How Freeze Drying Works

How Freeze Drying Works

Freeze drying is a way to remove water from food while keeping its shape, flavor, and nutrients.

First, the food is frozen solid. Then it is placed in a vacuum chamber. Inside the vacuum, the ice in the food does something special—it turns directly from ice into water vapor, without melting first. This process is called sublimation.

When the water is removed, the food becomes very light, dry, and crispy, but it still looks and tastes like the original food. Because there is no water left, freeze-dried food can last a long time without going bad.

That’s why freeze drying is used for space food, emergency meals, and healthy snacks.