The freeze drying time in the machine takes anywhere from 1-3 days. Most foods take 1-2 days. The machine has sensors that let it know when no more moisture is being extracted. The thinner and dryer the food, the shorter time it needs. Liquids/semi-liquids, and juicy foods cut in thick pieces take the longest. Anything with a full skin that is not properly prepared will be refused because it can take more than 3 days. If the food has seeds that can hold moisture and fool the machine (tomatoes, grapes, etc.) then those batches will be run longer than what the machine says to ensure they are completely dry. Any moisture is the enemy to long storage times!
Any food made into shapes that can’t be broken to check for done-ness, will need to be weighed when the machine says it is done, then put back in the machine for another 2 hours of drying and weighed again to ensure no more than 1 gram of difference. If the food has lost more than a gram of moisture weight, it will need to go back in the machine for another 2 hours and tested again.
If I need to pre-freeze your food in my freezer here, that will add 2 days to the process.
And if a batch is already in the freezer, that could delay the start of your batch. I can let you know if that’s the case.
Use A Freeze Dryer 