How to
Dehydrate Food

How to dehydrate food - Dehydrating food is one of the easiest and low-cost ways of preserving food as well as one of the best ways to retain a food's nutrients. Here is the low-down on this great method of food preservation.

How it Works

When microorganisms and bacteria start to grow in food, it breaks down and decomposes or spoils.

But when you circulate hot, dry air through the food, you remove the water from the food and stop the growth of those enzymes and bacteria.

Dehydrating food is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to preserve food.

Unlike with canning, you can open a package of dehydrated food, enjoy some of it and then seal up the bag for later use. Not so with canned food that you have to use all at once right away.

Foods that you dehydrate at home also typically have more nutrients than canned food. They contain far more of Vitamins A and C and have more fiber and minerals than canned or commercially dried food.

You need a sharp knife.  An electric dehydrator is handy, but not necessary.  It also helps to have a spatula, heavy-bottomed saucepans, a blender, a strainer and a steamer tray.

What Can You Dehydrate?

Fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, herbs, flowers and even frozen and canned foods can be dehydrated.

How to Dehydrate Food 
 - Dehydrating Meat

Always follow the directions that come with your dehydrator extremely carefully especially when it comes to dehydrating meat. It's a good idea to first cook the meat you plan to dehydrate to 160 degrees Fahrenheit before you start dehydrating it. This will kill harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E coli.

Cut the meat into small strips and season them with either a marinade or your favorite spices. Spray your racks with a non-stick cooking spray or rub the tray with coconut oil. You will need a dehydrator with a temperature control so that you can keep the air within the dehydrator at a constant temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

To test your meat, allow a piece at room temperature and then try to break it. The meat is ready when you are unable to see any moisture inside it, but you are still able to twist and turn it.

Dehydrating Fruit

When learning how to dehydrate food, drying fruit is a great way to start. Simply cut the fruit into small, equal-sized pieces and place in a single layer in your dehydrator. Peel apples and bananas and dip them in lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. For pineapples, remove the tough skin and core and then cut the pineapple anyway you like.

For peaches, wash them thoroughly if you plan to leave the skins on and them dip them in lemon juice. You can also remove the skins by dropping them into boiling water for one minute and then dipping them in cold water.

Both fruits and vegetables should be dehydrated at a consistent temperature of 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Test your fruit for doneness by taking out a piece and allowing it to cool at room temperature. When the pieces are leathery and they don't stick together, then your fruit is ready to store and enjoy.

Dehydrating Vegetables

With the exception of onions, peppers and mushrooms, any vegetable you dehydrate should first be blanched by filling a large saucepan with water and bringing it to a boil. Also fill a medium sized bowl with ice and cold water. Once the water is boiling, trim the vegetables to the size you need and add them to the boiling water.

Boil the vegetables until they're barely cooked and then immediately drop them into the ice water to stop the cooking process. Dry the vegetables until they are brittle.

A Word of Caution

If mold starts growing on your dried foods, throw the whole package out.

Related article:  Find the right dehydrator for you.

Learn More About Being Prepared

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