Freeze Dried Starter Culture
Use your freeze dryer to preserve starter culture. Always have starter culture on hand with this simple method.
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Equipment
- Freeze Dryer
- Silicone mats or parchment paper
Ingredients
- starter culture
Instructions
- Cover your freeze dryer trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking, or use the silicone cube molds sold by Harvest Right.
- Place your trays on a flat surface, and fill trays ¾ high with your starter culture. (If using silicone molds, fill them to the top.)
- Pre-freeze the trays of starter culture in a freezer overnight for optimal energy efficiency and to save wear and tear on your freeze drying unit.
- Pre-chill your freeze drier for 20 minutes before adding frozen trays of starter culture.
- Slide each tray back into the freeze dryer, put the insulating cover in place, close the door, lock down the pump and press start. (This step takes about 24 hours)
- After the freeze drying process is complete, remove the trays and package the finished product for long-term storage.
Notes
How to Tell If Freeze Dried Starter Culture Is Done
If the starter culture feels cold to the touch and does not crumble or break apart easily, it’s not done. Return the trays to the freeze dryer for 2-hour increments until done.How to Store Freeze Dried Starter Culture
You can simply crumble the starter culture with clean fingers, then fill up Mason jars and vacuum seal them, or store the crumbled starter culture in Mylar bags with an oxygen absorber. Freeze dried starter cultures are shelf stable for 20-25 years, holding onto 90-95% of their nutritional value. For best results, choose a cool shelf away from moisture and light, and don’t forget to label and date your package for future reference. Tried this recipe?We want to see! Tag @homesteadingfamily on Instagram.