How do you freeze dry beans?

You can't freeze-dry beans at home. Freeze-drying requires specialized equipment that creates a vacuum and uses heat to remove water from the beans. This process is not something that can be done easily in a standard kitchen.

However, you can dehydrate beans at home using a food dehydrator. Here's how:

1. Prepare the beans: Wash and sort the beans, removing any damaged or discolored ones.

2. Soak the beans: Soak the beans in fresh water for 8-12 hours, or overnight. This will make them easier to dehydrate.

3. Cook the beans: Bring the soaked beans to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until tender. You don't need to cook them all the way through, just partially cook them.

4. Drain and spread: Drain the cooked beans and spread them out on a dehydrator tray. Make sure the beans are in a single layer.

5. Dehydrate: Dehydrate the beans at 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 hours, or until they are completely dry and brittle.

6. Store: Once the beans are fully dehydrated, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Note:

* Dehydrated beans will have a longer shelf life than fresh beans, but they will still be susceptible to moisture and pests.

* Rehydrate the beans in water before using them. Soak them in water for several hours or overnight until they are soft.

For more information on dehydrating beans, you can consult online resources or cooking books.