Jolly Ranchers

Candy Mode

Description

Experience the intense burst of fruit flavors like never before with our guide to freeze-drying Jolly Ranchers. This guide walks you through the simple steps to transform the classic, hard candy into a new, airy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for candy lovers and culinary adventurers alike, learn how to add a fun twist to your candy collection with the science of freeze-drying.

Freeze Dryer Settings

Candy Mode on your Harvest Right Freeze Dryer. Run for at least 12 hours at 150 degrees. not need for tray warming. Mats are not necessary, but could be helpful in quicker post processing.

Machine Temperature: 150°F

No Mats

Run time: 12 - 16 hours

A stack of large freeze dried Jolly Ranchers surrounded by several packaged Jolly Ranchers.

Prep

To ensure perfect freeze-dried Jolly Ranchers, start by using clean garden pruners to cut each candy into thirds. This size prevents the candies from expanding too much during the freeze-drying process, which could cause them to touch the ceiling of the dryer. Place the candy pieces at least 1.5 inches apart on the tray to avoid them merging into each other as they expand. This spacing ensures each piece has enough room to dry individually, maintaining their distinct shapes and flavors.

Post Processing

Simply remove from the tray and store in mason jars, mylar bags, or other airtight containers.

Suggested Storage

Oxygen absorbers and silica should not be necessary for most candies unless required by your particular state State if selling commercially.

Before Pictures

Rows of colorful Jolly Ranchers placed neatly on a medium Harvest Right freeze dryer tray.
A man with nitrile gloves cutting jolly ranchers using a pair of clean garden pruners.

After Pictures

Rows of colorful freeze dried Jolly Ranchers placed neatly on a medium Harvest Right freeze dryer tray.
A close up of rows of colorful freeze dried Jolly Ranchers placed neatly on a medium Harvest Right freeze dryer tray.
A stack of large freeze dried Jolly Ranchers surrounded by several packaged Jolly Ranchers.

Check out the video walkthrough!