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Freeze Dried Flowers: An Introduction |
See all our
Wedding Flowers & Bouquets
See all our
Sympathy Flowers gift items. |
The freeze-drying process is an innovative vacuum
process that takes approximately four weeks depending on
the flower. The freeze-drying machine drops the
temperature to a –20°F then
it slowly returns the flowers to room temperature over
the four week period. This slow preservation process
allows the flowers to retain their original form, while
the colors become enriched.
Each flower is freeze dried separately to ensure an
aesthetically pleasing shape. The individual flowers are
labeled and placed in the freeze-dry machine, carefully,
to avoid any bruises to the flowers. The stems are
removed to enable for the bloom to stand upright. An
average machine holds approximately 2,000 heads of
flowers. After the four week period the freeze dried flowers are
delicately removed from the machine. This task usually
takes about 4-5 hours.
Each freeze dried flower is then dipped individually in a solution
that seals the flower and allows them to be soft and
pliable. The dried flowers are allowed to dry for a minimum of
36-48 hours. This additional process helps the flowers to
last indefinitely.
The dried flowers should be kept out of the direct sunlight
and humidity to ensure their lasting quality. The hues
of the flowers may change somewhat with time depending
on the type and variety of the flower.
Freeze-drying flowers is a very labor intensive and time
consuming process. However, this innovative technique
allows your special flowers to last indefinitely. |
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FUN FACTS ABOUT FREEZE-DRYING (AND
FREEZE DRIED FLOWERS) |
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Freeze drying (technically known as
"lyophilization") is the process of
lowering the temperature of an object and then
using a vacuum to extract all the moisture from
the item |
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The freeze-dried method is the newest and most effective method for floral preservation today. |
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This innovative
vacuum process take 4-5 weeks depending on the flower. The freeze-dried process drops the temperature to -20F then it slowly returns to room temperature over the 3 - 4 week period. It allows the flowers to retain their original form, while the colors become enriched. |
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In order to ensure that your flowers
will be optimally preserved, place it in a plastic
bag with air in the bag. Seal the bag tightly and
then keep it refrigerated. Do not place flowers in the freezer! |
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Your special flowers will be freeze
dried and preserved in an elegant keepsake frame
of your choosing. We have a large selection to
choose from! |
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History
of Freeze Drying
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Though the
general process of freeze drying objects has been around
for over 70 years, the process of freeze drying flowers
began in 1989. By removing all the moisture from the
flowers, the colors are preserved (though they make take
on a slightly antiqued look) and as long as they are
protected from exposure to sunlight, insects and
humidity, they should last for years and years.
You may be surprised to discover that the freeze drying
process has been applied successfully to such things as
the preservation of historical documents such as
valuable books and papers, animal trophies and pet
preservation, and, of course, food and dried flowers and
botanicals. The freeze drying process is used by
museums, food producers, taxidermists, insurance
companies, and scientists.
If you are interested in learning more about how freeze
drying works, look here.
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Pressed Flowers |
When the flowers are pressed, each
flower is first taken apart and then painstakingly
pressed, petal by petal, to preserve its rich and vivid
color.
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Pressed and Freeze-dry |
Most all flowers press and freeze-dry
well.
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The following are recommended for
freeze-drying only:
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Anthurium, Gardenia, Ginger, Heliconia,
Hyacinth, Liatris, Calla Lilly, Narcissus, Cattleya and
Japhet Orchid, Tuberose, Bird-of Paradise.
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Not preservable: |
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Bourvardia, Chrysanthemum, Lilac. |
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IMPORTANT
How to care for your flowers
prior to shipping.
Flowers must be received within 2 days for best results.
(Please follow these Instructions.) |
- Place flowers in a large plastic bag. (i.e. large
kitchen trash bag)
- Blow air into the bag since it is the carbon dioxide
that keeps the flowers fresh.
- Twist tie the bag and place in the refrigerator. Do
not place in freezer
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Shipping Information |
- Fill one zip-lock bag with regular ice and place in
second zip-lock bag, making sure both are closed
securely. Place in the bottom of a Styrofoam box.
- Place a layer of newspaper on top of the zip-lock
bags, filled with ice, to protect the flowers from
freezer burn.
- Take the flowers out of the refrigerator, leaving
them in the plastic bag (making sure there is still air
in the bag.)
- Place invitation or photo and full payment along
with name, address, and phone number in an envelope
taped to the top of the Styrofoam container.
- Call UPS one day prior to shipping (1-800-222-8333)
for residential pickup.
- Ship OVERNIGHT UPS to: Florage, 2729 Fondren,
Houston, TX 77063
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