What is the Process of Freeze Dried Candy?

Freeze-dried candy is made using a process that removes moisture from the candy without using heat, which helps preserve its shape, flavor, and nutritional content. Here's a simplified breakdown of the freeze-drying process:

1. Candy Selection: The candy is selected, often chewy or gummy candies like taffy, gummies, or marshmallows, because they expand and change texture in an interesting way when freeze-dried.

2. Freezing: The candy is frozen at extremely low temperatures (usually below -40°F/-40°C). This solidifies the moisture inside the candy, turning it into ice.

3. Vacuum Chamber: The frozen candy is placed in a vacuum chamber. The air is removed, creating a low-pressure environment.

4. Sublimation: Under vacuum and controlled heating, the ice in the candy sublimates, meaning it changes directly from solid ice to water vapor without going through a liquid phase. This removes the moisture from the candy while maintaining its structure.

5. Finishing: After the moisture is removed, the freeze-dried candy is left light, airy, and crunchy. It is then packaged to prevent it from reabsorbing moisture from the air.

Freeze-dried candy typically has an intense flavor and a unique, crispy texture. The process preserves the sweetness but alters the texture dramatically.