Author: Lisa Barlage

Stay Healthy, Stay Happy: 5 Holiday Health Hacks

As we move through the next few weeks of holiday fun (actually, madness), try to keep in mind a few small things that can help maintain your health. Almost all of us will be busy with family, friends, co-workers, preparing meals, travel, parties, last minute shopping, and more. But if we choose to follow a few health habits, we can set ourselves on the right path.  woman with christmas tree doing a yoga pose

Maintain Your Regular Health Habits –

Make sure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep, stay hydrated with plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks, and start your day with a healthy breakfast. This breakfast should have at least 3 of the food groups (vegetables, protein, fruit, dairy, or grains). By starting out on the right path, you will prevent a hangry fit later, which can certainly mess up a great day.

Be Food Safe –

Use safe practices when preparing foods to avoid cross contamination and food poisoning. Use a food thermometer to check for correct internal temperatures with proteins and even when reheating leftovers. Sanitize surfaces before you start food prep and when you clean up. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and properly store them within 2 hours to avoid the food safety danger zone. (Keeping food above 140 and below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Move More –

Often during a busy time, we stop doing our regular physical activity or the fitness classes that we typically participate in are not held. If that is true for you, find other ways to boost your activity. Play games that include physical activity, or dance with your children or grandchildren. Take a turn walking the dog or take a group walk (in a safe area) to see the holiday lights. Find an online activity video or use a fitness app with even 8 to 10 minutes of walking/dancing – it all adds up.

Keep the Germs Away –

Wash, wash, wash your hands. It really is the best way to prevent the spread of colds, flu, or Covid. If you haven’t gotten your most recent seasonal vaccine, it isn’t too late. Have questions – checkout the Ohio State University Extension Vaccine Toolkit. Don’t forget, if you don’t feel well, stay home and rest, and avoid passing illness on to others who may have lower immunities than you do.

Take Care of Yourself –

If you need a little break time, take it. Do a mindfulness exercise or listen to a few holiday songs while you decompress. Give yourself the gift of peace and grace. For me this is time to read a chapter of my latest book, if I miss more than a day or 2, I feel out of sorts. Don’t forget that it is ok to say “No” when someone tries to add another task or event to your already busy week. If adding one more thing is going to cause you too much stress, calmly let them know that you can’t this time.

If you are saying – I’m overwhelmed, I can’t do everything. Then just remember one or two of these health habits. Every little bit helps.

Written by: Lisa Barlage, Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ross County, barlage.7@osu.edu.

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Ohio State University Extension, Healthy People Program Specialist, halladay.6@osu.edu.

You Think Your Car Was Stolen?

As parents, we rarely want to receive a phone call before 7 AM from our children. Those calls are usually like the one my husband and I received this spring from our daughter, who called to say her car wasn’t in the apartment parking space, where she had parked the night before. Right away, I started with the questions – did you call the police? Does the complex tow for any reason? Is there broken glass? Did you hear anything? As it turns out, she is like over 850,000 other Americans who had their car stolen in the last year.thief looking in car window at red bag

So, what can you do to protect your ride?

  • Always lock your car and make sure the windows are up.
  • Never leave valuables in the car, especially any that you can see. For instance, a few years back, a friend went to a state bowling tournament (and left thousands of dollars of expensive bowling balls in the back of an SUV). Evidently, even thieves pay attention to the bowling schedule and help themselves to all the equipment. It was a very costly trip.
  • Park in well-lit areas if possible.
  • Activate car alarms and vehicle manufacturer anti-theft systems.
  • Never leave your vehicle running, unattended. (How often do you hear of a car taken with a child in the back seat, and the parents just ran in the house or store to get something quickly?)

If you discover your vehicle has been taken, here are some steps to help with recovery or getting your insurance claim on the way:

  • Call local law enforcement as soon as possible. You will likely need a copy of the report for insurance.
  • Call your insurance company to report the theft within 24 hours.
  • Activate any theft recovery programs provided by your auto manufacturer.

Other considerations – think about hiding a Bluetooth tracker in your glove box or under a seat, so that if your car is taken, you can help the authorities recover it. It really is important to keep your vehicle tidy and never leave your work keys, computer bag, money, or other valuables in the car overnight. Thieves are window shoppers, just like you. They wonder what is in your gym bag or under the blanket in the back seat. If you are heading to an event, like a concert or game, and plan to stash some valuables in the trunk, do it before you get to the destination. Thieves may be hanging out in parking lots waiting for you to walk away, after they watched you stash your purse and tablet. At home, check into installing video cameras in areas that film where your vehicles are typically parked.

On the positive side for our family, after almost a week, my daughter’s car showed up at a tow lot. She actually found it before the police. It had minor damage but had to be taken to the dealer to have the keys reprogrammed and a few other minor repairs. While she got her car back, it took money out of her emergency fund to cover the deductible, and she lost a personal day while she waited for the police and arranged for a rental car.

Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ross County.

Reviewer: Laura Halladay, Program Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension.

Summer Fun in the Sun

young girl swimming with beach hat and life vestIt is that time of year when everyone starts to get serious about their outdoor time. Gardens are going in, school sports are wrapping up, summer leagues are going strong, pools are getting ready to open, and everyone is planning their summer vacation or camp time. With all these things going on, being safe in the sun may get away from you. Here are a few tips to make sure everyone has an amazing, and safe, summer.

  • Wear SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 – 50 waterproof sunscreens that you reapply every hour and a half to 2 hours. Look for mineral formulas that include the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for better coverage that is also good for the environment. Don’t forget to check the expiration date on bottles. Coverage will be much better. For optimum protection, generously apply sunscreen 15 – 30 minutes before you head outside. An adult should use approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass full), on the first application, so your family should go through a bottle every day or 2 if you are doing a beach vacation.
  • Wear a hat with a brim all the way around, preferably a 3-brim. This beach or bucket style hat will protect your face, ears, and neck from sun exposure.
  • Consider getting UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing for swimming, tennis, golf, fishing, and even hunting. Again, look for 30+ for better coverage.
  • Seek shade under umbrellas, canopies, pop-up shelters for little ones, and playgrounds with sun sails, or just lots of shade from trees.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking about 8-ounces of water for every 30 minutes of outdoor work, exercise, yard work, or even beach time on warm days. Do not drink more than 1 liter per hour (about 4 cups). As excessive water can cause hyponatremia or water intoxication, which can have serious consequences.
  • graphic showing colors of swimsuits under waterWear neon swimsuits, shirts, rash guards, and life vests for much better visibility in the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 – 4 in the United States, so swim lessons, adult supervision, following posted guidelines, and water barriers are very important. Check out the images from ALIVE Solutions study of swim wear colors in open water and pools, it s very scary that many colors disappear under water.

Following these tips will keep your family, friends, and co-workers safe and allow everyone to have “Fun in the Sun”.

Written By: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.

Reviewed By: Alisha Barton, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County and Ken Stewart, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Monroe County.

Do you need a “Me Day”?

It doesn’t matter if you are busy parents (of young children or teens), overwhelmed at work, or a caregiver to your aging parent or a spouse who is recovering from surgery —- most of us could use a break. I know – right away you are saying “I don’t have time for that.” But the science supports that we could all benefit from a “Me Day” or a little “Self-Care” time.

Studies have found that taking a “Me Day” break may help you sleep better, inspire creativity, improve relationships, increase productivity, boost happiness, and lower rates of depression.  Easy examples to see in life are the study break you took when cramming for an exam or a coffee break at work. You gave your brain a little time to recharge and could power through.

If you feel like you are just too busy to take the “Me Day” break, start with just 30-minutes of me time and see if you can’t build up to a few hours or even a day. Just like you schedule a meeting at work or with the PTA or schedule a medical appointment – you would benefit from some scheduled “Me” time. Prioritize “Me” time activities that give you a break from screens so that you don’t negate your “Me” time with poor sleep quality or anxiety.

Ideas for your “Me Day” or break to recharge may include: woman covered with a blanket reading a book and with a warm drink.

  • Take a bath.
  • Do a puzzle.
  • Take walk or hike.
  • Do some star gazing.
  • Try meditation.
  • Enjoy gardening.
  • Crafting, sewing, quilting, pottery, or other hand crafts.
  • Do yoga or dance.
  • Listen to music.
  • Journaling your thoughts.
  • Or my favorite – reading or listening to a book.

What can you add to the list that is something you can do on your own, without a screen? Schedule your own “Me Day” or at a minimum “Me Break” in the next month.

Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.

Reviewer: Misty Harmon, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County.

Lessons Learned from Teams

Rowing team

What do we learn from competing? Coming off the recent Olympics and heading into the busy fall sports season – there are lessons to learn from being part of a team and competing. This is true for both a group of 5-year-olds playing soccer or your work team submitting a big proposal.

Youth learn from competing in sports: 

  • creativity
  • confidence
  • time management
  • goal setting
  • leadership
  • social skills
  • hard work (and much more).

Children also report lower rates of stress, anxiety, and enjoyment in physical activity. Children can also be influenced by adults who pressure them with a win or nothing attitude. Studies have shown that these children give up or quit the sport or other activity due to anxiety and pressure. In one study of youth athletes, children sited “fun” as their primary reason for participating in in sports and lack of that same “fun” as the main reason they quit.

To have a more successful team look for a group of diverse individuals, make everyone take turns, and be sure to include specialist. A recent example is the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Olympic team who brought in event specialist Stephen Nedoroscik  which resulted in a team medal at the Summer Olympics. Research also supports that some teams with lots of really talented people end up being less successful. This might be because everyone wants to be the top talent or because of conflicts between team members.   

I have had a number of successful work teams over the years – typically when I worked with people I enjoyed spending time with, who had a variety of talents, and we worked towards a goal that we could all get behind. Often these teams have included diverse individuals (some younger and some more seasoned staff) or those with a variety of prior work experiences. One of the best lessons I have learned from these teams is to celebrate the successes and then figure out what awesome project we are working on next.

I hope you find success in your own work or play teams.

Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University, Ross County.

Reviewer: Ken Stewart, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Monroe County. 

Sources:

“What Science Can Tell Us About Building Great Teams”. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/building-leading-great-teams-research#talent.

“Benefits of Youth Sports”. President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board, https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/YSS_Report_OnePager_2020-08-31_web.pdf.

Be Happy – Plan a Debt Free, Stress-Free Vacation 

suitcase full of sand with beach umbrellaDid you know that just planning a vacation can actually make you happier. By planning your vacation ahead of time you: 

  • Give yourself excitement about the upcoming trip. You can anticipate the fun and memories you will have with family or friends. 
  • Prevent the stress of vacation expenses, by allowing time to save ahead and spreading out the cost. 
  • Plan work or family time so that you can more easily take the time off – almost half of Americans don’t take the all the leave time that they are offered. Don’t be one of those! You need to take days off so you can recharge your batteries.  

When you start your vacation planning, make sure that setting a budget is one of the first things you do. Set a maximum budget and keep in mind your family budget. While thinking about where you will go, have family/friend meetings so that everyone has input. Keep in mind the things that each of you enjoy – history buff, beach or nature lover, or sports or shopping enthusiast. Is there an area you can visit that has things for everyone? 

As you plan for your vacation, especially your budget, here are some of the things to have on your list: 

  • Travel – both to and from your location, and how you will get around when you are there. 
  • Accommodations – hotel, resort, stay with family, or vacation rental. 
  • Food and drinks – All inclusive, packed food on the go (driving), dining–in and dining-out (condo), eat out all the time (international hotel) etc. 
  • Entertainment – tickets, shows, games, or tours. 
  • Equipment or apparel – do you need special equipment (ski trip), a new suitcase, or travel charger for electronic devices? Pre-trip expenses can be a big portion of your total trip costs 
  • Gifts and souvenirs – do you need to set a budget for each person? Sometimes this area can get out of control. 
  • Pet or house sitter – do you need to pay someone to take care of pets you can’t take with you? 

As you are working on your trip budget, figure out how much you need to save per week/month to have enough for your adventure. An example – your trip should cost $3000 – you have already saved $1250, you are counting on $200 (that you don’t need to save) you would typically spend for food anyway (groceries and a few meals out), so you need to save $1550 over the next 4 months. Can you save $387 per month? Could you work an overtime shift to make a little extra money or have a garage sale to raise some? Keep in mind that some of your expenses might have to be paid ahead of your trip – tour or plane tickets or lodging deposits.  

If you would like to use an online travel budget worksheet – try this one from doughroller.net. America Saves also great planning sources that you may want to check out as well. If you want to hear some of the vacation saving tips that our team has to share, check out our recent webinar posted here.  

We can’t wait to hear about your amazing, and hopefully debt free vacations. 

Writers: OSU Extension, Family and Consumer Science Educators, Melissa Rupp, Tammy Jones, and Lisa Barlage. 

Reviewer: Ryan Kline, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ross County. 

Loneliness – the Next Epidemic

Gray haired man on park bench by pond. I recently attended a webinar ”The Epidemic of Loneliness” presented by Alex Elswick, PhD, from University of Kentucky Extension. Dr Elswick quoted the 2023 report in which The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory about how loneliness and isolation can have detrimental effects on health. It seems that perhaps society have become too good at ‘social distancing’. Even in a time when connectivity often means how good is our Wi-Fi or internet, we aren’t connecting with each other.

“It’s hard to put a price tag, if you will, on the amount of human suffering that people are experiencing right now,” Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told All Things Considered.

“In the last few decades, we’ve just lived through a dramatic pace of change. We move more, we change jobs more often, we are living with technology that has profoundly changed how we interact with each other and how we talk to each other.” “And you can feel lonely even if you have a lot of people around you, because loneliness is about the quality of your connections.” There is a difference between solitude and lonely. Solitude is being alone by choice and not feeling lonely. Everyone needs social connections to thrive and survive.

In the same advisory it says that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of adults in the U.S. reported experiencing  “measurable levels of loneliness”. Some physical consequences of poor connection can include a 50% increased risk of developing dementia among older adults; 32% more at risk for a stroke; and 29% increased risk of heart disease. There is an increased distrust of others, noted in the advisory as well.

Enough about the problem, here are some potential solutions. As always, good self-care is important; exercise, healthy eating, sleep (7-9 hours per day), doing all the things that reduce stress. According to a National Institute on Aging publication, “People who engage in meaningful, productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer.”

Protect and maintain current relationships, be purposeful in communicating with those important folks in life. Spend time with them in-person or virtually. For example, a regular lunch appointment with a long-time friend. My mother would have friends over for coffee, so even being home bound she saw friends every day. Engaging in an old hobby or starting a new one can increase social interactions with others. Take a class or join a group. Learning helps make new connections in the brain and socially. A pet can protect health and be a way to connect with others too.

Planning to make public spaces more inviting for social connections as a society will make connections easier. Try adding some chairs to your porch or patio or using the public areas at your housing development. Reconnect with someone today.

Written by: Ken Stewart, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Monroe County.

Reviewed by: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.

Sources:

The Epidemic of Loneliness, Elswick, Alex -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O1zApCGYik

Health and Human Services Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (hhs.gov)

Stressed – Why Not Join a Book Club?

adults in book club

I regularly hear friends, family, coworkers, or just someone at the hair salon say that they are stressed, tired, overwhelmed, and DONE. For some, their anxiety is making it hard to work or they feel ill, others are just tired and not inspired. I’m going to suggest what for some might be a new coping strategy – join a book club. A couple of you probably just said – WHAT? My coworkers, who write for this blog, do a great job of sharing methods to identify stressors and navigate them – so I’m going to link you to their information and then offer a little more about the research that supports joining a book club as a possible stress relief tool.

Possible benefits of being a book club member:

  • Reading books actually reduces stress. Reading just 10 minutes can be more effective than taking a walk or listening to music. And – belonging to the book club may force you to read a little more of the book.
  • Book clubs promote empathy, understanding, and build healthy relationships.
  • Completing books may give you a sense of accomplishment.
  • Reading as part of a club may encourage you to connect with diverse perspectives and read different genres.

If you are now considering giving a book club a try, remember there are several options for meetings now, and most of them don’t include wine. Check out these book club alternatives:

  • Join the local library, coffee shop, or bookstore book club. Most have several options based on time of day and genre preference.
  • Ask your friends and family if anyone already belongs to a club or if they would want to form one. I know several families that have their own club now – aunts, sisters, nieces, and nephews all read a book each month and then get online or meet in-person to talk about it.
  • Look for virtual book clubs – we have one through Ohio State University Extension that talks about Family and Consumer Science topics and reads books that have those topics in them. In the last year we read and discussed “Malibu Rising”, “The Kitchen Front”, “Up to No Gouda”, and are currently reading the award-winning book “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store”. If you want join, sign up at go.osu.edu/fcsbookclub. We meet evenings, every other week.
  • See if your favorite author has a book club. I have noticed that several of my favorites are now doing Facebook book clubs, where you are encouraged to read a book and then they have a live online meeting time.
  • Check out the celebrity book clubs – some just recommend books, but others have online forums, and most have chat features so you can discuss favorites.
  • Don’t forget to see if your university has a book club. Many alumni associations host book clubs or reading challenges for staff as well as alumni. You can get to the Ohio State University Alumni Book Club or many others from their websites.

I look forward to hear if joining a book club may work as a stress relief method for some of you. Message us below to let us know your successes or challenges.

Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County

Reviewer: Jessica Lowe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County

Sources:

Lee, V. G., & Madden, M. E. (n.d.). The power of life histories: Moving readers to greater acts of empathy through literature and memoir. Forum on Public Policy. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1126538.pdf

MacDonald, B. (2022, November 29). The World of Online Book Clubs. LillyPad.ai. https://blog.lillypad.ai/the-importance-of-book-clubs-online/

Vallie, S. (2022, November 2). Health Benefits of Reading Books. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/health-benefits-of-reading-books

Aging: What Numbers are Really Important?

scale with apple on itNot long ago, after the holiday season, I weighed myself on our bathroom scales. I was concerned about how much weight that I may have gained. I looked at the number on the scale and was elated! It was the least that I had weighed in 15 years! Skinny Kenny is back! All day I felt great, I even paused to look in the mirror a few times. I could see the changes and it felt good. When I got home, I decided to take another look at those scales. According to them I had gained about 18 lbs. since the before breakfast weigh-in. Just like that Skinny Kenny is gone! I discovered that I had just a small amount of an area rug under the edge of the scale, and that had caused the error.

A person’s outlook about aging can affect both quality and longevity. Folks that are more optimistic about health and aging usually live longer and happier lives. I can’t help but, think how good I felt when I thought that I weighed less.

An 88-year-old Clint Eastwood was playing in a celebrity golf tournament, prior to going to acting and directing in a movie and was asked by his playing partner, Toby Keith, “How do you do it?” Eastwood replied, “I just never let the old man in.” Keith was inspired to write a song titled, “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”

In the song we are told to “get up and go outside” The benefits of being outside, especially in nature are numerous. “Try to love on your wife and stay close to your friends.” Relationships and social networks are important and need to remain a priority. They can be used as motivation for self-care.

“Toast each sunset with wine” appreciate the gift of life and celebrate each day! 51 is a special number for me, It’s the age my father was when he died. So, every day that I have lived past that age is a gift. In a recent blog about brain health very important numbers or healthy goals are discussed.

In the song there is a line that says, “Ask yourself how old would you be, If you didn’t know the day you were born?” The least important number in aging may be a birthday. Consider what you can do to avoid letting the old person in.

Written by Ken Stewart, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Monroe County.

Reviewed by Lisa Barlage, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Ross County.

Sources:

Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. Positive attitude about aging could boost health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/positive-attitude-about-aging-could-boost-health/

Tutt, Kathy (Aug. 24, 2023) You’re Ready to Retire-Now What? https://livehealthyosu.com/2023/08/24/youre-ready-to-retire-now-what/

Toby Keith, Don’t let the Old Man In https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tobykeith/dontlettheoldmanin.html

Freeze-Drying: Consider This 

freeze-dried vegetables in jar with oxygen absorbersDo you want to reduce your food waste? Would you like to have shelf stable foods in case of emergency? Do you like to prepare healthy snacks? Do you enjoy camping, hiking, or hunting? If you answered yes to one or all these questions, freeze drying may be for you!  

What is Freeze-Drying? 

According to the FDA: “Lyophilization or freeze-drying is a process in which water is removed from a product after it is frozen and placed under a vacuum, allowing the ice to change directly from solid to vapor without passing through a liquid phase. The process consists of three separate, unique, and interdependent processes: freezing, primary drying (sublimation), and secondary drying (desorption)”. Through the process of sublimation, many of the food products retain their original texture, flavor, and nutrients once reconstituted.  

What Can Be Freeze-Dried 

Almost any food can be freeze-dried. The foods that work best with freeze-drying are: 

  • Fruits 
  • Vegetables 
  • Dairy foods including cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream 
  • Proteins including poultry, seafood, red meat, eggs 
  • Mixed foods including casserole, soup, lasagna, quiche 

Foods that do not freeze-dry well: 

  • Foods high in fat content 
  • Foods high in sugar content 
  • Baked goods including breads, muffins, cake 

Storing Freeze-Dried Foods 

Once you have a freeze-dried product, storage becomes a consideration. Iowa State University suggests, “The storage container must eliminate oxygen, light, and moisture. In order of long-term to short-term storage, the following containers may be used: Mylar® bags, vacuum-sealed canning jars, #10 cans, vacuum sealed bags, and PETE re-sealable containers”. PETE bags and glass Mason-type jars are the most readily available storage options. If you wonder what PETE 

pete mylar food storage bag

bags are, they are made of polyethylene terephthalate, a food grade, non-toxic, and typically opaque silver pouch. For long term storage,  oxygen absorbers are required. Oxygen absorbers are materials in a pouch that removes oxygen from space around food particles. Oxygen absorbers extend the shelf life of products by preventing color change and reducing the growth of microorganisms. While this term may be new to you, you have seen them in purchased items like baked goods, cheeses, pet foods, and seasonings. Freeze-dried foods that will be stored for no more than a few months (for example, fruits that you plan to snack on soon), can be stored in food storage containers or Mason-type jars without oxygen absorbers. 

Oxygen absorbers can be found in many sizes varying from 20cc to 2000cc. (The “cc” stands for cubic centimeters as it related to amount of oxygen absorbing capacity). According to Utah State University, “A quart container will need one 50cc, a gallon container and #10 can will need 300cc of oxygen absorption and a 5-gallon container will need three of the 500cc packet”. Once purchased, oxygen absorbers should be used within 6 months to 1 year. Store unused oxygen absorbers in an airtight glass jar for up to 6 months.  

Overall Safety of Freeze-Dried Food 

For the highest quality, all home preserved foods should be stored in a cool, dry location. This includes foods that are home canned, dehydrated, and freeze dried. Labeling is even more important for freeze-dried foods because you cannot see what is in your PETE pouch. Always include date, preparation method (raw or cooked), product name, amount (for some foods like soup), and directions or notes, for example, how a tomato is sliced, or how a food is seasoned.  

While freeze drying can sound exciting, there is a financial investment to get started. The cost range to purchase a home freeze dryer is between $2,000 and $6,000. Other considerations are machine location, supplies for storage, electric use, noise, temperature, accessories, and time needed to complete the process. Stay tuned for more information on the Freeze-Drying: Consider This blog series.  

Resources: 

Utah State University: https://extension.usu.edu/preserve-the-harvest/research/buying-a-home-freeze-dryer-what-to-know-before-you-go 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: https://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/2023/06/13/preserving-by-home-freeze-drying/ 

Written by:  Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County and Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Union County. 

Reviewed by: Ohio State University Extension, Food Preservation Team. 

Photo credit: Laura Halladay, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County.