Caramel M&M’s® is a registered trademark of Mars, Inc.
This tutorial uses a Harvest Right freeze dryer for both methods covered below. Be sure that you are running software version v5.x.19 or higher to access “Candy Mode”.
PRO TIP: Use pre-cut parchment paper on all of your trays for less mess and effortless tray unloading into your intermediate holding vessel.
Quick thought: The fact that Caramel M&Ms do not need to be cut makes them one of the easiest candies to freeze dry – and if you plan to sell them, that makes them VERY profitable.
How To Freeze Dry Caramel M&Ms® with "Candy Mode":
Preparatory Step 0. Load your M&Ms on your trays and set them close to your freeze dryer.
If you have not already purchased tray stackers, get them HERE. We couldn’t run our operation without them.
1. On the home screen select CUSTOMIZE.
2. Set the drying TEMP to 150* F.
3. Increase dry TIME to 2-3 hours
4. Press the SAVE button
5. Press START to freeze the vacuum chamber (freezes for 15 minutes)
6. Once the vacuum chamber is frozen, turn ON the “Candy Process” button in the middle of the screen.
7. Load trays into the heating rack in your freeze dryer. Close and latch the door making sure you have a nice seal.
8. Close your drain valve and double check your door.
9. Press “CONTINUE” in the bottom-middle of the touch screen.
10. Do NOT pre-heat Caramel M&Ms – Press “SKIP”.
11. The drying process will start automatically and the pump will kick on after the trays reach 135*F.
12. When the process is complete, you will see a screen that asks if you’d like to “START A NEW BATCH”, “DEFROST” or “NO DEFROST”. NOTE: if you want to end the batch early, you may hit the “CANCEL” button at any time to test your candy or start a new batch.
To start a new batch after the current one is complete (or after you cancel), repeat the process and go back to step 10.
If you’ve had enough fun for the day, select “NO DEFROST”, leave your door and your drain valve open and turn the machine off in the rear.
For more information about freeze drying candy with “Candy Mode” in your Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, check out their instructions HERE. (half way down the page is a .pdf link to instructions).
DISCLAIMER:
This is an advanced technique that can RUIN your equipment if you do not have a firm grasp on what it is you are doing. Please take the time to understand the mechanics and the science involved with this write-up. As stated in the disclaimer, I will not be held responsible for any outcome you, anyone else or your/their equipment/possessions experience as a result of reading and acting upon this write-up. Furthermore, this write-up and the methods laid out here are NOT endorsed by Harvest Right and may void your warranty. Always follow the instruction manual that was written by Harvest Right for your freeze dryer. This write-up is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only.
How To Freeze Dry Caramel M&Ms® with "Functional Testing Mode":
Go HERE to find the general instructions on how to operate in FTM.
Preparatory Step 0. Load your M&Ms on your trays and set them close to your freeze dryer. If you have not already purchased tray stackers, get them HERE. We consider them a necessity.
1. After you’ve followed the FTM instructions referenced ON THIS PAGE and you’ve double checked that the FREEZE FUNCTION is ON, proceed to step 2.
2. Do NOT pre-heat Caramel M&Ms, Slide your trays into the heating rack in the freeze dryer, close your drain valve, close and latch the door. Toggle the pump button on the screen to “ON”.
3. Your cook times will vary depending on several factors, but typically Caramel M&Ms will be done in about 2-3 hours. If they do not all pop, run them for 4 hours and/or shuffle your trays after 90 minutes.
Your equipment, your location, your elevation and your unique atmospheric conditions will have the final say-so on your results.
As an example, I am in the Houston, TX area, close to sea level, my candy room usually runs about 55% humidity and temps in my room fluctuate between 70 and 95 degrees F. I run a medium freeze dryer with a premium pump.
My Caramel M&Ms are reliably done and dry in about 2-2.5 hours without shuffling trays. These things are probably the easiest of the caramel candies to freeze dry since there is no cutting or careful placing involved.
4. Once you’ve hit the 2 to 3 hour mark (maybe sooner depending on your conditions) toggle the PUMP FUNCTION button to OFF on the touch screen. Give it a moment to react to your touch.
5. Open your drain valve to release the vacuum.
6. Leave the HEAT and FREEZE FUNCTIONS ON if you wish to run another load. To start a new load, go back to step 2 and repeat.
7. To end your run(s), simply hit “DONE” on the touch screen. Leave your drain valve and door open and once the compressor stops running, reach around and turn the main switch in the rear of the machine OFF.
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