NERD® Gummy Clusters

Using Candy Mode

Contributed By: Adventures in Freeze Drying

About 60 pieces per large HR tray, 40 per medium HR tray

Directions:

1. Set your freeze dryer to 150℉.
2. Since NERD Clusters need at least 8 hours, set 24 hours of extra dry time to avoid missing the cycle’s end. Don’t stop before 8, even if they look done.
3. Start the machine and let it cool for 15 minutes.
4. While it cools, line your trays with parchment.
5. Space the NERD Clusters evenly. Use 5 across a large HR tray or 4 on a medium tray. Dividers help keep them separate. If they touch while drying, they’re hard to separate without breaking.
6. After 15 minutes, place the trays in the freeze dryer. Close the door and valve. Turn Candy Mode on.
7. When prompted, add 5 minutes of tray warm time. The countdown starts once the machine hits 150℉.
8. When the warm time ends, the pump will start. Clusters should plump quickly if warm enough.
9. Run for 8-12 hours. If clusters deflate after removal, they need more time. They usually can’t be successfully re-run if stopped too early.
10. Store in jars for short-term use or in mylar bags for long-term storage

Rehydration:

Not intended for rehydration.  These are a freeze dried sweet treat!

Notes:

NERD Gummy Clusters can be temperamental to run.  If your gummies do not expand in the freeze dryer as expected it is probably because you need to warm the trays longer. If doing back to back loads, you may need more tray warming time, as the gummy clusters warm up as the trays warm up on the first load. The top and bottom rack of your freeze dryer may not produce the same product as your middle trays.

Nutritional Value Per 17 pieces 

Calories: 100   Protein: 1 g   Fat: 0 g   Carbohydrates: 26 g   Sugar: 22 g   Fiber: 0 g

Cycle times & rehydration for reference only. Your results may vary.