The term "freeze dried" is often spelled with a 'z' instead of an 's', leading to confusion regarding its pronunciation. However, the correct spelling is with an 's' since it is derived from the verb "freeze" and the adjective "dried". The phonetic transcription of "freeze dried" is /friːz draɪd/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced with a long 'ee' sound, while the ending of both words is pronounced with a short 'i' sound.
Freeze dried refers to a preservation method where food or other substances are rapidly frozen and then dehydrated through a process known as sublimation. This technique involves removing the moisture from the substance without passing through the liquid state, thus preventing the formation of ice crystals. The term "freeze dried" can also be used as an adjective to describe the resulting product or to refer to the process itself.
During the freeze drying process, the substance is first frozen at extremely low temperatures. Then, the frozen material undergoes a process called sublimation, wherein the ice crystals transform into vapor directly, bypassing the liquid phase. This is achieved by placing the substance in a vacuum chamber and applying gentle heat, allowing the ice to evaporate and escape as vapor. This process significantly reduces the overall moisture content while preserving the structure, taste, color, and nutritional value of the original material.
Freeze dried products have several advantages. They have an extended shelf life due to the low moisture content, making them resistant to spoilage and microbial growth. Additionally, freeze drying helps retain the flavor, texture, and aroma of the original substance, making it a popular preservation method for food, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and even coffee. The lightweight and compact nature of freeze dried products also make them convenient for storage, transportation, and outdoor activities such as camping or hiking.
The word "freeze-dried" combines two separate components: "freeze" and "dried".
"Freeze" traces its origins back to Old English "frēosan" and Proto-Germanic "freusanan", meaning "to freeze" or "to become solid from cold". It is related to other Germanic languages like Old Norse "frjōsa" and German "frieren" that also mean "to freeze".
"Dried" also has its roots in Old English, derived from "drygan" meaning "to make or become dry". It is related to the Old High German word "trucchen" and the Dutch word "drogen", both meaning "to dry".
Therefore, the term "freeze-dried" is a combination of these two words, forming a compound adjective to describe the process of preserving food or other substances by freezing and then dehydrating them.