one.

If a person wanted to they could sell some items to pay for it, give gifts you have dried or make a list to see how much you can save.

In the long run they do pay for themself and you know the food is not blasted with chemicals

It sure would be nice if they had a sale!~

Lisa K

Freeze drying saves space and money because foods that are freeze dried last almost indefinitely. Hope this helps!

Owl

You know what, that might be the ticket! He’s always complaining about how much room my canning stuff takes up. Maybe that point will help...

Lisa K

@Owl I will keep my fingers crossed!😄

frogvalley

Nice idea @Denise Grant - selling things. I think I'll try to commit to saving the money I make, selling my services marrying people, to a freeze dryer after I finishing using it to pay off my car in two months. That put a smile on my face!

water2world

@Owl I am going to follow your quest. If you convince your hubby ya'll need it, I'll follow your path!

Owl

I have a better idea, you figure on how to get it done too as two heads are better than one!

RustBeltCowgirl

This might help. The guy has had the older dryer for 3 years and the newer upgrade is a year old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkB_5FyY81Q

Owl

I’ve seen some of his videos and they are what convinced me that I want one.

RustBeltCowgirl

@Owl These coupon codes might make a difference for you.

https://www.promocodes.land/harvest-right-promo-codes/harvestright.com

Cornelius

Who doesn't like space food? Didn't everyone dream of being an astronaut at some point?

Owl

I know I did (do) dream of being an astronaut! In my dream though, it’s like Star Trek, where we just go ask the replicator to give us supper on demand and then we give it the dirty dishes when we’re through! I really appreciate the link Cowgirl, unfortunately, I think I’m going to need a lot better argument.

RustBeltCowgirl

@Owl They have a lay-away plan. I think it's $250 up front.

Linda Bittle

If you live in an area where commercial kitchens are a thing, it might be a great community acquisition. I'd have to freeze dry a lot of food to make it pay off for me, but if I could rent the use of one occasionally, I'd be delighted.

Owl

Now there’s an idea that needs some thought! With everybody trying to become more self sufficient this past year, a community kitchen might be an excellent endeavor. I’m going to start a thread to see what people know about them. Thanks for a wonderful idea?