How do you freeze dry fruit?

Freeze-drying fruit is a simple and effective way to preserve it for long periods of time. The process removes moisture from the fruit by sublimation, leaving it with a long shelf life and a concentrated flavour.

To freeze dry fruit, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the fruit. Wash the fruit and remove any stems, pits, or other unwanted parts. Cut the fruit into small pieces, if desired.

2. Pre-treat the fruit. Some fruits, such as apples and bananas, may need to be pre-treated to prevent them from browning. This can be done by dipping the fruit in a solution of ascorbic acid or lemon juice.

3. Freeze the fruit. Place the fruit on a baking sheet and freeze it until solid.

4. Dry the fruit. Place the frozen fruit in a freeze dryer and dry it until the moisture content is reduced to 2-3%.

5. Store the fruit. Store the freeze-dried fruit in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Freeze-dried fruit can be used in a variety of ways. It can be eaten as a snack, added to trail mix, or used in baking and other recipes. Freeze-drying is a great way to preserve the nutritional value and flavour of fruit, making it a delicious and healthy option for people of all ages.