This document provides an overview of lyophilization or freeze drying. It defines lyophilization as a process that stabilizes substances by first freezing them and then reducing the solvent quantity through sublimation and desorption under vacuum pressure and low temperatures. The document then outlines the three main steps of lyophilization - freezing, primary drying which uses sublimation to remove ice, and secondary drying which further removes bound water through desorption. It discusses the principles, advantages including improved stability, and applications of lyophilization in foods, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.