We've freeze-dried over 500 times since 2019, here are 4 incredible discoveries

Since 2019, our Treko team has been diving into the fascinating world of freeze drying . After more than 500 experiments, we have made amazing discoveries that will revolutionize your perception of freeze dried foods .

In this article you will discover:

- Little-known secrets about freeze-drying
- Surprising facts about freeze-dried foods
- Crucial information for outdoor enthusiasts

Our expertise:
✅ 500+ freeze-drying batches produced since 2019
✅ Commitment to ecological and nutritious food
✅ Specializing in adventure meals

Ready to explore the world of freeze-dried foods from a new perspective? Read on!

***Note: This article shares our experience and opinions. We are not associated with the companies mentioned. Your comments are welcome!***

Our 4 discoveries about freeze-dried food

1. Freeze-dried candy: An eco-unfriendly TikTok trend

The freeze-dried candy craze on TikTok

On TikTok, a new trend has emerged: freeze-drying candy . Viral videos show marshmallows and gummy candies going through this process, captivating the attention of Internet users.

But beyond entertainment, this practice raises important ecological questions .

Why freeze drying candy is useless

Candy is already a processed product and contains little water . Freeze-drying, which aims to preserve food, is therefore of little interest in this case.

It's a bit like deciding to bake candy in the oven "just to see what happens." A fun practice, yes, but not very useful.

Long term impact

In a climate change context, this trend represents a waste of resources. Freeze-drying should instead be used to create nutritious meals, not to transform treats.

The Treko approach: Eco-responsible freeze-drying

At Treko, we are committed to creating delicious, nutritious and eco-friendly meals.

We use local ingredients and compostable packaging to provide a sustainable dining experience.

To remember

This TikTok trend is making us think about our food choices.

At Treko, we encourage eco-responsible eating and the use of freeze-drying that preserves our well-being and is optimal for the environment.

2. Reduce food waste with freeze-dried meals

Freeze-drying isn't just a TikTok trend. It can play a crucial role in combating food waste .

A Rimouski company is showing the way with an innovative approach.

The example of Neochips: Innovative pineapple chips

Neochips uses freeze-drying in an ingenious way to transform pineapple hearts into delicious chips. This approach allows:

- The use of parts that are usually thrown away
- Creating healthy and tasty snacks
- A significant reduction in waste

The Incredible Benefits of Freeze Drying

Freeze-drying offers exceptional preservation benefits . Freeze-dried foods can be stored for up to 25 years without significant loss of quality.

This feature has major implications for food safety and waste reduction.

Beyond Chips: Huge Potential

The potential of freeze drying goes far beyond pineapple chips. This technique offers many possibilities for:

- Diversify food products
- Significantly reduce food waste

To learn more about the surprising applications of freeze drying, check out our article " 8 Amazing Products That Are Freeze Dried ."

This technique has the potential to revolutionize our approach to food preservation and the fight against waste.

Its judicious use could have a significant impact on the way we produce and consume food.

3. Freeze-drying preserves taste: The good and the bad

Freeze-drying has an amazing ability: it completely preserves the taste of food. Here's what we discovered in our experiments.

The Marinated Tofu Experiment: When Bad Stays Bad

During our R&D phase, we tried an experiment with marinated tofu:

- Before freeze drying : The taste was poor
- After freeze-drying : The taste remained just as bad

This experience taught us an important lesson: freeze drying cannot transform a mediocre tasting meal into something good .

Preserving flavors: A magical power

Fortunately, this preservation also works for good tastes :

- A delicious meal before freeze-drying remains delicious after
- The explosion of flavors is kept intact
- The taste quality is not altered by the process

What this means for our freeze-dried meals

This discovery highlights the importance of:

1. The quality of the ingredients used
2. Recipe perfection before freeze-drying
3. Careful preparation before the process

By understanding this principle, we ensure that every Treko meal delivers an exceptional taste experience, even after freeze-drying.

To remember

Freeze-drying is a taste mirror: it faithfully reflects the original flavor of the dish, whether good or bad.

That’s why at Treko we put so much effort into creating tasty recipes before we even begin the freeze-drying process.

4. Not just anything can be freeze-dried

The question that often comes up in schools

During our presentations in schools, one question invariably comes up:

“Can you freeze-dry poutine?”

Unfortunately, the answer is no. This common question perfectly illustrates the public's curiosity, but also the limits of freeze-drying.

Here's why some foods, like poutine, don't freeze dry well:

Water and Fat: A Complex Duo

The freeze-drying process:

- Freezing and sublimation of water
- Lipids (fats) react differently

Problems with fatty foods:

- Lipids melt at higher temperatures than water
- They can migrate and alter the structure of the food
- They can create a barrier preventing water from escaping

The challenge of sweet foods

There are two main reasons why freeze drying sweet foods is difficult:

1. Sugar is hygroscopic:
- It attracts and retains water
- Makes the process longer and more complicated

2. Risk of caramelization:
- May give a bitter taste
- Can even cause (food) explosions in the freeze dryer!

We haven't tried freeze drying alcohol, but Retired at 40 did it to save us time.

Hard-skinned fruits: A special preparation

Some fruits like blueberries and cranberries require an extra step:
- They must be pierced before freeze-drying
- This allows water to escape more easily

To remember

Freeze drying is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It works best with:
- Low-fat foods
- Low sugar foods
- Fruits and vegetables prepared correctly

Conclusion: Freeze-dried foods, an astonishing taste reality

Freeze-drying has revealed its incredible power in the world of long-term preservation. Our major discoveries:

1. Preserving taste: Freeze drying preserves the authentic taste of food, whether good or bad.

2. Fight against waste: Innovative companies are using freeze drying to transform underutilized ingredients into delicious alternatives.

3. Limitations of freeze drying: Some foods, such as those high in fat or sugar, do not lend themselves well to this process.

4. Exceptional shelf life: Freeze-dried foods can be stored for up to 25 years without significant loss in quality.

Freeze drying offers invaluable opportunities for food preservation and waste reduction.

It continues to innovate and surprise, with enormous potential for sustainable food.

Next step

Now that you know the secrets of freeze drying, why not try them for yourself?

👉Discover our range of Treko freeze-dried meals

Tasty, nutritious and environmentally friendly, our products embody the best of freeze-drying.

Whether you are an adventurer, a hiker or simply curious about new culinary experiences, Treko has the perfect meal for you!

Don't wait any longer to explore the delicious world of Treko freeze-dried meals!