Questions and Answers About Botanique Freeze Dryers

1. What are the advantages in freeze drying botanicals?
2. How does the freeze dry process work?
3. How do I know when the load is freeze dried?
4. How fast is the freeze drying process?
5. Is it possible to freeze dry botanicals too fast?
6. Can I freeze dry fruits and vegetables?
7. Are there some flowers that freeze dry better than others?
8. Can I put old flowers in and produce good quality freeze dried flowers?
9. Are Botanique Freeze Dryers difficult and expensive to maintain?
10. How much electricity do freeze dry machines use?
11. Does the freeze dryer need to be monitored each day?
12. How long does daily maintenance take?
13. What types of refrigerant do you use in the refrigeration compressors?
14. Are any chemicals necessary in freeze drying botanicals?
15. Can I place a freeze dryer in my garage?
16. Do you offer training on the freeze dry equipment and flower preservation?
17. Can I get rich quick freeze drying botanicals?
18. Does Botanique offer ongoing support?
19. Do you offer financing for your freeze drying equipment?
20. How are Botanique Freeze Dryers delivered?
21. What is the first thing I should do in starting a new freeze drying business?

ANSWERS

Q. What are the advantages in Freeze Drying botanicals?
A. Freeze Drying and Laboratory Freeze Drying is the most perfect method of preservation with a Laboratory Freeze Dryer. Most botanical items (flowers, foliage, fruits, and vegetables) can be preserved with little change in shape, color, or fragrance.
<back to top>

Q. How does the freeze dry process work?
A. The botanical items are frozen and then placed under a deep vacuum. Under these conditions moisture in them (in the form of ice crystals) will sublimate directly into water vapor, which then migrates into the condenser and is removed from the system. When sublimation is complete, the freeze dried botanicals can be removed.
<back to top>

Q. How do I know when the load is freeze dried?
A. There are several indicators of a load being dry from a Freeze Dryer. However, when ice quits forming in the condenser the load is done.
<back to top>

Q. How fast is the freeze drying process?
A. Botanique freeze dryers, dry most types of flowers in 10 - 12 days. The answer depends upon many variables, such as type and quantity of product.
<back to top>

Q. Is it possible to freeze dry botanicals too fast?
A. Yes! Removing the water too fast may cause blistering, shrinkage, and shriveling.
<back to top>

Q. Can I freeze dry fruits and vegetables?
A. Yes! The drying time is extended, due to their density and water content.
<back to top>

Q. Are there some flowers that freeze dry better than others?
A. Yes! Part of our training course delves into this area.
<back to top>

Q. Can I put old flowers in and produce good quality freeze dried flowers?
A. No! The quality of the end product is primarily determined by what you start with, "garbage in, garbage out."
<back to top>

Q. Are Botanique Freeze Dryers difficult and expensive to maintain?
A. No. The machine requires only basic cleaning and an oil change after each load.
<back to top>

Q. How much electricity do the freeze dry machines use?
A. This depends on the size of the freeze dryer. Take the amperage requirements from the specification listing to your electric company for a quotation.
<back to top>

Q. Does the freeze dryer need to be monitored each day?
A. Yes and No. It is a good idea to have someone check the machines each day and record temperature and vacuum readings, check the vacuum pump oil level, and run a defrost on the condenser if necessary.
<back to top>

Q. How long does this daily maintenance take?
A. It takes approximately two minutes to record daily information and defrost cycles take 30-45 minutes to complete.
<back to top>

Q. What types of refrigerant do you use in the refrigeration compressors?
A. We use Non-CFC refrigerants. They are environmentally safe and readily available throughout North America.
<back to top>

Q. Are any chemicals necessary in freeze drying botanicals?
A. Yes. A full range of Pre- and Post-Treating chemical solutions are available from fleur-Chem, Inc. These chemicals help retain natural color vibrancy, add durability, and shatter resistance. Most of these chemicals are water based, biodegradable, and non-hazardous.
<back to top>

Q. Can I place a freeze dryer in my garage?
A. Yes! However, your garage may need to be remodeled to accommodate this type of business. Depending upon your climate: heating, cooling, and/or dehumidification may be necessary.
<back to top>

Q. Do you offer training on the freeze dry equipment and flower preservation?
A. Yes! We developed the first training course for this industry in 1988. Our program has been continually upgraded through extensive research in both freeze drying and chemical pre- and post-treating of all type of botanicals. For more information take a look at our training section.
<back to top>

Q. Can I get rich quick freeze drying botanicals?
A. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It is however, an excellent business opportunity. Success will be based on many factors, and the right machinery, chemicals and training are essential.
<back to top>

Q. Does Botanique offer ongoing support?
A. Yes! Botanique is very involved in both freeze drying research and pre- and post-treatment chemical research. All ongoing research information is made available to Botanique customers.
<back to top>

Q. Do you offer financing for your freeze drying equipment?
A. Yes! We work with several national leasing companies.
<back to top>

Q. How are Botanique Freeze Dryers delivered?
A. They are delivered on North American Van Lines Airride, which provides a cushion ride and a hydraulic unloading platform.
<back to top>

Q. What is the first thing I should do in starting a new freeze drying business?
A. Call Rich DeLong at Botanique. He has assisted hundreds of individuals who have started New Floral Freeze Drying Businesses or Incorporated freeze drying into their Existing Businesses.
<back to top>

Home | What is Freeze Drying | Freeze Dry Equipment | Freeze Dry Business Opportunities | Floral Freeze Dry Profit Potential | Botanique's Freeze Dry Equipment Company | Botaniques Goal in the Floral Freeze Dry Industry | Q&A About Botanique Freeze Dryers | Botanique's Freeze Dry Equipment Warranty | Chemicals for Freeze Drying | Freeze Dry Training | Freeze Dry Response Form