If you've ever tasted freeze-dried fruit or a crunchy candy that melts in your mouth, you've probably wondered: How is it made?
The answer lies in a scientific process that is as fascinating as it is effective: freeze-drying .
This method of cold preservation is increasingly used to create original, stable and tasty snacks . Let's see together how freeze-drying works , step by step.
What exactly is freeze drying?
Freeze-drying is a process that involves freezing a food and then removing the water it contains by changing it directly from a solid to a gaseous state — a phenomenon called sublimation .
The goal: to preserve the shape, color, texture, and above all, the nutrients and aromas of food, without cooking or chemicals. The result: extremely light, crisp, and long-lasting food.
Step 1: Rapid freezing at very low temperature
It all starts with rapid freezing of the food—whether raw or already cooked.
The product is placed in an environment at -40°C or below , which allows the water it contains to freeze uniformly , without forming crystals that would damage the structure.
This is a crucial step to preserve the texture of the final food.
Step 2: Sublimation in an airless environment
Once frozen, the food is placed in a vacuum chamber. This is where the magic happens.
The absence of air allows the water to pass directly from solid to gaseous state , without melting. This sublimation gently removes moisture from the product, while maintaining its shape and nutritional properties .
Gradually, the food warms up in this dry environment, until it exceeds 0°C — but without ever passing through a liquid state. The result: a dehydrated product, ultra-light, but always faithful to its fresh version .
Step 3: Packaging and long-term storage
Once freeze-dried, the food is extremely sensitive to moisture, so it is immediately sealed in airtight packaging , often with an oxygen barrier.
Thanks to this packaging, freeze-dried products can be stored for years , sometimes up to 25 years , without losing taste or quality — provided they are stored in a cool, dry place.
A more expensive method, but with real advantages
Freeze-drying is an energy-intensive and more expensive process than traditional drying. However, it offers unique benefits :
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Better preservation of vitamins, aromas and textures
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Crunchy, melting or soufflé result, depending on the product
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Ultra-long shelf life without added preservatives
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Rehydration possible for certain foods (fruits, cooked dishes, etc.)
This is why it is now used in specialized food , survival rations , but also in gourmet products such as freeze-dried fruits and 100% Quebec freeze-dried candies .
👉 Discover our freeze-dried candies from Quebec
👉 See our natural freeze-dried fruits
In summary
Freeze-drying is the art of transforming fresh food into a stable, light, and tasty snack , without sacrificing quality.
And when it is applied to gourmet products like candies or fruits from Quebec, it becomes a unique sensory experience ... and a true local pleasure.