Freeze Dried Citrus- Mandarin Oranges, Lemons, & Limes. Should you try them? What8Ate

See what happened when we freeze dried Mandarin Oranges, Lemons, & Limes.
Watch to the end to see how they rehydrate.
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[@melodieschwieger1035]

I learned with my freeze dryer if I warm the trays first, there is a button that says warm trays. If you do that before releasing the vacuum and opening the door you won't have the snap crackle pop and your trays will be warm. I think the snapping and crackling is moisture actually being drawn back in. I don't know for sure but I do know that that process stopped happening when we always warm the trays before opening the door.

[@AtoZForMoms]

Correct! It also depends on how soon after the cycle is done that you open the machine. The longer it sits after the cycle the colder it gets. If the temp gets below 60F I will add 30 mins of more dry time then be there at the end of the cycle. I learned the hard way not to pull out cold trays!

[@JoniBaloni]

I love lemons with water too. Great video. Thank you

[@AtoZForMoms]

Thank you!

[@sugetoosty1685]

I also love my FD- couldn't be easier to use!

[@AtoZForMoms]

Awesome!

[@roxannebeltran8293]

Thank you for making this video. I gained a lot of information from you and appreciate that you shared your freeze drying experience. Your fun personality really shines in this video! I am about to try mandarins and lemons for the first time and really like your suggestion of using the mandarins as a powder to add to food rather than as a snack.
I followed your youtube page and am looking forward to seeing more freeze drying adventures!

[@AtoZForMoms]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your sweet comment and subscribing!

[@cjcj8730]

I'm new to the FreezeDrying world (I'm currently on my second batch in my medium HR FD), so I'm checking out tons of videos.
Your presentation made me smile! Thanks for that :-).
Regarding the bubbles of sugar: It seems some slices of the mandarins have those and some don't. I wonder if making sure each of the slices has a small piercing of the skin would resolve the sugar bubble. In other tips/tricks I've learned fruits with skins (IE grapes, blueberries) need to have their skins pierced to allow the water to evaporate.
Also, in other citrus freezedrying vids I saw a guy do slices, as well as wedges of the lemons and limes. The wedges came out with a smoother surface - as opposed to the rough-ish texture of the slices.
Just thought I'd share, and thank you for taking the time to post your experiences.
My lemon and lime slices are in the freezer awaiting their turn in the freeze dryer. Good to know to expect long dry time.

[@AtoZForMoms]

Thanks! It seems anything with sugars- will bubble up like that in our experience. Your batch time should be a lot less from pre-freezing it first.
Exciting!! Enjoy the adventure!

[@runawaybead]

You could make orange powder for quick go drinks

[@AtoZForMoms]

True, but the pith would make it on the bitter side.

[@stockpilethomas7900]

Just curious how much do you think you spend on electricity in a year freeze drying?

[@AtoZForMoms]

Our power bill didn't go up by much- maybe $5-10/month if that. It's about equivalent to having another appliance like a fridge/freezer or dishwasher running.

[@PatsyMellen]

How thick is thick? I might try 1/4”-1/2” thick.

[@AtoZForMoms]

1/2" or more I would consider thick.

[@bethholthe5137]

What model of freeze dryer do you have?

[@AtoZForMoms]

We have a Harvest Right Large.