Dehydrating Instructions

The dehydration method of preserving food has been used since ancient times and is still a simple method of saving the harvest for consumption at a later time. Various methods of dehydration are available, but the simplest method is to use an electric dehydrator. In most cases, foods take between six and 24 hours to dry.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Airtight containers or storage bags

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the trays of the dehydrator.

2. Prepare the food to be dried by slicing it into 1/4-inch slices. Smaller foods like berries can be dried whole or cut in half.

3. Place the food in single layer on dehydrator trays. The foods can touch, but should not overlap.

4. Stack the trays on the base of the dehydrator and place the lid on top. On some models, the trays may slide into racks inside the dehydrator body.

5. Plug the dehydrator into an electrical outlet. Turn the machine on. If your model has a temperature setting, turn it to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Dry vegetables until they are leathery or brittle. Dry fruits until they are tough, yet still pliable. Meats should be dried until they are dark in color and break into sharp points when folded.

7. Store dehydrated foods in an airtight container at room temperature for five days. If any moisture appears in the container, you will need to place it back into the dehydrator and allow more drying time.

Tips & Warnings

• Blanching vegetables is recommended, but not essential to the drying process.

• Dip foods that turn brown, such as apples, bananas and eggplant, in lemon juice before drying.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Quality for Keeps - Drying Food
• University of California Cooperative Extension: Methods of Dehydrating Foods

Resources

• University of Nebraska: Vegetable Drying Times
• Colorado State Extension: Fruit Drying Times