FREEZE DRYING
Perhaps the most effective (realistic) method of flower preservation involves freeze drying. In
this process the flowers are placed into a refrigerated chamber and the temperature is lowered to below
freezing (-35°C). A vacuum is then created in the chamber, causing the moisture in the flowers to
sublimate, or change from solid to gaseous form. The water vapour is then collected in a separate
chamber and the dried flowers are allowed to slowly warm to ambient temperature. This process takes
several days, requires expensive equipment and is best left to professionals.