A wonderful dessert, ice cream is created by churning and freezing a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, and frequently other ingredients to produce a smooth, creamy texture. Although it became widely available with the advent of refrigeration, freeze dried ice cream has been enjoyed for centuries. Its popularity has spawned various versions, including frozen custard, frozen yogurt, and non-dairy alternatives made with ingredients like coconut milk.
What Is Freeze-Dried Ice Cream?
Freeze dried ice cream, commonly referred to as “astronaut ice cream,” is a unique snack developed by NASA for astronauts. This innovative treat is almost weightless, dry to the touch, and does not require refrigeration. Completely dehydrated, freeze-dried ice cream cannot melt, making it an ideal snack for space travel. Its convenient, mess-free format allows for easy consumption without preparation. While it was first introduced during the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s, it is now available in science museum gift shops and novelty stores.
Did Astronauts Eat Freeze-Dried Ice Cream?
Many people associate freeze dried ice cream with astronauts, but the truth is a bit murkier. Developed by the Whirlpool Corporation under NASA’s contract, this space snack gained fame as “space ice cream.” However, evidence suggests that it was rarely, if ever, used during actual space missions.
In 2016, journalist Phil Edwards searched through official NASA records and found no mention of freeze-dried ice cream being consumed in space. He discovered that while the Apollo 7 mission reportedly had freeze-dried ice cream, Walt Cunningham, the mission’s surviving astronaut, stated he never tried it. Jennifer Levasseur, curator at the National Air and Space Museum, believes freeze-dried ice cream was likely developed for testing on the ground but ultimately rejected for space travel.
So, how did freeze dried ice cream become linked to space exploration? After the Apollo missions, gift shops began marketing it as astronaut ice cream, cementing its association with space travel in the public’s mind. While Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong may not have enjoyed this crunchy treat, it remains a fun and delicious snack for everyone to enjoy.
Is Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Crunchy?
Yes, freeze dried ice cream is indeed crunchy! This unique treat is completely dehydrated, making it shelf-stable, dry to the touch, and incapable of melting. The texture resembles that of a crispy wafer cookie, giving it a light, airy quality. When you take a bite, the moisture from your mouth softens the ice cream, allowing its preserved flavors to shine through. The higher the quality of the original ice cream, the more delicious the final product will be.
Supplies Needed for Making Freeze-Dried Ice Cream
To create your own freeze dried ice cream, you’ll need a few essential supplies:
- Freeze Dryer: We recommend the Harvest Right freeze dryer, which comes with trays for easy use. If you’re considering purchasing one, check out my comprehensive Harvest Right freeze dryer review for insights (spoiler alert: we love it so much that we now own two!).
- Parchment Paper: While optional, lining the trays with parchment paper can simplify the process of removing the finished product.
- Utensils: A cookie scoop, a sharp knife, or a large spoon will help you transfer the ice cream to the freeze-dryer trays.
- Freezer Space: For optimal results, freeze the ice cream in a deep freezer before freeze-drying.
- Spatula: This handy tool will help you smoothly remove the freeze-dried ice cream from the trays.
- Storage Containers: To properly store your freeze-dried food, consider using vacuum-sealed Mason jars or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. A Mason jar vacuum sealer can make the resealing process quick and easy.
- Marking Pen and Labels: Always label your items with the preservation date and contents to keep your pantry organized.
Ingredients for Freeze-Dried Ice Cream
For Freeze Dried Ice Cream:
- 1.5 quarts (1.4 L) of ice cream in your flavor of choice.
For Faux Freeze-Dried Ice Cream:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) cream of tartar
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) flavoring extract (e.g., vanilla)
- Gel food coloring (optional)
How to Freeze Dry Ice Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide
Freeze Drying Instructions
- Prepare the Trays: Optionally, line your freeze dryer trays with parchment paper for easier removal later.
- Transfer the Ice Cream: You can use one of these methods to add ice cream to the trays:
- Use a cookie scoop to make individual ice cream “scoops.”
- Spread softened ice cream in an even layer across the tray.
- Using a big knife, cut the ice cream into slices that are ½ inch thick, then place the slices on the tray. Homesteading Hack: If you’re slicing or spreading the ice cream, score it into individual servings to simplify storage later.
- Pre-Freeze the Ice Cream: To achieve the best results, cover the trays with plastic wrap and freeze them for at least two hours or up to twenty-four hours. Homesteading Hack: A deep freezer is ideal, as it maintains lower temperatures more effectively than a standard freezer. If the ice cream softens during transfer, this step will help reduce freeze-drying time and ensure your treats are in individual portions.
- Prepare for Freeze Drying: Remove the trays from the freezer and discard the plastic wrap.
- Load the Freeze Dryer: Place the trays in the freeze dryer, secure the insulating cover, and close the door.
- Start the Cycle: Select the appropriate settings, including “start,” “liquid,” “frozen,” and allow for a pre-freeze time of 30 minutes.
- Finalize the Setup: Once your settings are in place, ensure that the drain tube is closed, lock the pump, and press “start.” Note: If you’re using a different brand of freeze dryer, consult the user manual for specific instructions.
How to Determine If Freeze Dried Ice Cream Is Ready
The completion of the freeze-drying process can vary based on several factors, including the machine used, the thickness of the ice cream, and its initial moisture content. Always test your freeze dried ice cream before storing it long-term. When the cycle ends, remove the trays and take the largest piece of ice cream. Break it in half; it should feel nearly weightless and have a texture similar to Styrofoam. If it feels cool or frozen to the touch and any moisture remains, return the trays to the freeze dryer, add extra drying time, and check again in a couple of hours.
How to Store Freeze-Dried Ice Cream
When stored properly, freeze dried ice cream can last up to 25 years at room temperature. However, most families will consume it much sooner! For long-term storage, keep it in airtight containers away from direct sunlight. We recommend using vacuum-sealed Mason jars or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
How to Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Ice Cream
While freeze-dried ice cream can be enjoyed as-is without rehydration, you can add water in small amounts if desired for recipes or fun experiments with kids. The goal is to add back the exact amount of water that was removed during the freeze-drying process. To be precise, weigh your ice cream before and after freeze drying to calculate how much water to add for proper rehydration.
Why We Love Freeze-Dried Ice Cream
Our Moonix freeze dried ice cream comes in a wide variety of flavors, including Cotton Candy, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate, Coffee, and many more. Additionally, you can make your own unique mix! Available in different sizes, such as individual servings and packs of 5, 10, 25, or even 100, there’s a perfect option for everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, freeze dried ice cream, often known as astronaut ice cream, is a unique, crunchy treat that originated from NASA’s space missions but gained more fame on Earth than in actual space. Although it wasn’t widely consumed by astronauts, it became associated with space travel and remains a popular novelty snack today. The freeze-drying process removes all moisture, making the ice cream lightweight, shelf-stable, and incapable of melting. This preservation method allows for long-term storage of up to 25 years, while still retaining the original flavors. Whether purchased or homemade, freeze-dried ice cream offers a fun, convenient way to enjoy a classic dessert in a whole new form.
Faqs
1. What is freeze-dried ice cream?
Freeze dried ice cream, also known as astronaut ice cream, is a dehydrated version of regular ice cream. It’s dry, lightweight, and doesn’t require refrigeration, making it ideal for space travel and long-term storage.
2. How is freeze-dried ice cream made?
The ice cream is first frozen and then placed in a freeze dryer, where all the moisture is removed through a process called sublimation. This leaves behind a dry, crunchy treat that retains the original flavor.
3. Did astronauts actually eat freeze-dried ice cream in space?
Despite its association with space travel, freeze dried ice cream was rarely consumed by astronauts. While developed for NASA, there’s little evidence it was used on actual space missions.
4. Can freeze-dried ice cream melt?
No, freeze dried ice cream cannot melt because it contains no moisture. At room temperature, it stays dry and crisp.
5. How long does freeze-dried ice cream last?
When stored properly in airtight containers, freeze dried ice cream can last up to 25 years at room temperature.
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