My Dehydrator & Freeze Dryer Set-up For Preserving Homegrown Food

Рет қаралды 142,547

2 жыл бұрын

In this video, I show you my new dehydrator and freeze dryer set-up for preserving our own homegrown food.
Harvest Right freeze dryer website: affiliates.harvestright.com/1...
Go here to get Birdies Raised Garden bed in the USA: shop.epicgardening.com/ and use SSME2020 for a 5% discount.
In Australia, go to birdiesgardenproducts.com.au/ and use Code SSMEbird for a 5% discount. In New Zealand, go to birdiesgardenproducts.co.nz/ and use Code ssmebird22 for 5% off your first purchase.
Plant Doctor Fertiliser: Go to www.plantdoctor.com.au/ and use SSME10 = 10% off products (not shipping).
Hoselink Garden Products such as hose reels go here l.linklyhq.com/l/5uZu and you will automatically get a 10% discount on checkout!
Support me on Patreon: / selfsufficientme (the top tier $25 AU enables mentoring from yours truly via an exclusive VIP email where I will answer your questions etc ASAP).
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Check out www.gardentoolsnow.com/ for tools such as the Prong I recommend to use.
Rolling Sifter: rollingsifter.ecwid.com/ use Compostyng (yes with a "y") during checkout for a 10% discount. Cheryl (a registered nurse by trade invented and hand makes these sifters).
Shop for plants or garden equip on eBay Australia: bit.ly/2BPCykb
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Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland Australia about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :) #preserving #homegrown #homesteading
*Disclaimer: Some links to products in this description and comments sections are affiliated, meaning, I receive a small commission if you follow these links and then purchase an item. I will always declare in a video if the video is sponsored and as of October 2021 I am yet to do a sponsored video.

Пікірлер: 622

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

G'day Everyone, I hope you enjoy the video! Please forgive the terrible echo sound and darker image but I did my best to improve both. You might have noticed my uploading being a tad random lately and this is because I'm working towards posting 2 vids per week as I have lots of ideas and content I want to share. I'm experimenting on ways to streamline my workflow whilst still striving to improve my filming and editing skills. Also, please check the description above (below the video) if you are wanting more info about the products I mentioned as I often link to them. Thanks for your support! Get into it! Cheers, Mark :)

@MandyOnderwater 2 жыл бұрын

Nice seeing you again! Even with the echo we can still easily hear you, so it's not too bad.

@SweeniesCreekFarm 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Mark. As we head towards 100 videos on our channel we have learned, as I'm sure you did a long time ago, sometimes you just have to film in locations that are not ideal for sound and/or light and you just have to make the best of what you get. Still a fantastic video that is, as always, up to your high standards. Uncarpeted empty rooms with concrete floors are going to echo. We dont mind!

@slamrock17 2 жыл бұрын

I am very envious. This is a sweet setup. You should get some figs to dry out.

@PyrrhP 2 жыл бұрын

Turned out ok in spite of the echo. Sometimes you just film all the good stuff then record a voiceover, when the audio isn't ideal. Actually, the way you did this video, most of your facecam time you could have done in a different location.

@Sunshine_AK 2 жыл бұрын

I thought the echo was fine and to be expected. You are in a garage. Love your setup. I would be worried the tables would get crowded with stuff lol. But it looks great and very efficient

@harryporter3531 2 жыл бұрын

Mark I think you're missing out on an opportunity here if you could come up with a beef jerky scented laundry detergent every hunter in the world would be on it!!! 💰💰💰 😆 🤣 😂

@carolined5929 2 жыл бұрын

lmao brilliant!

@shanewaters592 2 жыл бұрын

MAKE THIS A THING

@StanHowse 2 жыл бұрын

Pretty sure Hunters don't want to smell like dead, cooked meat, while hunting a Deer.... Just saying.

@harryporter3531 2 жыл бұрын

Not for the hunting gear.....it's for the "go'n out" clothes.... 😆 🤣 😂

@StanHowse 2 жыл бұрын

@@harryporter3531 Hahaha

@BartTheBardOfficial 2 жыл бұрын

It's so nice to see such follow-up videos from earlier videos from you. It's absolutely obvious that your heart is in this channel and your going-ons in the garden. Great stuff again, it's a nice watch :)

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bart! Yes mate, the passion has not wained over the years it has only grown deeper. I very much enjoy sharing my journey with you and all the many supportive and lovely people who are interested in what I do. Cheers :)

@deborah9708 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like your well on the way to what we here in Cajun Country call an “Outdoor Kitchen.” In other areas it’s called a canning kitchen. I think it’s called an outdoor kitchen because it’s where men use it for suppers and card games like poker or bourre’. Bourre’ is a card played in Cajun country

@CoalCoalJames 2 жыл бұрын

It's commin up plumb~ =D

@agpoetrycorner 2 жыл бұрын

...or harvest kitchen.

@mariejuana2993 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry for my lack of culture or knowledge, but whats Cajun country? I know cajun is a spice.

@c1neal 2 жыл бұрын

Move the pump to the ground and put it on a rubber or foam insulation mat

@rohantherockwiththerocketh7871 2 жыл бұрын

Mark try going to Clarks Rubber and getting some blue foamstuff, it's only a centimetre thick or fifteen millimetres thick and it will deaden a lot of the noise from the pump because of the vibration damping! It works with aquatic air pumps so it should work for you.

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

I'll check it out thanks Rohan! :)

@peggycearnach8034 2 жыл бұрын

Or a yoga mat. Cut it to size with an electric knife. Probably much cheaper 👍

@lynnhayes2363 2 жыл бұрын

Even cork squares from the dollar store, or whatever the southern version is!!

@shinsanhughes629 2 жыл бұрын

Or a small housing made of Hebel sound-proof blocks.

@richkurtz3255 2 жыл бұрын

Be careful! You cannot block the ventilation of the pump! Vacuum pumps throw of heat that has to be dissipated!

@anniecochrane3359 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark - I love seeing how your entire family live so sustainably, growing and preserving your food. Regardless of the topic you may be discussing I always watch your videos because they make me happy - you have a talent. And of course always lots of good gardening tips. A big thumbs up!!!!!!

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Annie! All the best :)

@MrMuddyhands 2 жыл бұрын

Love the content. Would be good to see what things you freeze dry and which you and dehydrate and why you chose that option over the other. Keep up the great work

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Christopher! I do intend to show the difference but I can already give an indication from the few things I have made and that's "texture." Often (not always) dehydrated foods like strawberries, for example, turn out chewy and shrunken whereas I'm finding freeze-dried holds the shape and goes super crunchy. So, as a snack, a freeze-dried crunchy strawberry or banana slice is quite a treat on its own but if I wanted them on some cereal for breakfast I would probably prefer dehydrated for the chewy texture. Cheers :)

@kaemcyd2932 2 жыл бұрын

the freeze dryer keeps 97% of enzymes and nutrition where the dehydrator is far less able to do this. The FD does not distort the look of the food or make it tough. It is far superior for long term food storage... up to 30 years and just tastes better and is more nutritious. It is almost exactly the same as original condition when rehydrated. It is extremely good without rehydrating for some foods. Fruits and Veggies can be more of a treat and crunchies on a salad or just snacking. I love corn, peaches, even canned! I love my FDryer. You can freeze dry a raw steak and rehydrate and put on the barbie 30 years later! Amazing...

@Elddreki 2 жыл бұрын

Mark, it’s nice to be back! I haven’t been on KZfaq for the past few months, watching very many videos. I used to watch your videos every night, even if I’ve seen them. I just learn so much. I felt kind of empty and out of place not watching your videos. I know you don’t know who I am, you’ve replied to me several times, but watching you I really feel like I’m right there with you, as if you’re my friend. You’ve helped me get through a lot and I’ve learned so much from you. I’m taking horticulture technology at the technical/trade school where I live. As of now I’m doing plant materials, where I learn the scientific and common names of plants, how they grow, and how to identify them. In applied plant science I’m learning the basics of plant growth, doing lab experiments, and learning about the important structures and aspects to a plant. Im doing landscape management, learning how to manage a landscape, create a plan and a sketch, plant different plants, and fertilize beds, do turf grass, and irrigation. In soil science I’m learning everything you need to know on healthy soil. Soil tests, nutrients, bed prep, fertilization, organic matter. I’m Also learning greenhouse operations, how to build a greenhouse, situate it, important aspects, financial aspects, business, marketing, turnovers, etc. I’m learning a lot. You’ve really inspired me and have helped me get where I am, even though you don’t know who I am. Thanks Mark, and have a good one.

@ZestGirlsSriLanka 2 жыл бұрын

It is glad to see you after a long time. I learned a lot of gardening tips from your video. Thanks and greetings from Sri Lanka.

@mariacampbell581 2 жыл бұрын

I like your freezer. I have one of these. I got four pound bags of flour. Triple wrapped them and put them in the bottom of the freezer. They will keep for several years and make a nice way to fill up that void in the bottom of the freezer where things go to get freezer burned. I bought the flour on sale and during the pandemic, I always had flour to bake with. It's just an idea. I love it when you say Let's get into it. Makes me smile every time.

@viceb7 2 жыл бұрын

I know this isn't your intended purpose, but I love watching/listening to your videos to relax my anxiety and try to sleep. I love gardening and the outdoors too but your voice and demeanor is like a big bear hug.. Thanks Marc. Your new setup looks awesome.

@SuperStruct 2 жыл бұрын

The echo gives the video immersion in this context... I'm not a professional about video production but it's quite satisfying, hearing what it would be like standing in the midst of immense food preservation room

@louissmith1171 2 жыл бұрын

………Just absolutely love your channel and your contagious positive attitude ……… if ever in the Chicago area …you always have a loving and free home to stay!!!!! God bless

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Louis! I appreciate the offer also. Cheers :)

@fearthehoneybadger 2 жыл бұрын

To love your freeze-dry machine so much that you dedicate an entire room to it.

@kevinpunter7960 2 жыл бұрын

Wasn't aware of those freeze dryers .. nice to know. I'm a little way away from being able to set myself up properly but something I've been ogling is a Bradley smoker. Smoking can make even average fish taste amazing and the Bradleys seem to take a lot of the fiddling out of the equation (some would call it skill).

@paullmitchell6400 2 жыл бұрын

Nice setup Mark, but I would be putting a magnetic strip on the wall above the second bench to put all your knives for cutting, as well as a funnel, spatula, dough scraper and any other metal tools you'd be using during the food prep. Additionally a shelf to hold a little propane burner and canning supplies just so you have all together and out of the kitchen, not heating it up during our crazy humid Queensland summers. Don't waste the opportunity... Go all out and make your food preparation station setup mindblowing! Go on.. make the interwebz denizens jealous... you know you want to :D

@TheFROSTER420 2 жыл бұрын

wicked setup bro! I love that you do all these things with food you've grown yourself!

@spider1g5 2 жыл бұрын

I love watching your videos, you are (in my opinion) the Steve Irwin of gardening!

@sarahel6930 5 ай бұрын

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!! If we could all do what you are doing, the shops would be down to selling so little! Well done. Mark, I like the way you say, if you can't be self sufficient in everything, be self sufficient in something. That causes us to think🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 well me at least. Thank you so much for all your shared knowledge, it is very much appreciated. Have a great day.

@sherryberry2394 2 жыл бұрын

Honestly, your videos have been pulling me through the last 2 years! Ugh, Covid, politics, climate change...need I say more. BUT you got me growing food which is a lovely focus for body and soul. I love this "self sufficient me" community you've created here.💜 (BTW: I have a Birdies raised bed coming any week now.👍)

@harryporter3531 2 жыл бұрын

He is actually therapeutic isn't he 😊

@RoyHolder 2 жыл бұрын

@@harryporter3531 Mark is a wonderful and very humble man, gotta love him hey! 💕

@sherryberry2394 2 жыл бұрын

@@harryporter3531 I have seen so many others post similar remarks. Maybe we should nominate him for some sort of Nobel peace prize?! 💜

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

I think you make a very good point! We can all tend to focus (and get pulled down) by the constant negative information highway and whilst it is good to stay informed to an extent we really don't need to be reminded about every bad thing that happens 24/7 as this can affect us directly and subconsciously and give an unrealistic impression that everything is collapsing around us when in reality it is not. Getting out into the garden and in nature reminds me of how beautiful the world is and my focus soon becomes about what I can grow or create. All the best with your Birdies beds - how exciting! :)

@bjty5615 2 жыл бұрын

Love the new set up

@rodsofgod6863 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely awesome setup..congrats!!

@t0mt0mt0m 2 жыл бұрын

Next level setup. Bravo

@robertlopez2346 2 жыл бұрын

you are a down right gem of a man. Like the bob ross of gardening.

@stevew6138 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to "us" all learning from scratch about freeze drying on your homestead. Thanx.

@shawnplowman7924 2 жыл бұрын

What a great set up!!

@alexaelliott2598 2 жыл бұрын

Another informative and fun window into your world.

@randawagner3287 2 жыл бұрын

Impressive setup!

@anthonyb8208 2 жыл бұрын

Great set-up Mark.

@breakingburque2200 2 жыл бұрын

I love that you try to save and use as much as possible.

@georgestewart5814 2 жыл бұрын

It looks like you are having lots of fun playing with your new toy. Great ways to preserve!

@michelestarkey5564 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos. I religiously watch videos from 2 channels, yours and Roots and Refuge Farm! I like your no nonsense take on gardening and life!!

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Michele! All the best :)

@allyschaumann1169 2 жыл бұрын

Love the set up !

@countrygirl-mg9bg 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome job. I like your set up.

@Muffy.from-Oz 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant set up Mark, I'm totally envious. Enjoy, Muffy from Oz

@champagnjethersiahdduvenag6078 2 жыл бұрын

You are my go to person for al my gardening know how. Thank you for shairing.

@colleenkrall630 2 жыл бұрын

We live in Central Florida. We have the medium with the premium pump. It was suggested to put a fan on the pump to keep it from getting too hot. So we put a fan on both sides. One fan blows on the pump and freeze dryer. The other on the left side of the freeze dryer. Just make sure to have good air flow all around it. Having a freeze dryer is great. Looking forward to seeing more videos of your garden, harvest, and preserving. Thanks.

@frankennis2947 2 жыл бұрын

I love my venison jerky. I just use a flyscreen covered box and hang the meat on skewer and air dry in the shade. But hey I love the dehydration set up you have and all the options for fruit etc.

@lynutermark1454 2 жыл бұрын

That's a really nice set up.

@JT-il3fe 2 жыл бұрын

Every time I watch your videos I’m craving fruits and vegetables 👍🏼

@kelsey4222 2 жыл бұрын

Looks great Mark 👍

@married-wit-childrenadog9249 2 жыл бұрын

I love your set up! Thank you! It’s very inspiring!

@Axman1110 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing set up pal.

@4thllamaofthealpacolypse712 2 жыл бұрын

"Retired at 40" has recently uploaded a video comparing all 4 of the vacuum pumps - including the newest oil-less design - comparing price, noise and more. Worth a watch if you're considering buying a freeze dryer. BTW - great setup, Mark.

@billbalch6549 2 жыл бұрын

We get better with age Mark! Great setups!

@andrewmahoney4249 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate another outstanding video Mark. Got me dreaming of my own set up

@heatherjolly8389 2 жыл бұрын

excited to see what you do with your FD!

@mikesandate3222 2 жыл бұрын

Next level sufficiency sir!

@evapereira3093 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome setup!

@bravocanalisations5826 2 жыл бұрын

Great set up !

@NovackGeorgeTT1971 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait for the uploads on the outcomes from all that freeze drying...Looks like there's lots to dig into

@lolitabonita08 2 жыл бұрын

congratulations on your new toy....Have fun my friend!!!

@bradlafferty 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice setup, Mark! I’m inspired to do the same with our dehydrator, which is in our less-used dining room right now, but still somewhat noisesome. Thanks!

@foreverwantingpie 2 жыл бұрын

You're the best Mark!!

@gailordroberts 2 жыл бұрын

Mark, much love from South Africa. I love your show. And you have a biltong dehydrator. Fabulous.

@KathyFitz1113 Жыл бұрын

Wow, great set up!

@michaelbarrett2346 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark, Great work

@fourdayhomestead2839 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea. Everything in one place. Interesting bag sealer also. I've improvised to make smaller divided bags.

@glg3945 2 жыл бұрын

Great setup 👌 👍 👏 😎. All the best. Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family.

@DarkKaij 2 жыл бұрын

Great planning on the area. This is spotless. I wish to get a nice place like this for me in the future for my projects

@DarnWhippets 2 жыл бұрын

Nice one mate, thats looking great.

@scottfortune9016 2 жыл бұрын

I used to do all my getting in my garage because I can't stand the smell of fried food. It's a great place to do things where smells are an issue.

@jenniferjsaracino 2 жыл бұрын

Great setup totally jealous of the space!

@emilybh6255 2 жыл бұрын

I love the tables!

@tim7462 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Looking forward to updates.

@johnmcdonald5998 2 жыл бұрын

One of my favs! Can't wait till you show us how you use the system(s), as you have so much produce that is excellent quality!!! Cheers from Canada and thanks for all the tips.

@mastergeebo 2 жыл бұрын

Yea Mark, I like your set up!

@sandragarner3913 2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations 🎉🎊

@tpaw6908 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry been prepping and canning for months in SC we still live your channel. God bless glad to see the upgrades , hard to find stuff here.

@mio.giardino 2 жыл бұрын

💕 your setup!

@hetheringtonfamily8798 2 жыл бұрын

What an awesome set up. My future plans look similar but I will have to wait a few years

@shodson314 2 жыл бұрын

Nice set up!

@kimeverhart6253 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been watching your videos on and off all day…starting with the “ how to grow garlic”. I grew it for the first time this year and was very happy with my harvest but would have liked my bulbs to have been bigger!! Thank you for the growing tips and for all the inspiration!! You grow beautiful food! I am in awe!! 😍

@ANNtique 2 жыл бұрын

I have the same dehydrator and love it. I’d love a freeze dryer

@agobelle 2 жыл бұрын

I am wicked jelly of your setup man! Nice work!

@joannecraft-lane8660 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! Thanks for the update. I think I'll get a freeze drier for me home.

@vjohnson2400 2 жыл бұрын

That’s a great set up.

@cdorst08 2 жыл бұрын

great set up

@earthkeepinggreen7763 2 жыл бұрын

Love your set-up! 🎧

@stewartthomas2642 2 жыл бұрын

Love your stuff kick on love it

@lenacisowski1889 2 жыл бұрын

Great set up Mark!

@happymonkey2013 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah Mark, I like your setup!

@thelegalfiction 2 жыл бұрын

Loved your interview video mate. Great content 👍🍺

@craigsudman4556 2 жыл бұрын

That IS a nice set up Mark. Good luck with the freeze dryer looks like you're really getting into it. Great video, thumbs up.

@bethcowan9755 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the ideas!

@renestewart604 2 жыл бұрын

Fascinating and exciting

@agpoetrycorner 2 жыл бұрын

Great setup! Thank you for sharing. Don't know if I invest in a freezdryer but I love my dehydrator and freezer too. It's always good to be "prepared".

@carolp4300 8 күн бұрын

I’d love that setup

@420Bill 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome content as always. Stay safe!

@xxxrst 2 жыл бұрын

This is an awesome video friend 🎩

@lucianas4919 2 жыл бұрын

I recently watched some of your older videos on how to save seeds, I really appreciate the advice. I have been saving seeds from my family’s summer garden, now that summer has ended.

@Selfsufficientme 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff Luciana! Saving seeds not only saves money and time but there's good evidence that this can help with plant adaptation specific to your area so they possibly grow better over the longer term. All the best :)

@lucianas4919 2 жыл бұрын

@@Selfsufficientme Thank you for the response

@TheIdiotDictonary Жыл бұрын

I'd love to see videos from you of some more recipes you use with your dehydrated or freeze dried harvested foods

@taratalkstruth3090 2 жыл бұрын

Great set up Mark! Well done! We're not quite there yet but getting closer every day! God bless

@antoninosciara8972 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Mark, I like your setup! 😉 Thanks for sharing!

@marshabennett8107 2 жыл бұрын

I wish I could give a big heart rather than a big thumbs up. I just love your content, and it all continues to get more and more exciting. Thank you for sharing.