I've been seeing/hearing those ads for the Harvest Right home freeze dryer for some time now, and I would love to hear some feedback on it (or any other home freeze dryer). Who here has one? What do you think about it? What sort of items do you freeze dry? Would you buy it again?
Any and all feedback would be appreciated!
I have the mid size Harvest Right, it runs dang near 24/7 in our basement. We have had it almost a year, no issues. The oil in the pump is a pain in the butt, gonna be springing for the $1500 oil-less pump soon.
What do I think about it? it is pricey but I would buy it again. I like being able to freeze dry a meal that we cooked, fresh fruits, veggies, shredded cheese, pretty much anything that is low in fat and oil content.
What have we freeze dried? Onions (red, yellow, white), spinach, diced tomatoes, sliced tomatoes, taco meat, steak (cut into strips for fajitas), potato casserole, spaghetti & meatballs, refried beans, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, blackberries, apples (with cinnamon), oregano, basil and I am sure I have left some out.
Now taco meat you must remove as much grease from it as possible, anything with a high fat content, oil content won't work as it will go rancid. The oil and fat does not preserve correctly in the freeze dryer so care must be taken. You will know by weight after you get the hang of it, freeze dried food weighs grams (not ounces) compared to it's hydrated weight!
What else would you like to know about it Goshengirl?