What is freeze dried candy?

Freeze Dried Candy: A Crunchy, Intense Treat

Freeze dried candy is regular candy that has undergone a process called freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization. This process removes virtually all of the moisture from the candy, resulting in a unique texture and intensified flavor.

The Process:

  1. Freezing: The candy is first frozen solid.
  2. Sublimation: The frozen candy is then placed in a vacuum chamber. The pressure is lowered, and the temperature is carefully controlled, causing the ice crystals within the candy to sublimate – meaning they turn directly into vapor without passing through a liquid phase.
  3. Desorption: Any remaining unbound water molecules are removed, resulting in an extremely dry product.

Characteristics:

  • Texture: Freeze-dried candy has a light, airy, and often crunchy texture, vastly different from its original chewy or hard form.
  • Flavor: Because the moisture is removed, the flavors become more concentrated and intense. What was subtly sweet might now be powerfully sweet and tangy.
  • Appearance: The candy often expands during the freeze-drying process, resulting in a puffy and porous appearance. Colors may also appear brighter or more vibrant.
  • Shelf Life: Properly stored freeze-dried candy has a significantly longer shelf life than regular candy because the lack of moisture inhibits microbial growth.

Common Candies for Freeze-Drying:

Many types of candy can be freeze-dried, including:

Storage:

To maintain the crunchy texture and prevent rehydration, freeze-dried candy should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.