Tips & Tricks

Everything about the freeze dryer

Function of the fruit.

Freeze dryer

The Fruitworks Freeze DryerΒ works fully automatically and individually adjusts its drying process to the food placed inside.

About precise SensorsΒ does the device recognise how much residual moisture is still in the products. Based on these measured values, the freeze dryer decides independently, When individual programme cycles are completedΒ can become.
This intelligent control saves Energy and precious time, as the drying process only runs for as long as is actually necessary. As soon as the process is finished, a new charge inserted fasterΒ become.
No time for a change? Not a problem, the dryer works until the completed process is confirmed by the operator. No immediate intervention required, and you can sleep soundly.
The Drying timeΒ depends on the model, the product and the product quantity:

  • With the M model and S-model it is approximately between 16 and 28 hours.
  • With the L-model The standard programme takes approximately between 30 and 48 hours.

When the food pre-frozenΒ are (at least 24 hours at -20Β°C, can it pre-programmedΒ used. In this mode, the freezing process is skipped, which significantly shortens the overall drying time.

If complete pre-freezing is not possible, the Standard programmeΒ to be used – here too, the device automatically adjusts the runtime to achieve optimal results.
A night drying is possible manually, should the goods be very thickly cut.

Technical process of freeze-drying
Freeze-drying (lyophilisation) is a gentle method for preserving food, in which water is removed without destroying the cell structure. The process takes place in several steps:

  1. Freezing:The foodstuffs are brought to very low temperatures (down to -50Β°). The water contained within them freezes into ice.
  2. Vacuum generationThen, in the drying chamber, a Vacuum is produced. The air pressure drops sharply, causing the physical properties of the water to change.
  3. SublimationUnder these conditions, the ice passes directly from a solid to a gaseous state – this process is called sublimation. The water leaves the product as water vapour without melting first.
  4. CondensationThe water vapour is captured on the inner wall of the vacuum chamber in the device and re-bound as ice there.
  5. Post-drying (desorption)In a final phase, the residual moisture is removed to ensure a very long shelf life and optimal consistency.

The result is lightweight, crispy and aromatic products that regain their original shape and taste when water is added.

Our Fruit Works Freeze Dryer are designed to be simple to operate, fully automatic and at the same time maximally flexible. You select the appropriate programme depending on the food – the rest of the process runs automatically. In addition, the software is continuously developed and improved through free updates.

Standard programme

The standard program is the ideal all-round setting and is suitable for almost all products.

  • Automatic control of temperature and drying time
  • Uniform and safe drying process
  • No complicated settings required
  • Perfect for beginners and daily use.

Pre-wash cycle

The pre-frozen programme is available for products that have been pre-frozen for at least 24 hours at a minimum of βˆ’20 Β°C.

  • significantly shorter drying time
  • higher efficiency
  • Ideal for larger quantities or frequent use

Beta Version – Pro Update

The Pro Update (Beta version) gives you expanded features for more control and customisation.

Features included:

  • Standard programme
  • Pre-wash cycle
  • The ability to create and save your own programmes

This allows the freeze dryer to be optimally adapted to different foodstuffs and individual requirements.

Important notice regarding the beta version
The beta software is still in the testing phase.
It is not intended for continuous operation or productive use, but is solely for testing and familiarisation with new functions.

Requesting beta software

If you wish to participate in the beta programme, please send an email to:
info@frucht-werk.com

Coming soon: Shock freezer function

We are currently working on making the freeze dryer also usable as a shock freezer in the future.
This feature will be added in one of the next updates.

Free updates & full compatibility

Our software is constantly being further developed – and the best part:

  • All updates are free
    Even already purchased devices will receive new functions and improvements.
  • Full compatibility
    All software updates are compatible with all Frucht-Werk freeze dryers that are already in use.

Installing updates:

The installation can be easily carried out from home. Simply connect your freeze dryer to the computer and follow the included instructions. Should you require assistance or wish for a physical delivery, please contact us – we are always happy to help.

Meat & Fish
Examples: Beef, chicken, pork, game, salmon, tuna

Purpose

  • Production of durable meat pieces for outdoor and expedition food
  • Ingredients for instant meals or soups
  • Premium quality pet food
  • Emergency food supplies and crisis provision

Fruits & Berries
Examples: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mango, banana, apple, pineapple

Purpose

  • Snacks and toppings for muesli, yoghurt, or desserts
  • Ingredients for smoothie powder
  • Decorating baked goods
  • Long-term storage without loss of quality

Fruit & Vegetables
Examples: Apples, pears, carrots, peas, courgettes, broccoli, spinach

Purpose

  • Manufacture of instant vegetable mixes
  • Ingredients for soups, sauces, and ready meals
  • Nutrient-rich snacks
  • Emergency rations or camping food

Flowers & Blossoms
Examples: Roses, Lavender, Chamomile, Marigold

Purpose

  • Decoration and Floristry
    Herbal teas and bath additives
    Cosmetic applications (e.g. flower extracts)

Herbs
Examples: Parsley, chives, basil, mint, thyme, rosemary

Purpose

  • Spice blends and herb salt
  • Tea preparation
  • Natural remedies and home pharmacy
  • Aroma preservation in seasonal harvesting

Spice manufacturing
Examples: Garlic, onion, chilli, pepper, turmeric, ginger

Purpose

  • Pulverising into high-quality spices
  • Longer shelf life and intense flavour
  • Base for mixtures or pastes

Soup and sauce powders
Examples: Vegetable broth, meat stock, tomato soup, mushroom soup

Purpose

  • Manufacture of instant products
  • Use in gastronomy, outdoor pursuits, or emergency supplies
  • Concentrated flavour base for creative cuisine

Ready meals & meals
Examples: Stews, pasta dishes, risotto, curries, goulash

Purpose

  • Light, quick-to-prepare dishes for camping, outdoors, travel
  • Long-term storage without cooling
  • Emergency supplies or crisis rations

Bakery & Confectionery
Examples: Cake slices, cream toppings, ice cream, yogurt

Purpose

  • Durable desserts or decorative elements
  • Manufacture of freeze-dried ice cream or yoghurt snacks
  • Ingredients for powder mixtures

Food for Research & Pharmacy
Examples: Enzymes, bacterial cultures, food supplements

Purpose

  • Long-term storage of sensitive substances
  • Stabilisation of biological samples
  • Manufacture of pharmaceutical dry dosage forms

Pet food
Examples: Meat, fish, vegetables, liver, offal
Purpose

  • High-quality snacks and main food
  • Gentle preservation of raw materials
  • Preservation of nutrients and flavour

Cannabis & Hemp Products
Examples: Flowers, Leaves

Purpose

  • Gentle drying to preserve terpenes and active ingredients
  • Preparation for extraction, vaporisation or medical use
    β€’ Prevention of mould formation through precise moisture control

Aluminium composite bags (Mylar bags)
Features

  • Opaque, airtight, and moisture-resistant
  • Available with or without zip fastener
  • Durable and ideal for long-term storage

Usage

  • Long-term storage of food (10–25 years with correct storage)
  • Emergency supplies, outdoor nutrition
  • Protection of sensitive products such as herbs, fruits or cannabis

Tip: Combine with oxygen absorbers or silica gel sachets for maximum shelf life


Shopping bags (Doypacks)
Features

  • Stable, appealing for sale
  • Available in plastic, paper composite or biodegradable materials

Usage

  • Snacks, fruit, herbs, spices, soup powder
  • Resealable for daily use

πŸ«™ 3. Glass containers (screw-top jars, preserving jars) (clear recommendation)
Features

  • Reusable, odourless, recyclable
  • Airtight with screw-top or swing-top lid

Usage

  • Herbs, spices, tea blends, dried fruits
  • Decorative presentation or gift packaging

4. Plastic containers / PET containers
Features

  • β€’ Lightweight, shatterproof, transparent
    β€’ Available in various sizes
    β€’ Usage:
    β€’ Instant meals, powders, dog treats, sports nutrition
    β€’ Reusable and cost-effective

πŸ’¨ 5. Vacuum packing (not recommended for long-term storage)
Features

  • Air is completely removed β†’ no oxygen contact
    Very space-saving
    Ideal for storage and transport

Usage

  • Meat, fish, vegetables, ready meals
  • Preparation for long-term storage or export
  • Combination with Mylar bags or cans possible
  1. Preparation
    1. Turn off the device and disconnect it from the power supply.
    2. Remove all trays and the heating register. Disconnect the plug between the heating register at the back.

  2. Deep clean
    1. Remove frozen or residual food from the compartment.
    2. Wipe away coarse residue with a soft cloth.

  3. Clean stainless steel chamber
    1. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in warm water with mild detergent.
    2. Gently wipe the inner surfaces of the chamber.
    3. For stubborn deposits, allow to soak and re-wet several times.
    4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove any cleaning product residue.

  4. Clean door seal (rubber)
    1. Wipe gently with a damp cloth.
    2. Do not use harsh cleaning agents or alcohol.
    3. Let dry.

  5. Clean the heating coil
    1. Wipe the stainless steel heating register with a soft cloth or brush.
    2. The register can be rinsed carefully with warm water.
    3. Caution with heating mats under floor registers: Do not pour liquid directly onto the connections and cables on the back of the register.
    4. Do not immerse in water.

  6. Clean accessories
    1. Clean trays with warm water and mild washing-up liquid.
    2. Rinse thoroughly.
    3. Allow to dry completely before re-use.

  7. Drying and airing
    1. Allow the chamber, door seal and heater register to dry completely.
    2. Ventilate the appliance for a few hours with the door open to remove residual moisture.

  8. Control and prevention
    1. Check door seal for cracks or wear, replace if necessary.
    2. Regularly check the heating coil for visible soiling.
    3. Prepare the device for next use.

πŸ’‘ Extra tip: Regular cleaning ensures optimal drying results and a long service life for the appliance.

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