Freeze Dry Your Own Food at HRA!

Brought to you by HRA's own Agriculture Class A.K.A. HRA's Groundbreakers! 

In the fall of 2024, we purchased a freeze dryer. Freeze-drying is a dehydration technique based on the sublimation of water in a product. This means that the product’s water content transitions from a solid to a gaseous state — or from ice to vapor — without going through the liquid state.  Freeze-drying is one of the best methods of preservation to retain nutrients while preserving the original flavor, color, shape and structure.  For the HRA Groundbreakers, our freeze dryer extends the shelf life of our garden produce, so that food harvested in summer can be sold in the fall when school is in session again.  We also generate “off-farm” income by freeze drying candy and other tasty snacks.

The freeze dryer is available for community use. You can bring in your garden produce, ready-made meals, candy or any other food items you would like to freeze dry.  The food must be prepped and ready to load on the trays.  At the completion of the cycle, (24 - 48 hours, depending on the food) you come back to pack up your food and take it home.  We charge $5 per tray for freeze drying. A tray is 10" x 30" and holds 8 cups of liquid or up to 5 lb of food.  Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers are available for an additional cost.  

Email Karla Janzen at board.secretary@holdenra.ca for more information.