Freeze-Dried Apples - Everything You Need to Know

We are always looking for new ways to eat and share our preserved foods.  Especially ways to get our children to eat better.  

We stumbled upon freeze dried apples years ago, and we knew as soon as we decided to buy our own freeze dryer, we'd be making apples.

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Freeze drying apples is super simple and really one of the tops snacks our kids request.  We usually make a large batch from our own apple trees, or from apples we get locally from friends and farmers.  

Once they come out of the freeze drying, we have to package them super quick or the kids will gobble them all up.  You are sure to find them same thing with your little ones (and big ones too!).

Can I Freeze Dried Apples?

100% Yes! Freeze-drying locks in flavor and nutrition without adding any preservatives or additives. The process also helps preserve the natural color of fruit, making it a great way to store fresh produce for long periods of time. 

Plus, freeze dried apples are naturally sweet and make a great snack for all ages.  As soon as I open a bag of freeze dried apples they are gone in minutes.

Do I Need to Peel Apples Before Freeze Drying?

This is really a personal preference.  The peels take a little longer to freeze dry but you can peel or not peel.

Personally, our family prefers them peeled.  The peel is a little chew and we just like the nice crunch of freeze dried apples.

How Long Do Freeze Dried Apples Last?

If stored properly, freeze dried apples will last for 25 years.  You can store them in a Mylar bag for the best results.

However, a mason jars is a great short term storage solution for apples you will consume quickly.  To ensure the longest shelf life possible, try not to expose your freeze dried fruits and veggies to humidity or extreme temperatures.

Freeze Dried Apples Video

Are Freeze Dried Apples The Same As Dried Apples?

Easy answer is no.  While both processes involve drying out fruit, there are differences.  Dehydrated fruit removes moisture through heating.  So the texture, color and flavor changes a bit.

Fruit that is freeze dried has the moisture removed through freezing and vacuuming in a freeze dryer machine .  The color and shape of the fruit stays the same.  The flavor intensifies.  So you get even more apple-y apples.

How to freeze dry apples?

Start by washing and drying your apples.  Feel free to peel them or not.

Core and slice the apples into quarters and again into 3-4 pieces.  You can also slice them in the round as long as they are flat.

Place them on the freeze dry trays and add them to the freeze dryer.  Once the freeze drying process has ended, remove the apples from the machine and place in Mylar bags or in mason jars.

Freeze drying apples is a great way to create yummy snacks and long term preservation for later use in baking.  You can have some of the best treats ever and they make really great gifts too!

Now don't forget to log how many jars or bags of freeze dried apples you preserved in your canning journal.  That way you always know how much you have and when you need more.

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