The Intriguing Chemistry Behind Freeze-Dried Candy: A Sweet Science

Understanding the Freeze-Drying Process
What is Freeze-Drying?
Freeze-drying, scientifically known as lyophilization, is a dehydration process widely utilized in preserving both food and pharmaceuticals. It involves freezing the material, reducing the surrounding pressure, and then removing the ice through sublimation, in which solid ice converts directly to vapor without passing through a liquid phase. This meticulous process effectively preserves the structural integrity and nutritional content of products, making it ideal for delicate substances such as fruits and candies. From a chemical perspective, freeze-drying …