I am looking for a more defined "heuristic" curve based upon the internal temperature. I am sure that your engineers probably have tables for such things. I also know that different foods freeze at different rates, that is why I am asking for a heuristic answer.
It's so much easier to stay on a low carb diet when you have things to nibble on. I've been drying meatballs (cut them in half first), and they make a fantastic savory snack. I'll post to the Tried and True thread when I get a chance.
I found out the hard way about the anti-drainback seal when I first tried the filter and got... nothing. I did do some research afterward and learned, as you point out, that there are some filters than don't use the seal but by then I was committed. Fortunately, it wasn't all that hard to remove it, but definitely better not to have to.
For ground meats, it’s a good idea to cook and then drain off as much grease as possible. I like to rinse ground meat before putting it in my machine to get rid of even more fat.
If you have a high volume lab, it’s usually a good idea to have more than one to be safe. Freeze drying ice water hash is the #1 way to dry it because it increases your production speed, enhances its color, retains more delicate terpenes, and get more info sharply limits microbial activity.
It’s super simple, if you aren’t running an Oil Free pump (which we strongly suggest), you should change the vacuum pump’s oil every 20-30 runs (approximately once every month or two with daily use) and ensure the interior chamber as well as your trays are cleaned frequently.
Meats can be processed either raw or cooked. Thick cuts will take a long time to process, so consider thinner cuts or cutting the meats thin yourself. Just be aware that raw and cooked meats will come out of the machine looking the same so be sure to label your packages.
Agree entirely on the fittings! After many emails and phone calls to HR, some advice that didn't pan out, and some parts replacement, the unit is back in business! Turns out it was the wire passthrough for the heater wires.
Another reason to buy a freeze dryer instead of already freeze dried food is that you can choose to freeze dry whatever you want.
Reinstalled the vacuum hose and capped far end of hose to do a hose test. (same website results as pump alone)
The only downside is that the interior is now so cold that defrost time has doubled! I use a large high volume fan to defrost the unit, not the heat trays. It used to be a 15 minute job, now it is closer to 30 minutes.
We can take these meals with us when we travel as well as when my son goes on Scout camp outs or activities with his friends. Buying a freeze dryer has made life a lot easier for our family.
So the bottom line is this: If you can afford the money and time to spend on freeze-drying your own food and you believe the need for the food is many months or years away, then eventually the Harvest Right freeze dryer will pay for itself.
Morgan is the founder of Rogue Preparedness. She has been a prepper for over a decade. She's a wife, mother of two daughters and is homesteading off grid. She teaches people how to be prepared for emergencies and disasters.