Donkey Milk Freeze-Drying: How is Donkey Milk Powder Made?

5 min readBy DON DONKEY'S

Contents
  1. Donkey Milk Freeze-drying.
  2. What does freeze-drying mean?
  3. Four phases. One process.
  4. From Milk to Powder.
  5. Why is sublimation so special?
  6. Freeze-drying or other drying processes?
  7. Liquid donkey milk becomes dry powder.
  8. What is important with donkey milk powder?
  9. Frequently asked questions about freeze-drying.
  10. Discover donkey milk powder.
DON DONKEY'S® / KNOWLEDGE & PRODUCTION

Donkey Milk Freeze-drying.

How does liquid donkey milk become a fine powder? What happens during freezing, in a vacuum, and during the actual drying process?

We will take you on a visual journey through freeze-drying – also known as lyophilization.

PHASE 01 Raw Material
PHASE 02 Freezing
PHASE 03 Sublimation
PHASE 04 Dry Powder
01 / THE BASIC PRINCIPLE

What does freeze-drying mean?

Freeze-drying is a process in which a previously frozen product is dehydrated under reduced pressure.

The special thing: A large part of the frozen water passes directly from the solid to the gaseous state. This process is called sublimation.

In this way a dry product is created from a water-containing raw material.

Not drying by simply heating, but removing frozen water under vacuum. The principle of lyophilization
02 / THE INTERACTIVE PROCESS LABORATORY

Four phases. One process.

Choose a phase. The animated representation shows you in a simplified way what happens during freeze-drying.

PHASE 01

Liquid Donkey Milk

At the beginning is liquid donkey milk. In addition to water, it contains various milk components, including proteins, lactose, and fat.

H₂O Water is an essential component of milk.
03 / STEP BY STEP

From Milk to Powder.

The exact process depends on the plant and the established parameters. The following steps describe the general principle of freeze-drying.

01

Preparation

The milk is prepared for processing and placed in suitable containers or on appropriate product carriers.

02

Freezing

The milk is frozen. During this process a part of the contained water forms ice crystals.

03

Vacuum

In the freeze-drying plant the pressure is reduced. The conditions are set so that frozen water can sublimate.

04

Primary Drying

The ice passes under suitable pressure and temperature conditions directly into water vapor. The vapor is separated at a condenser.

05

Secondary Drying

Subsequently, further bound moisture is reduced. The goal is a residual moisture suitable for the respective product.

06

Packaging

The dried product is processed under suitable conditions and packaged. Suitable packaging protects especially against moisture absorption.

04 / THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT

Why is sublimation so special?

In ordinary evaporation, liquid water turns into water vapor.

In sublimation the transition occurs directly from the solid state. The frozen water turns into water vapor under suitable conditions, without first becoming completely liquid.

For sensitive products, this process can be advantageous because drying can take place at comparatively low product temperatures.

However, how well individual components are preserved depends on the specific process management and the respective substance. The complete preservation of all components cannot be inferred from this.

05 / PROCESS COMPARISON

Freeze-drying or other drying processes?

Not every milk powder is manufactured in the same way. Different processes operate under different temperature and pressure conditions.

◌ OTHER DRYING PROCESSES

Drying through water evaporation.

In other drying processes water is often removed by applying heat and evaporation.

  • Different technical processes possible
  • Temperatures vary depending on the method
  • Partially suitable for large production quantities
  • Product quality depends on process parameters
  • Packaging is also crucial here

Freeze-drying is not automatically better in every respect. Which method is suitable depends on the product and the desired properties.

06 / THE FINISHED PRODUCT

Liquid donkey milk becomes dry powder.

Through water removal a product is created with a significantly lower water content.

The finished powder can be stored accordingly to the product specifications and later mixed with water.

It is important to follow the instructions for preparation, shelf life, and storage on the packaging.

Dry Observe suitable storage
Portionable Take out the amount needed
07 / PREPARATION & STORAGE

What is important with donkey milk powder?

Donkey milk powder should be stored accordingly to the instructions on the packaging.

After opening protection against moisture is particularly important.

When mixing the specified mixing ratio, suitable water and the instructions for use should be observed.

Freeze-drying removes water – but it does not automatically make a product sterile. Hygiene & safe use
08 / QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently asked questions about freeze-drying.

The most important answers about the process and donkey milk powder.

What is freeze-drying?

In freeze-drying a product is first frozen. Subsequently water is removed under reduced pressure predominantly through sublimation.

What does lyophilization mean?

Lyophilization is the technical term for freeze-drying.

How does donkey milk become powder?

The milk is prepared and frozen. In the freeze-drying plant water is removed through primary and secondary drying. Subsequently the product is packaged appropriately.

Is donkey milk heated during freeze-drying?

Freeze-drying uses a controlled combination of temperature and pressure. During the process, heat may be applied to enable sublimation. Product temperatures depend on the process control.

Are all ingredients fully preserved?

No, the complete preservation of all ingredients cannot be guaranteed as a general rule. The stability of individual components depends on the processing and storage conditions.

Is freeze-dried donkey milk sterile?

No. Freeze-drying is not a sterilization process. Microbiological safety depends on the raw material, the processing, and other hygiene measures.

How long does donkey milk powder last?

The shelf life depends on the respective product and its best-before date. The specified storage conditions are also crucial.

How do you prepare donkey milk powder?

The powder is mixed with water according to the mixing ratio specified on the packaging. Follow the preparation and usage instructions.

What is the difference between donkey milk and donkey milk powder?

Liquid donkey milk contains its original water content. In donkey milk powder, a large part of the water has been removed. As a result, the product form, storage, and preparation differ.

DON DONKEY'S®

Discover donkey milk powder.

Would you like to learn more about our freeze-dried donkey milk? Discover the product, the available sizes, and the preparation instructions.

About DON DONKEY'S

We offer donkey milk, donkey milk powder, donkey cheese and care products with donkey milk. The fresh donkey milk is milked by hand, frozen straight away and delivered to you chilled. View the range