FREEZE-DRYING or LYOPHILISATION

The fermentation of animal or plant-based products by lactic acid bacteria is a natural method used for their preservation for millennia.

Freeze-drying also called lyophilisation is increasingly attracting enthusiasts, particularly those in the food processing industry. A technology originally invented by 2 French scientists in the early 20th century: freezing a product, vacuum-sealing it and applying a little heat to convert ice directly into vapor without passing through the liquid state.

This allows the product to retain its organoleptic properties (appearance, smell, taste, texture, and consistency).

But what are the secrets of this industrial manufacturing technique?

Space-saving, preservation of nutritional values, extended shelf life... The benefits of freeze-drying are numerous. Freeze-drying, which is now carried out in three stages at the industrial level, involves removing all the water from organic or mineral substances:

• Freezing: the substances are first frozen at temperatures between -30°C and -50°C, turning the water present into ice. To avoid denaturing the product and preserving its nutritional properties, the freezing must be slow and precise.
• Sublimation: this occurs in a vacuum chamber. This phase transforms the product from a solid state to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid state, after surpassing the 0°C mark.
• Secondary drying: this stage removes, through desorption, the water molecules trapped on the surface of the dried products, reducing the humidity content to its lowest level.

What are the advantages?

Thanks to the absence of oxygen and moisture, the shelf life is extended by several years without opening.

Another advantage is that freeze-dried substances do not lose their nutritional values, flavors, or properties, which they regain once rehydrated.

Freeze-drying has numerous environmental benefits. Due to its reduced weight and size, this food processing technique optimizes load capacities, maximizing transport efficiency by carrying larger quantities.

A Bioprox, we are dedicated to delivering not only high-quality products but also advancing sustainability every step of the way. Our expertise, combined with advanced technological facilities, enables us to offer you high-quality lyophilised starter cultures for your products.

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