A DIY Freeze Dryer Did you know that nearly every food can be freeze-dried, including meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and dairy? You can even freeze-dry entire meals like soups, stews, pasta, and rice dishes. Freeze-dried food lasts up to 25 years while maintaining all of its taste and nutrition. Other preservation methods like canning and dehydrating will preserve food for just a few years, but at least half of the nutritional content is lost. Freeze-drying is simply the best way to preserve food. Save Money With a home freeze-dryer, you will find that you are able to preserve your garden bounty. Freeze-drying your harvest is easy to do, with added nutritional and longevity benefits. Even more, think of the money you can save by taking advantage of sales on bulk and discounted food. Simply freeze-dry it for later use. Stock up on your favorite discounted fresh produce, meat, dairy, or desserts. You'll never have to worry about them going bad. Customize Your Food Storage Freeze drying your own food also allows you to turn leftovers and extra food into your own emergency food supply. You can save money by preserving leftover meals and adding them to your pantry. Your favorite meals can be used next week or in 20 years!  Freeze-drying food that would otherwise be thrown away can help you create your own high-quality food storage, adjusting it to food preferences and allergies. How Does Freeze-Drying Work? Simply place fresh or cooked foods in your home freeze-dryer.  The food is frozen to -40° F, or colder. Once the food is frozen, the dryer creates a powerful vacuum around the food. Then, as the food is slightly warmed, the ice transitions into vapor (called sublimation) and is drawn out of the food. Your home freeze-dryer is automatic and beeps when its done. Typically, a batch of food takes 24-36 hours from start to finish. Your standard model of freeze-dryer can preserve up to 1,500 lbs. of food in just one year! Click here to find the right freeze-dryer for you.