Not only did I get the strawberries and sprouts in the freeze dryer but I prepped another load.
Strawberries & Mushrooms
The fourth tray has kefir in it and it was already in the freezer. I put the other three trays in the freezer and as soon as the current load in the freeze dryer is done, I’ll put these in.
Kimchi
The kimchi was ready so I got it out and put it all in jars.
This evening was our night knitting group so I went to that and now I’m in for the night .. to sit and knit on my socks!
Cilla Tyler says
I’m not certain but wouldn’t freeze drying or even just freezing kefir destroy all the good probiotics in it?
Judy Laquidara says
Freezing does not harm the good bacteria. It may reduce it some but it will multiply again when allowed to re-ferment. http://aboutyogurt.com/index.asp?bid=28
Here is a link to an article that talks about freeze drying. https://thesurvivalmom.com/freeze-dried-yogurt-tutorial/
This article talks about dehydrating kefir grains and that is harder on the food/nutritional value than freeze drying. https://happykombucha.co.uk/blogs/happykombucha-1/6895548-drying-and-freezing-kefir
While I have not done any scientific testing (because that’s way above my capabilities), I have used freeze dried sourdough starter, freeze dried yogurt and freeze dried kefir to start new batches. The fact that there is “something” in there that will get a jar of fresh milk culturing and produce yogurt or kefir tells me there are still active cultures in there.
Judy Laquidara says
Here is another article that studied freezing the grains. They were looking for a way to slow down the production in order to avoid bulging bags during shipping. What I think they’re saying is that freezing does reduce some of the beneficial probiotics/bacteria/yeast but in traditionally cultured kefir, once it’s recultured, those things start to grow again and the culture becomes lively and active. https://www.nourishingplot.com/2016/10/18/freezing-kefir-concerning-results/
Nelle Coursey says
And we had so much fun!! I will have to email you about what the “teacher” told Sue Thomas!!
Susan Nixon says
I’m glad you have a couple of knitting groups to play with. More fun that way. =) You can keep the mushrooms, but more strawberries sounds good!