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Orlando Woman Charged With DUI With Serious Bodily Injury After Crash Critically Injuring 2 Young Children In Frostproof Crash

32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.

According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.

When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment. 

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:

·        Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)

·        Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)

·        Reckless driving (F3)

·        One count DUI with property damage (M1)

·        One count DUI (M2)

Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. 

“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

One Movie Later: Elio is a Movie That Exists

by James Coulter

 

If you haven’t heard about Pixar’s newest movie, Elio, don’t worry! A lot of people didn’t. In fact, when it was released last month, the film suffered the worst box office opening in Pixar’s history, earning only $21 million domestically its opening weekend. Couple that with the film’s troubled production and its delayed release date, and it feels like the movie was doomed on arrival.

But did Elio deserve to underperform at the box office? Did this film deserve to go unnoticed with its severe lack of marketing? Or is it a hidden gem that fell to Earth?

Elio is an average kid that no one understands. After his parents pass away, he becomes obsessed with space. He even wants to be abducted by aliens because he feels so out of place on Earth.

His wish soon comes true after transmitting a message to space. He is abducted by aliens who assume he is the leader of Earth and wish to bring the planet into their “Communiverse.” They even task him with negotiating with a savage warlord who demands to join the Communiverse or else destroy it.

Will Elio get out of his interplanetary predicament? Will he convince the warlord to stand down by befriending his son? Or is his endeavor as doomed as his life on Earth?

Several critics have denounced Elio as the worst Pixar movie. It’s not. Not when Cars 2 and The Good Dinosaur exist. As big of a flop as it was, Elio is not a bad movie.

That’s not a compliment.

Because at least you can discuss a bad movie. You can talk about how bad it was. In the same way, you can talk about how a good movie was good. At least you can talk about a good or bad movie.

But what about a movie that’s neither good nor bad? A bland movie? A mediocre movie. A boring movie. You can’t because there’s not much good or bad to talk about. However, seeing as I paid good money to watch the movie, I might as well recompense myself by writing a review, even if I have to scrape the proverbial barrel to do so.

First, some positives. The overall art designs of everything space and space-related were gorgeous. Especially when young Elio visits the Communiverse and sees all of the different alien species, all of which are unique and vibrantly colored and designed.

Another good thing: this movie is only 90 minutes long. Yes, that’s a plus. Especially when so many blockbusters insist on being two-to-three-hour watches. This movie isn’t perfect, but at least it’s over pretty quickly.

And that’s where the positives end. Everything about this movie is generic. The story is generic. The characters are generic. Even the designs of the human characters look generic.

Several recent Pixar movies like this one, along with Turning Red and Luca, exhibit what has since become known as “bean mouth design”—for the obvious reason that many of the characters appear overly-simplistic with bean mouths.

One reviewer even complained it was hard to enjoy the movie because she had to remind herself it wasn’t a GrubHub commercial. Because the characters look that bland and generic.

This movie could have also been better developed, with the overall story refusing to “show, don’t tell.” For example, we’re told that the main character feels out of place and has trouble relating to other people. We’re told that only his parents were able to understand him, and that he feels alone ever since they left. And we’re told that he and his aunt have a strained relationship. But we’re never really shown any of this.

We never really get to see what his life was like before his parents died. We never really see his strained relationship with his aunt outside of her shrugging off his obsession with wanting to be abducted by aliens (which is quite a normal reaction). We never even see him being mocked, teased, or ignored by other children. We do see him being berated by very generic bully characters, but for reasons outside of his alien obsession.

This movie could have benefited from some additional scenes. Maybe a few flashbacks of him and his parents contrasted with scenes of him not fitting in with other children or failing to connect with his aunt. Instead, we’re simply subjected to a montage of him skipping school to lie on the beach waiting to be abducted by aliens, and expected to assume this is why he’s not connecting with anyone else in his life.

Is this still a good movie for kids? Sure. It’s harmless enough. And small children are most likely to be entertained by it. Then again, kids are easily entertained by the likes of Cocomelon, Blippi, and Ms. Rachel. However, unlike any of that slop, watching this movie won’t rot their brains or attention spans. Overall, Elio is good. Just not good enough. It’s bland, boring, and forgettable.

Traffic Crash at 11th Street and State Road 60 Sends Multiple Agencies to the Scene

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Lake Wales, FL – Emergency crews responded to a traffic crash late Friday morning at the intersection of 11th Street South and State Road 60 in Lake Wales.

The crash was reported around 11:28 a.m., prompting a multi-agency response that included the Lake Wales Police Department, Lake Wales Fire Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue. Several fire rescue units were dispatched, including LWEN1, LWLT5, LWRQ1, MR026, and MR218.

Initial reports confirm that injuries were sustained in the crash. The extent of those injuries has not yet been released.

One vehicle came to rest in the center of the intersection, while responders could be seen tending to an individual on the ground nearby.

As of 11:45 a.m., eastbound traffic on State Road 60 near the intersection is partially blocked, but they were working quickly to clear the scene.

City of Lake Wales Considering Social District to Permit Outdoor Drinking Downtown

by James Coulter

 

Visitors to Lake Wales may soon be able to consume alcoholic beverages while perusing the downtown area if city commissioners approve an ordinance creating a social district.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. July 9, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance proposing the creation of an Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) District.

This social district, as explained by Autumn Cochella, Director of Growth Management, would “allow visitors to enjoy an adult beverage while strolling downtown sidewalks and exploring the local storefronts.”

The district would be created through provisions and amendments within the Code of Ordinances under Chapter 5 (Alcoholic Beverages) with associated amendments to Sections18-82 and 18-87 and sections of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) (Chapter 23, Lake Wales Code of Ordinances).

These proposed amendments would permit signage “clearly delineating the boundaries” of where alcohol can be consumed within the downtown area, require beverages to be consumed within containers approved by the City,” and direct registered establishments to provide “signage and guidance for customers regarding the district guidelines.”

This social district was proposed to help spur further economic development and activity within the downtown area, all of which have been facilitated through the Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan and the Lake Wales Envisioned plan.

“Additionally, there is a desire by the city and its residents to create a vibrant downtown that is walkable and pedestrian-friendly to encourage residents and visitors to visit more than one local business during their visit,” Cochella wrote.

“This [social district] encourages them to linger and spend more time in the downtown area. Increased time downtown equals increased window shopping, which results in an increase in sales for local businesses,” she further elaborated.

City Manager James Slaton expressed enthusiasm for this proposal, as it would allow Lake Wales to create the first social district of its kind within Polk County.

“The goal is to attract people to downtown and support local businesses downtown to sell a product,” he said. “I am pushing for this. [It is] time to do the next cool thing and be first in the county yet again.”

Both Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson and Commissioner Keith Thompson expressed their interest in the proposal. Commissioner Thompson claimed it would encourage more people, residents and visitors alike, to visit the downtown area and partake in local businesses.

“Part of what we are doing in downtown…is encouraging people to be mobile and walk downtown and…not drive your car down there,” he said. “I would hope with the creation of this district,this could be a great encouragement.”

However, Commissioner Carol Gilespie expressed some concern. She felt that, by encouraging drinking, the district would facilitate intoxication and rowdy behavior.

“If what you are doing is making it easier to walk around and drink instead of sitting in bars to drink, I do not think there is much benefit in that,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Gibson rebuffed her. He mentioned how the city has hosted many events with social drinking and not once has he ever encountered any problems involving drunkenness.

“I have not witnessed one drunk [at these events],” he said. “So let’s not leap [to thinking] that if we allow drinking, we will have drunks. We have allowed drinking, we have not had any drunks. And if we have drunks, we can take care of them.”

Commissioner Thompson likewise mentioned how he has frequented many local events that permitted drinking, and never did he experience any drunken or unruly behavior.

“I do not get the sense that we will have a problem with this [district],” he said. “Of the events we have attended, I have not seen public intoxication or drunkenness. It is only people who want to have a good time with a wine or drink.”

Police Chief Chris Velasquez addressed the commission to voice his support for the district. He mentioned that, if any potential problems were to be created from it, he would have opposed it on the spot and recommended alternative proposals.

“Thinking about this endeavor, I believe that people will act in a way that the environment promotes,” he explained. “I believe if the culture and control and management of thbis initiative isdone properly, it is not going to create an atmosphere that people can believe they can come in and get flat hammered and walk around act like a fool. If that were to begin to transpire, we can change that.”

The ordinance will be reviewed and voted upon at the commission’s upcoming regular meeting, scheduled for Tues., July 15 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

City of Frostproof Responds to Concerns Over Bacteria in Lake Clinch

Frostproof, Fla. – Concerns have been circulating on social media about possible bacterial contamination in Lake Clinch, raising questions from local residents and prompting a response from the City of Frostproof.

Several parents reported their children became sick after swimming in the lake. One widely shared post claimed multiple children had been diagnosed with bacteria-related illnesses and tagged the City of Frostproof, urging officials to take action and conduct testing.

Lake Clinch is a 1,207-acre natural freshwater lake located on the west side of Frostproof in Polk County. It’s a favorite local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake features a public boat ramp on the southwest side of the city and a public Florida state park along the eastern shore. The average depth is about 16 feet, with the deepest areas reaching up to 55 feet. The lake is also well known for its healthy populations of largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill, making it a go-to fishing destination for locals and visitors alike.

In response to the recent concerns, the City of Frostproof released a statement on July 10 confirming that water samples were collected on July 2 and tested at Pembroke Laboratory, a division of Florida-Spectrum Environmental Services.

The results showed fecal coliform levels of 25, 42, and 43 CFU/100mL at three locations around the dock area. According to the city, these results are well within the safe range and considered to be on the lower end, with no current cause for concern.

“We’re aware of recent concerns circulating regarding Clinch Lake and reports of E. coli-related illness,” the city stated. “Please know that the City of Frostproof takes water safety seriously and continues to monitor closely.”

City officials say they will continue routine testing and will share any new developments with the public. Residents with questions can contact Frostproof City Hall at 863-635-7855.

July 11 is National French Fry Day! Enjoy Some Fry Facts and Where to Get Some Deals

Most people dig a good French fry, but have you ever wondered how it all started? Since it’s National French Fry Day, here’s a little history, fun facts, and who’s offering drive-thru deals today!

What is National French Fry Day?

National French Fry Day is celebrated nationally on the second Friday each July (this year, on July 11). The tradition began in the early 2000s as a fun food holiday in the U.S (there are many of these throughout the year). Why this particular date? While we don’t know for sure, it may have been to coincide with France’s Bastille Day, a subtle nod to the holiday’s name.

Naturally, the day of fries has grown in popularity, in part thanks to social media and marketing endeavors. But truth be told, who doesn’t appreciate a good French fry?

How did it all start?

While you would be hard-pressed to find someone that’s never had one of these handheld potato goodies, it’s actually a matter of debate, as both France and Belgium claim the rights to their creation. Fries, however, were generally known to be a street food.

It’s said that the first time the idea of fried potatoes resembling what we have today came from a Parisian cookbook from the late 1700s. The recipe was brought to Belgium, where the first “fry shop” was established, leaving the argument of who gets the credit open to interpretation.

Regardless of how the idea was developed, French fries have been around for quite some time, and continue to be a cultural favorite.

How did it all start

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When it comes to quality, 72 % agree that the ideal fry is crispy on the outside and soft inside, yet opinions split over cut and style. 28 states, including North Dakota, Mississippi, and Alabama, rank straight-cut, seasoned fries as their top choice. Shoestring fries dominate in Hawaii, New Hampshire, Michigan, Maine, and Texas. Curly fries lead in Alaska, Kansas, Connecticut, and Oklahoma, and crinkle-cut wins in Nebraska, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania (and is also Illinois’s favourite). Finally, waffle fries only ranked in the top position in Colorado.

French Fry formats

There are too many to make a complete list. Most people agree that the perfect French fry is hot and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Straight-cut, restaurant-style, curly fries, waffle fries crinkle-cut are just some of the options.

How should they be seasoned? Straight up salt is the most popular, but what about garlic powder, paprika, or Old Bay?

What should we dip them in? Anything from ketchup, to ranch, to cheese sauce are at the top of the list, but there are so many options. Canadian Poutine goes even farther, topping its serving of fries with gravy and cheese. Loaded fries can have a dozen toppings, and are a popular restaurant favorite.

Let’s celebrate National French Fry Day; where to get a deal

Unless your planning to cut up potatoes and fire up the air fryer or Fry Daddy, one can celebrate in true American style and just head to your nearest drive-thru or restaurant to place your order. A few national fast food restaurants are offering fantastic fry deals for this fun food holiday.

  • Burger King: members of their Royal Perks reward program get a free order of fries (any size) with any purchase every week through December 31, 2025. For the holiday itself, Burger King is offering an additional promotion that appears in the app’s “Offers” tab: Royal Perks members can activate a buy-one-get-one-free deal on medium fries (or, at select locations, a free any-size fry with a $1 purchase). The one-day offer is redeemable only on July 11 and must be loaded into the BK app or on bk.com before placing your order.
  • McDonald’s: Score free medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more every Friday, including National French Fry Day, through December 26, 2025. This offer is exclusive to the McDonald’s app.
  • Checkers: Celebrate National French Fry Day on July 11, 2025, by bringing a recent receipt from a purchase of a competitor’s fries to a participating Checkers and enjoy a free large Famous Seasoned Fries, no other purchase needed.

So get your fries on today!

In Loving Memory of John Joseph Greskowitz, 71, of Lake Wales

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John Joseph Greskowitz, 71

John Greskowitz of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at his residence.

John was born May 27, 1954, in New York City to the late John Greskowitz and Nancy Mancinik. John was of the Catholic faith. He loved shooting and spending time with his fur buddies Flash, Junior, and Harvey. He also loved his giant-scale Radio Controlled Airplanes and was a member of the Ridge Barnstormers. John had a close relationship with both his real and adopted family and loved them all dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nancy Greskowitz. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Allyn; and former wife Christie Bice.

No services have been scheduled at this time. Contributions can be made to the Kidney Foundation (https://www.kidney.org) and the Humane Society (www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org) in John’s honor. Acknowledgments can be sent to Christie Bice. 

In Loving Memory of Hamandrawatee Ramjit, 72

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Hamandrawatee Ramjit known as Dularie (Mama) born April 21, 1953 at home in bush lot village Corentyne, Berbice in Guyana. She was the eldest daughter of her late parents Lakhan and Poonya Babulall. She was the Eldest sibling of Dewan, Meme, Renee, Bee, Besho, Camie and her nonbiological siblings Rishi and Maragin Rampersaud.  

Dularie ventured to America in Oct of 1981. Her life in America started in the Bronx, where so many great memories were made. After that she venture on to NJ and then finally settled in Florida. Everyone who knows mama knows she had a love for cooking and catering to her family and friends. That was her way of showing her love, a love language as some call it. I personally know this because whenever I visited she always cook all of my favorite foods. She loved shopping and she loved sewing.

She made so many clothes for so many people. She worked as a seamstress at T&G Bridal. Where she was given the nickname Ruby, because even then, she was a true Gem. Even though she had to end school at just 9yrs old She became so good at her craft. 

Dularie married Mohan Ramjit and had 2 children of her own Reshma and Krishna. She eventually gained her daughter in law, Babita Ramjit. She was the most loving MaMa to her 6 grandkids; Junior and Amanda, Natalie and Abdiel, Jaden, devani and Jenessa, and the two partners in crime dharin, and Royce. She was also a great grandma to 5 beautiful grandkids; Ellanie, Aaliyah, Nadielys, Aaryn, and Abdiel JR.

Dularie passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, July 5th 2025. 

Firearms Safety Course Offered By PCSO July 12

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a Firearms Safety Course/Concealed Weapons Class on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 8:00 am – Noon. If registration for the class fills up, a second afternoon class will be added for 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW for July 12th – CALL 863-298-6242.

Cost of the class is $70; with a portion of the proceeds to go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., and the cost is non-refundable. An additional $12.50 will be charged to those who don’t bring their own ammunition.

This class fulfills the requirements by the FL Department of Agriculture need to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Even though permitless-carry in Florida went into effect in 2023, there are still benefits to having a permit (reciprocity in states which don’t allow for concealed carry without a permit, and permit holders are exempt from the 3-day waiting period when purchasing new firearms).

Any questions about the CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, please call Sergeant Bennett or Sergeant Caratsole at the PCSO Training Section at 863-534-7200, during normal office hours.

YOU MUST CALL 863-298-6242, during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8-5) to reserve your seat. When you call, you will be given further instruction about where to go for the training.

Any questions about this course? Please call 863-534-7200 during normal office hours and ask to speak with Sergeant Daniel Bennett or Sergeant Keith Caratsole.

65 DUI Arrests Made by PCSO in June

PCSO – Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 65 people for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and/or drugs last month.

Among these arrests, 14 were involved in crashes, one had two children with him at the time of his DUI, and seven were determined to be in the United States illegally and now have ICE Holds on them. 

These 65 arrests were PCSO arrests only, and does not include arrests in Polk County made by any of the city police departments or the Florida Highway Patrol.

If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

The Evolution of Home Freeze Dryers: a Lake Wales Mom Shares Benefits, Challenges, and Creative Uses

Lake Wales resident, Stacy Ennis, with her husband, Jerry (left) and their children

Freeze dryers have been around for decades. While the concept is not new, the availability of the technology is growing, and a Lake Wales woman has been both embracing it, and evolving the way she uses it.

Stacy Ennis, as many did, started a new hobby during the days of the COVID-19 pandemic; freeze-dried foods have been growing in popularity since the 2010s, when the technology became more mainstream. One can now go to any number of local retailers (yes, even in Lake Wales), and order one, not to mention online ordering.

Ellis’ freeze dryer, a large HarvestRight

The Lake Wales mother of three started out small, with a mindset that the pandemic instilled in our culture.

“During COVID, I became very interested, maybe even a little obsessed, with homesteading and prepping,” says Ennis. “The world had become so uncertain and I wanted to make sure that we could provide and feed our family even through shortages, power outages, EMPs or war.

“My large Harvest Right was a Mother’s Day gift.”

She began with simple items; freeze-drying strawberries,  bananas, mangos, watermelons and raspberries. Her theory was to learn the process with items her family could enjoy in the short-term while figuring out the best storage process. In time, she began sharing her processes and learning curves on a YouTube channel.

With time and experience, Ennis saw an opportunity to take her hobby to the next level.

Freeze dried Skittles

“As friends and family started reaching out and requesting candies, I started a side business called Fantastical Freeze Dried treats but the market got kind of flooded with freeze-dried goodies, so I have gone back to doing my original plan….prepping. It’s food security for my family even after I am gone. It also allows you to put food up for long term at today’s prices. Storage is easy and weighs much less than canned items and doesn’t take up as much room as canned items.”

Ennis still regularly freeze-dries food, but some items are done more frequently due to family use and needs.

Apple slices, freeze dried

“I do a lot of left overs from large meals like goulash and chicken and rice soup.  Raw scrambled eggs when my chickens are being over-generous.  Fresh and frozen veggies when I buy in bulk. Lots of fruits. I have even freeze dried my daughter’s extra breast milk for easier storage.”

She often feeds her family from her stash; her husband, Jerry; daughter, Riley, 27 and her husband, Austin; her young grandchildren, Lincoln and Theo; her son, Parker; and her youngest daughter, Addison, 19.

Freeze-dried ice cream, sectioned into portions

In recent years, home freeze dryers have moved from niche homesteading tools to must-have appliances for health enthusiasts, survivalists, and food lovers alike.

What began as bulky, commercial-grade equipment used mainly by pharmaceutical and food processing companies has now found a comfortable space on kitchen counters and in garages. Thanks to improvements in size, about the size of a home dishwasher, user-friendliness, and price, freeze-drying at home has become increasingly accessible to the average consumer.

A fully cooked freeze dried meal. Add water and heat up and it’s ready.

When considering a freeze-dryer, size is the most significant consideration. With only a couple of brands on the market, HarvestRight is by far the most popular. While the marching comes with a starter kit of items, you will need to replace consumables like Mylar bags and containers for storage; these are relatively affordable at a few cents a bag. A plethora of accessories including extra trays, food separators, stackers and lids, are also on the market.


From Labs to Kitchens: A Brief History

Freeze drying—also known as lyophilization—was first developed during World War II to preserve blood serum. By the 1950s, it was being used to preserve foods for astronauts and military personnel. Until recently, the high cost and complexity of freeze-drying technology made it impractical for home use.

That began to change in the early 2010s when a few companies, most notably Harvest Right, introduced compact models targeted toward individual consumers. Since then, innovation has accelerated, with improvements in energy efficiency, automation, and mobile app integration.


Benefits of Owning a Home Freeze Dryer

1. Long-Term Food Preservation:
Freeze-dried foods can last up to 25 years when properly stored. Unlike traditional dehydrating, which removes about 80% of moisture, freeze drying removes up to 98–99%, dramatically reducing spoilage risk.

2. Nutrient Retention:
Freeze drying preserves nearly all the nutrients in fruits, vegetables, and meats, making it superior to canning or cooking for those focused on health.

3. Cost Savings Over Time:
Though the initial investment (ranging from $2,000 to $5,000) is steep, many users report saving money by freeze-drying leftovers, bulk groceries, and seasonal harvests instead of buying pre-packaged emergency food.

4. Food Security and Preparedness:
With growing interest in self-reliance and preparedness, freeze dryers allow households to build long-term food stores customized to their dietary needs.


Challenges and Drawbacks

Despite the perks, owning a freeze dryer isn’t for everyone. Some of the primary challenges include:

1. Upfront Cost and Maintenance:
The initial price tag can be prohibitive, and units require regular maintenance, including changing oil (or opting for pricier oil-free pumps).

2. Size and Noise:
Freeze dryers are large and can be noisy during operation—sometimes running for 20 to 40 hours per batch—making them less ideal for small homes or apartments.

3. Power Consumption:
They use a significant amount of electricity, which may be a concern for off-grid users or those trying to reduce their energy footprint.

4. Learning Curve:
While many machines are automated, understanding what foods freeze dry well—and how to store them afterward—takes practice.


Popular Uses and Recipes

Home freeze dryers are incredibly versatile. Common uses include:

  • Fruits & Vegetables: Strawberries, bananas, apples, corn, and green beans are freeze drying staples. They rehydrate well and make great snacks.
  • Dairy: Yogurt drops, milk, and even ice cream can be freeze-dried with excellent results.
  • Cooked Meals: Soups, stews, and casseroles rehydrate impressively, making them popular for backpacking or emergency meals.
  • Pet Food: Homemade freeze-dried dog treats are growing in popularity.
  • Herbs & Spices: Homegrown herbs can be preserved with more flavor and shelf life than air-dried versions.

Recipe Highlight: Freeze-Dried Chicken Alfredo
Cook your favorite chicken alfredo recipe, spread it in trays, and freeze dry it. When ready to eat, just add hot water, wait 5–10 minutes, and enjoy a gourmet meal on the trail or during a power outage, or even when you don’t have time to cook a full meal.


The Future of Freeze Drying at Home

As technology advances, expect smarter machines, quieter operation, and better energy efficiency. Some companies are even exploring solar-powered models to meet the needs of off-grid users.

With ongoing concerns about food security, sustainability, and inflation, home freeze drying seems poised to shift from trend to permanent fixture in modern kitchens.


Have you tried freeze drying at home? Share your favorite recipe or experience in the post comments!