Freeze-dried candy has taken the culinary world by storm, captivating sweet-toothed enthusiasts with its unique texture and intensified flavors. This innovative technique involves removing moisture from the candy while preserving its taste, resulting in a delightful and crispy treat. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating process of making freeze-dried candy and guide you on where to find it near you.
Understanding the Freeze-Drying Process:
Freeze-drying is a food preservation method that involves freezing the candy and then slowly removing the ice crystals through sublimation, where water transitions directly from a solid to a gas without going through the liquid phase. This process retains the candy's flavor while creating a light and airy texture.
How to Make Freeze-Dried Candy:
Choose your candy: Select candies without modified corn starch in the first four ingredients, as they freeze-dry more effectively. Gummy bears, marshmallows, and fruit candies are popular choices.
Pre-freeze the vacuum chamber: If you have a freeze dryer, pre-freeze it to prevent moisture from being reintroduced during the process or running your vacuum pump.
Transfer candy to the vacuum chamber or freeze dryer: Ensure that the candy pieces are spread out to allow for room to grow.
Start the freeze-drying process: Turn on the vacuum pump. The vacuum will begin removing the ice crystals from the candy as it slowly heats-up, transforming it into a freeze-dried state. This process can take several hours to complete.
Store the freeze-dried candy: Once the freeze-drying process is finished, transfer the freeze-dried candy into an airtight container to maintain its crispiness and flavor.
Where to Find Freeze-Dried Candy Near You:
Specialty stores: Visit local gourmet or specialty stores that focus on unique and artisanal food products. These stores often carry a wide range of freeze-dried snacks, including freeze-dried candy. If your local to Traverse City, Michigan or visiting the area you can place a pick-up order though Mystical Sweets Freeze Dried Treats. We have a pick-up location heading into Traverse though Kingsley to Garfield and another location off of Barlow.Online retailers: E-commerce platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty food websites offer a vast selection of freeze-dried candy options (although most are selling illegally). You can conveniently browse through different brands and flavors, read reviews, and have them delivered to your doorstep but, keep in mind these candies are fragile, heat sensitive and the bigger in-store brands have poor customer reviews so, buying local from an actual maker when possible is best.
Farmers markets and food festivals: Explore your local farmers markets and food festivals, as these events often feature vendors selling freeze-dried candy and other delectable treats.
Make your own: As outlined in the earlier section, you can make freeze-dried candy at home using specialized, expensive equipment like a vacuum oven and/or a freeze dryer. This allows you to experiment with different flavors and personalize the experience.
Conclusion:
Freeze-dried candy has emerged as a delightful and innovative way to enjoy your favorite sweets. Whether you choose to make it yourself or seek it out at local stores or online retailers, freeze-dried candy offers a unique and satisfying snacking experience. So, unleash your creativity and indulge in the captivating world of freeze-dried candy today!