How to Freeze Dry Raspberries

Instructions:

1. Wash and gently dry your raspberries. I find an OXO salad spinner works wonders at gently removing excess moisture without damaging the raspberries. Just do a gentle spin.
2. Place onto a baking sheet or your freeze-dryer trays and flash-freeze for at least 24 hours. This is to allow the raspberries to freeze individually, and to make the freeze-drying process more efficient. You may wish to use a silicone liner on the trays to help reduce sticking much like you do with a dehydrator.
3. Follow your machine’s recommendations for freeze-drying. I set mine for a longer drying cycle of at least 24 hours. Your machine will guide you to the next steps.
4. Raspberries are done when they shatter easily in your hands. If there is any gumminess or sticking, extend your drying time.
5. Store in an airtight container of your choice such as a mason jar or mylar bag.

Storage:

Freeze-dried fruits are best stored in airtight containers immediately in a cool, dark, dry place for long-term storage. Your raspberries should last at least ten years if properly stored.

You can use:

• Canning jars that are vacuum sealed (I use this hand-held vacuum sealer because I love how easy it is to use, how long it lasts, and it’s so handy!)
• Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers that are heat-sealed.
• Zippered mylar bags (good for short-term gift-giving or selling only).

Yields

• 4.5 oz fresh = .5 oz freeze-dried
• 1 C fresh = 1 Cup freeze dried = 2.5 Tablespoons (scant 1/4 cup)

Uses for Freeze-Dried Raspberries

• Snack on them. They are perfect as-is!
• Crumble on top of yogurt, cottage cheese, or even icing!
• Use in baking as you would fresh raspberries. Some applications may make rehydrating the raspberry beneficial.
• Put in cereals or oatmeal.
• Use in muffins or quick bread for a change in flavor!
• Mix into ice cream!
• Mix into a fruity trail-mix. They will be a little brittle, so they may break up into smaller pieces in storage.

Darcy’s Tips

• Harvest your raspberry bushes throughout the season and flash-freeze raspberries until you get enough for a full freeze-dryer load. I place the frozen berries into a suitable freezer bag ( I use these silicone freezer storage bags from Amazon) until I have enough to do a full load.
• Take advantage of a great raspberry sale by visiting a few times during the sales week and stocking up. I use the flash-freeze method for those we wish to store before putting them into the bags for longer-term storage.
• You can weigh an individual tray of fresh raspberries before you freeze them to record your starting weight. Once you’re done freeze drying, record the weight after. This will indicate how much moisture is lost and how much you have to put back in to rehydrate fully. I don’t find this necessary with individual fruit and vegetable ingredients. However, if you set aside one serving, that may be more helpful to you in the long run.
• If your final intention is simply raspberry powder, it will be easier to puree raspberries, strain the seeds, and dry the liquid. You’ll get more onto the trays.

How to Make Raspberry Powder

Raspberry powder is a dream with freeze-dried raspberries.

1. Place raspberries in your blender (a bullet blender works wonders for this, but a coffee grinder dedicated to food preservation will also work. ).
2. Do pulsing grinds until you have a smooth powder
3. Sift through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the seeds
4. Store in an airtight canning jar with moisture absorbers to help keep the powder from clumping.

Uses for Raspberry Powder

• Add to yogurt or smoothies.
• Mix into milk or lemonade for a raspberry-flavored drink.
• Add to hot cocoa mixes for raspberry-infused flavor.
• Create a raspberry vinegarette by adding some powder to the recipe.

But what if I don’t have a freeze-dryer?

That’s okay! It is a big expense, and as much as I love my Harvest Right freeze dryer, I understand it’s not an option for everyone.

Purchase freeze-dried raspberries from vendors such as Augason Farms or Thrive Life. You can use these as you would home freeze-dried raspberries (or any berry!)

Comparison

I’ve loved dehydrated raspberries for years. They are perfect for creating powder. But how are they different from freeze-dried? The difference is night and day when it comes to snacking. Freeze-dried raspberries are much more like fresh raspberries than the paper-like texture of dehydrated raspberries.