How long will shelf stable freeze dried heavy cream last?
Have you ever wished you could have heavy cream on hand at all times without worrying about it going bad or taking up precious freezer space? Well, we have some exciting news for you! Thanks to the incredible technology of a Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, you can now freeze-dry heavy cream and extend its shelf life to approximately two years. At Chapel Hill Forge, we put this to the test and can confirm the fantastic results.
We freeze dried heavy cream and put some on the shelf, some in the fridge, and some in the freezer. We just wanted to see how long each kept. Here are the results:
Shelf: We’ve had it on the shelf over a year, and it’s been great!
Fridge: Still great. No mold or anything you might expect. Doesn’t stink!
Freezer: Pretty obvious, but it’s doing great – and we will have this read when we run out of shelf stable and fridged!
Read on to discover the wonders of freeze-dried heavy cream and how it can transform your meal preparation.
The Power of Freeze Drying: Shelf Stable Freeze Dried Heavy Cream
Freeze drying is a fascinating food preservation process that effectively extends the shelf life of food while preserving its essential flavors, textures, and nutrients. Let’s dive into how this clever technique works:
To start, the food is frozen at extremely low temperatures, ensuring that large ice crystals don’t form, which could compromise its overall quality. Once properly frozen, the food is placed within the vacuum chamber of the freeze dryer where the pressure is significantly reduced.
In the next stage, the low pressure in the vacuum chamber causes the ice in the food to undergo a direct transformation from a solid state to a gas, bypassing the liquid phase altogether. This unique process, called sublimation, extracts the majority of the water from the food, leaving it thoroughly dehydrated. It’s widely accepted that 99% of the moisture is removed.
Finally, the freeze-dried food receives gentle heating to aid in the desorption phase. This step encourages any remaining ice molecules to evaporate, resulting in a completely dry food product. Once the process is complete, the freeze-dried food can be securely packaged, ensuring its freshness is preserved and its shelf life significantly extended. This lightweight, long-lasting nature of freeze-dried foods makes them exceptionally well-suited for various applications, including camping trips, emergency food supplies, and even space missions, where portability, extended freshness, and nutritional retention are critical considerations.
Experimenting with Storing Shelf Stable Freeze Dried Heavy Cream
When we posted on social media that we were going to freeze dry heavy cream, we encountered a fair share of skeptics who doubted whether it could be done successfully. Undeterred by the skepticism, we were determined to give it a shot, especially after reading that the manufacturer, Harvest Right, claimed freeze-dried heavy cream could last up to two years on the shelf. With curiosity and a sense of adventure, we proceeded with the experiment.
As we followed the freeze-drying process and carefully monitored the results, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with a touch of uncertainty. However, much to our delight, the freeze-drying process worked like a charm! The freeze-dried heavy cream not only retained its rich texture and flavor but also showcased impressive shelf life qualities. Our successful experiment not only proved the doubters wrong but also opened up a world of possibilities for preserving other culinary delights using the amazing Harvest Right Freeze Dryer.
Using Shelf Stable Freeze Dried Heavy Cream in Meals
One of our favorite discoveries was how freeze-dried heavy cream significantly simplified meal preparation. A standout example is making a luscious Alfredo sauce for pasta in a matter of minutes! The uses for shelf stable freeze dried heavy cream are endless. Don’t be afraid to get creative as you start to learn and get confident using your shelf stable freeze dried heavy cream!
OUR TOP TIP: Rehydrate the heavy cream with MILK instead of water!
Here’s 5 quick meals using freeze-dried heavy cream:
1. Creamy Pasta Carbonara: Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. In a pan, combine rehydrated freeze-dried heavy cream, cooked and crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and black pepper. Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, and you have a comforting and flavorful Carbonara in no time!
2. Tomato Basil Soup: In a pot, add rehydrated freeze-dried heavy cream, canned tomato sauce, a pinch of dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture until it’s hot and creamy. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for an elegant and satisfying soup.
3. Chicken Alfredo: Sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken in a pan until cooked through. Add rehydrated freeze-dried heavy cream, minced garlic, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir until the sauce is thick and creamy. Toss the cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce, and you have a scrumptious Chicken Alfredo ready to enjoy. We also add our freeze dried greens to this meal for a nutrition boost!
4. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions. Stir in rehydrated freeze-dried heavy cream, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until you achieve the desired creamy consistency. These garlic-infused mashed potatoes will be a hit at any meal!
5. Creamy Mushroom Risotto: In a skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they’re tender. Stir in arborio rice and cook for a couple of minutes. Add rehydrated freeze-dried heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, a splash of white wine, and simmer until the rice is cooked and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a delightful and hearty mushroom risotto. These quick and delightful meals showcase the versatility of freeze-dried heavy cream and how it can elevate various dishes with its rich and creamy texture. Enjoy the convenience of having this essential ingredient on hand for a multitude of culinary creations!
Shelf Stable Freeze Dried Heavy Cream: Convenience Meals & Alternatives to Freeze Drying
Having shelf stable freeze dried heavy cream on hand allows you to whip up delicious meals without the hassle of rushing to the store or thawing frozen cream cubes. The convenience of storing freeze-dried heavy cream on the shelf is unmatched, making meal preparation a breeze, but is there an alternative to freeze drying heavy cream that it’s still convenient and accessible?
You can freeze heavy cream in ice cube trays or muffin tins to use in meals, but keep in mind that you’ll need to plan ahead and thaw the cream before use. This method is practical, and most people have a freezer already.
In conclusion, the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer has unlocked a world of possibilities for preserving heavy cream. Whether you opt for freeze-dried heavy cream or freeze it in traditional forms, having this essential ingredient readily available will elevate your cooking experience and make mealtime a delight.
Did you enjoy learning about shelf stable freeze dried heavy cream? Explore more freeze-drying options and start creating your culinary masterpieces today!
