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:
- Freezing: The candy is first frozen solid.
- 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.
- 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.