Freeze drying flowers involves a specialized process that extracts moisture while preserving their shape and color. This is achieved by flash freezing fresh flowers and then placing them in a freeze-drier for an extended period.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Flower Selection and Preparation:
- Choose fresh flowers that are in excellent condition. Any blemishes or wilting will be exaggerated during the process.
- Remove any unwanted leaves or stems.
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Flash Freezing:
- The flowers are flash frozen to a very low temperature. This rapid freezing prevents large ice crystals from forming, which can damage the cellular structure of the petals.
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Loading into the Freeze-Drier:
- The frozen flowers are carefully placed inside the freeze-drying chamber.
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Vacuum Sealing and Drying Process:
- The freeze-drier creates a vacuum environment.
- Over a period of approximately 10 to 15 days (the exact duration can vary based on the flower type and the specific freeze-dryer), the moisture in the flowers sublimates – that is, it transforms directly from a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapor) without passing through the liquid phase. The vacuum and controlled temperature facilitate this process.
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Removal and Storage:
- Once the drying cycle is complete, the freeze-dried flowers are removed.
- They are very delicate and should be handled with care.
- Store the freeze-dried flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent moisture reabsorption and maintain their quality.
