You know those colorful little candies that melt in your mouth, not in your hand? Skittles are an iconic treat that burst with fruity flavors. But have you ever wondered what would happen if you froze them instead? This changes the candy game completely! By freeze drying Skittles, you transform them from a chewy snack into something totally different. The colors stay vibrant but the texture goes from gummy to crispy. It’s a fun science experiment you can try at home that lets you explore candy chemistry firsthand. From rainbow ice crystals to crunchy puffs that fizz and dissolve instantly on your tongue, freeze dried Skittles offer a tasty new twist. So grab a bag and get ready to freeze, taste and explore the science behind this colorful candy!
An Introduction to Freeze Dried Candy
Have you ever wondered how colorful candy like Skittles maintains its shape, taste, and vibrant colors for years? The secret is a process called freeze drying. ### What Exactly is Freeze Drying?
Freeze drying involves freezing the candy, then reducing the surrounding pressure and adding heat to allow the frozen water in the candy to change directly from ice to vapor without passing through the liquid phase. This results in candy that is light, crispy, and lasts much longer.
Why Freeze Dry Skittles?
There are a few reasons Skittles and other candy companies freeze dry their products:
- Shelf life: By removing nearly all the water, freeze dried Skittles can last 5-10 years. This means people can buy larger quantities and the candy has a longer shelf life in stores.
- Lightweight: Removing the water makes the candy very lightweight. This reduces shipping costs and makes the candy easier to transport.
- Crispy texture: The freeze drying process gives Skittles a light, airy, crispy texture that many people enjoy.
- Vibrant colors: Freeze drying locks in the colors and flavors of the candy. Skittles will maintain their colorful appearance for a long time.
How Are Skittles Freeze Dried?
The specific process Skittles uses is proprietary, but in general, it involves:
- Freezing the candy to below -40°C. This solidifies all the water in the candy.
- Placing the frozen candy in a vacuum chamber. The pressure is lowered to very low levels, around 0.01 atm.
- Adding controlled heat. This causes the ice to turn directly into water vapor through a process called sublimation.
- Packaging and sealing. The freeze dried candy is then packaged in an airtight seal to keep out moisture and oxygen.
By following these steps, Skittles and other candy companies are able to create a product that is shelf-stable, lightweight, and fun to eat for years to come. The science behind freeze dried candy is really quite amazing!
How Are Skittles Freeze Dried?
To freeze dry Skittles, they go through a special process that removes nearly all the moisture. ### Dehydration
First, the Skittles are placed in a large dehydration chamber to remove most of the moisture using heat and air circulation. The warm air absorbs the water from the Skittles until they lose about 95% of their moisture.
Freezing
Next, the temperature in the chamber is lowered to freeze the Skittles. As the remaining water inside the Skittles freezes, it forms ice crystals. These ice crystals damage the cell walls of the Skittles.
Sublimation
Then, the pressure in the chamber is lowered so the frozen water in the Skittles changes directly from a solid to a gas, through a process known as sublimation. This causes the ice crystals to vaporize without melting into a liquid. The water vapor is then removed from the chamber using a vacuum pump.
Final Result
After about 24 hours, the freeze-drying process is complete. The end result is Skittles that are light, porous, and crunchy. They have a slightly faded color and more intense flavor since the water has been removed. The freeze-dried Skittles can last for many years if stored properly in an airtight container.
While the science behind it is complex, freeze-drying Skittles allows you to enjoy this popular candy in a whole new way. The vibrant colors and tangy flavors are taken to the next level. Not to mention, you’ll never have to worry about your Skittles going stale!
The Science Behind Freeze Drying Candy
Freeze drying works by a process called lyophilization. First, the candy is frozen to a very low temperature, usually around -50°C. At this temperature, all the water in the candy turns into ice crystals. Then, the pressure is lowered, which causes the ice to turn directly into water vapor without melting—this is known as sublimation. The water vapor is then removed from the freeze dryer, leaving behind the candy structure and flavor compounds.
The result is candy that is very light, crispy and porous. It retains almost all the original qualities of the candy like taste, aroma and color. The lack of moisture means the candy can have an extremely long shelf life of 5-10 years when stored properly in an airtight container.
Preserving Color and Flavor
The freeze drying process is able to preserve the vibrant colors of Skittles and other fruity candies. As the water is removed, the color pigments and flavor compounds are left behind trapped in the candy’s structure. The colors don’t fade or dull over time like they would if the candy was exposed to heat or moisture.
The flavors also remain remarkably intact. When you eat a freeze dried Skittle, the crunchy candy quickly dissolves in your mouth, releasing an explosion of the same tart and sweet flavors you expect from regular Skittles. The flavor and aroma compounds are not damaged by the freeze drying process, so they come through full force once the candy hits your tongue.
While the candy may last for years in storage, the best way to enjoy freeze dried Skittles is within 6-12 months of opening the package. Over time, the candy can start to lose some crispness and the flavors may become less vibrant if exposed to too much oxygen. But kept in an airtight container, you’ll have a colorful and flavorful treat that’s like no other candy experience. Freeze dried Skittles offer the perfect combination of science and whimsy.
Fun Uses for Freeze Dried Skittles
Arts and Crafts Projects
Freeze dried Skittles are perfect for homemade craft projects. Their bright colors and unusual texture make them stand out. Glue them onto paper to create rainbow pictures or spell out words and names. You can also use them to decorate picture frames, flower pots, candles or anything else that could use some color. For a tasty science experiment, make rainbow Skittles stained glass by melting them onto wax paper with a iron. Let kids help with these crafts for hands-on fun.
Skittles Skeet Shooting
If you have access to a skeet shooting or clay target range, freeze dried Skittles can add some color and excitement. Load the Skittles into the clay target thrower and launch them into the air to practice your shooting skills. Their light weight means they won’t travel as far as clay targets, but their color makes them highly visible. Make it a game by assigning different point values to different color Skittles. This activity is best done under adult supervision.
Rainbow Sprinkles
Crushed freeze dried Skittles make colorful sprinkles that can be used to decorate desserts, cupcakes, pancakes or anything else that calls for sprinkles. Simply pour the Skittles into a ziplock bag and crush them into smaller pieces with a rolling pin or meat mallet. The crushed Skittles will keep for several weeks stored in an airtight container. Use them as a topping or mix them into batter before baking for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Potpourri
The fruity aroma of freeze dried Skittles makes them ideal as homemade potpourri. Simply fill a decorative bowl with the Skittles and place in any room of your home that could use a tropical fruit punch scent. Gently crush some of the Skittles to release more of their essential oils and fragrance. Stir or shake the potpourri around once in a while to prevent the Skittles from sticking together. Replace after 1-2 months as the fragrance fades.
FAQs About Freeze Dried Skittles
Are freeze dried Skittles still candy?
Yes, freeze dried Skittles are still candy, but in a lighter, airier form. The freeze drying process removes moisture from the Skittles, leaving behind the candy shell and flavorings. The end result is a candy that melts in your mouth with an intense burst of flavor. While not as chewy as regular Skittles, freeze dried Skittles deliver all the taste you expect.
Do freeze dried Skittles have the same nutrition as regular Skittles?
Nutritionally, freeze dried Skittles and regular Skittles are quite similar since they contain mostly the same ingredients. However, freeze dried Skittles contain fewer calories by weight compared to original Skittles because the freeze drying process removes moisture, leaving less candy behind. For example, a small package of freeze dried Skittles contains around 70 calories compared to 250 calories for the same weight of regular Skittles. Both varieties are considered candy, so they should only be eaten in moderation.
How should I store freeze dried Skittles?
To keep freeze dried Skittles fresh, store the opened package in an airtight container or ziplock bag. The lack of moisture that makes them light and crispy also means they can become stale quickly when exposed to humidity. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. An unopened package will stay fresh for several months. For the best quality, enjoy your freeze dried Skittles within 2 to 3 weeks after opening.
Can I make my own freeze dried Skittles at home?
You can make your own freeze dried Skittles at home using a food dehydrator or air fryer. Simply spread Skittles in a single layer on dehydrator trays or an air fryer basket and turn on the machine. Check on the Skittles frequently and stir or flip them occasionally as they dry out. The process usually takes 6 to 12 hours. The Skittles are done when they become very light and crunchy. Allow them to cool, then enjoy your homemade freeze dried Skittles immediately or store in an airtight container. Homemade freeze dried Skittles may not last as long as commercial ones, so eat them within a week.
Conclusion
So there you have it, some colorful candy science for your next experiment. Who knew freezing Skittles could bring out some interesting changes in their appearance and texture? It’s a fun way to explore the effects of freeze drying on different foods. The best part is you get to eat your experiment when you’re done! Just be careful not to shatter those crisp candies. Try it with other favorite treats and see what happens. The possibilities are endless when you unleash your inner mad scientist. Let your creativity run wild and get your kitchen laboratory set up for some sweet discoveries. Don’t forget to share your candy science successes with friends.