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What
is freeze-drying? |
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Freeze-drying
(lyophilization) is accomplished by sublimation of ice
in a vacuum. The basic elements of this process have
been known for over 70 years. However, it was not until
World War II that much emphasis was placed on the refinement
process. During this time, much attention was given
to the development of equipment and techniques for the
purpose of supplying large quantities of dried blood
plasma and penicillin to the armed forces. By the end
of the war, freeze-drying had become known as a near-perfect
method of preservation. |
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Why is freeze-drying
the best method of preservation? |
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The
basic principle of freeze-drying is the removal of water
from a flower as water vapor by means of a vacuum, and
collection of this water into a condenser. With the
flower solidly frozen during the process, shrinkage
is eliminated or minimized. |
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What kind
of equipment is required to freeze-dry? |
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Freeze-drying
requires the use of a special machine called a freeze
dryer. The freeze dryer has a large chamber for freezing
and a vacuum pump for removing moisture. |
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How long do
freeze dried flowers last? |
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Since
the freeze-drying of botanicals began in 1989, it is
still too early to say that freeze-dried flowers will
last forever. However, when protected from humidity,
sunlight and insects, freeze-dried flowers can last
for many years. |
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Why should
I have my flowers preserved? |
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Once
flowers are used in a ceremony or given by a special
person, they become sentimental. Let us make those memories
last by creating a floral keepsake. When you spend hundreds
of dollars on flowers for one day, doesn't it make sense
to preserve them for years? |
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How long does
the process take? |
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After
your flowers are received, rehydrated and pretreated
they go into the holding freezer until the freeze-drying
machine is ready to load. Once in the machine, the process
will take 10-15 days. |
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How long do
I have to get my flowers to you? |
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We prefer
to receive flowers within 24 hours after the event.
However, certain flowers can be kept refrigerated several
days. |
