Freeze drying can be used for preserving flowers and is particularly popular for wedding bouquet preservation. Petals can also be freeze dried and used for decorations at weddings, dinner parties and other occasions, for decorating cakes and scattering on tables etc.
Flower Freeze Drying Process
Freeze drying flowers uses a process called lyophilization to lower the temperature of the flowers to below freezing, and then a high-pressure vacuum is applied to extract the water in the form of vapour. The vapour collects on a condensing surface outside the chamber, turns back to ice and is removed. Finally, a gradual temperature rise extracts all remaining 'bound' moisture from the flowers. This process retains the original shape and structure and preserves the flowers.
Flowers Suitable For Freeze Drying
The following types of flower can typically be freeze dried:
Please note this list is not exhaustive and some flowers are more suitable for freeze drying than others.
Cuddon produces document freeze drying machines for sale worldwide.