Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a process that involves removing moisture from a product while preserving its structure and properties. It is commonly used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, to extend the shelf life of perishable items and maintain their quality.
The freeze-drying process is conducted with specialized equipment called freeze dryers or lyophilizers. These machines consist of a vacuum chamber where the product is placed on trays or shelves, a condenser to collect the water vapor, and a refrigeration system to cool the product and condenser.
Freeze drying offers several advantages over other drying methods since it can preserve the product’s flavor, aroma, texture, and nutritional value. The removal of water through sublimation helps prevent damage caused by ice crystal formation, which can occur in traditional drying methods like air drying or spray drying.