Community Spotlight

• Hinkle Homestead Freeze Drying is a small business located on Main Street of Blain, PA. It was started in 2025 by Justin Hinkle. All his products are available for porch pick-up or shipping within the state of PA through online orders. Or he can be found at West Perry Farmers' Market every Monday and Farmers On the Square Market every other Wednesday.

• Justin Hinkle graduated from a culinary votech program in high school in 2017 with an interest already for the newly emerging home freeze drying practice in the culinary world. It took a few years to own a freeze dryer, but in the meantime he practiced his culinary skills by cooking for both a casino for a year and then a camp and conference center for another several years. Food is his love language. He began freezedrying for him and his wife, Bethany, in 2024 and soon found his family and friends loved what he was sharing with them.

• This enjoyment of his gifts soon turned into requests to purchase more of his culinary creations. With interest already existing, he decided to try out selling his food as an actual marketable product. He has spent the last year experimenting with various fruits and vegetables for snacks to be eaten on their own or used as ingredients ready to be rehydrated for cooking. He was also able to build a supportive online following and regular customers from his local community.

Why Freeze Dried?
• 98% nutrition retention rate during the processing
• Refrigeration and preservatives are unnecessary
• Fast preparation for consumption by reconstituting with water or eating as is
• Long-lasting preservation and spoilage protection

Who is it for?
• Those looking for a novel, crunchy, sweet or healthy treat
• People wanting portable, lightweight ingredients and snacks for travel, hiking, boating, and busy lives
• Health-conscious individuals looking for preserved ingredients and fruit snacks with no additives or chemicals and 98% original nutritional value retention
• Pet owners searching for healthy, safe treats and whole foods for their pets
• Families wanting a way to ensure elderly parents and young children have access to nutritious food they can easily prepare