Freeze-drying candy opens up a universe of flavor and texture that revamps the traditional candy experience. Crunchier, lighter and with surreal visual appeal, freeze-dried candy not only intensifies the original candy flavor but also extends its shelf life. Whether you are an adventurous foodie, a preservation enthusiast, or looking at exciting ways to repurpose conventional candies, freeze-drying offers an exceptional way to experiment.
Although intriguing, freeze-drying is not suitable for all types of candy. Chocolates and oily candies don’t take well to the process. However, candies like Jolly Rancher Hearts, Valentine's gummy bears, heart-shaped Krabby Patty candies, trolley gummy Hearts, Starburst, Peach rings, Skittles, and Laffy Taffy are excellent options.
The Harvest Right freeze dryer's candy mode is a feature that has revolutionized the way we freeze-dry candies. This preset option adjusts the temperature and time, making the process more convenient and efficient – and creating great results in about 4 hours.
Before tossing the candies into the freeze dryer, here is what you need to do: get your trays prepped up with parchment paper for easier clean-up and better results. As an added measure to ensure hygiene, use food-grade rubber gloves for organizing candies on the trays. It is also critical to ensure that the trays are warm for gummy candies before freeze-drying them.
Once your candies are ready to freeze, set the machine to candy mode and adjust dry temperature to 145 degrees. Doing this might require allowing the machine to run for an extra hour. However, the resulting expanded size, delightful texture, and enhanced flavor of the candies make the wait worthwhile.
At the end of the freeze-drying process, popular candies like Nerds gummy clusters, Krabby Patties, gummy bears, and gummy Hearts, transform into futuristic candy treats with a unique taste and texture that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
Freeze-dried candies taste as good as they last. It is recommended that freeze-dried candies are stored in airtight candy storage bags for retaining their freshness and crunch. The location of storage matters as well. Always ensure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and strong odors.
While using a freeze dryer like Harvest Right lends the best results, it is possible to freeze dry candies using the dry ice method or a household freezer when on a budget. This process, however, requires more time. If using dry ice, ensure to maintain the candy to dry ice ratio in equal proportion.
For those who fall in love with the process and the results, freeze-drying candies could evolve from a hobby into a small business venture. With platforms like Etsy, setting up shop could be just a few clicks away!
As an affiliate for Harvest Right, we offer a link for readers interested in purchasing a freeze dryer with a current discount offer of $500 off. This is a win-win opportunity not to be missed for everyone venturing into the thrilling world of freeze-drying candies.
