Things You'll Need
Food dehydrator
Nutcracker
Small electric fan
You can dry nuts in a food dehydrator to shorten the natural drying times substantially. Freshly harvested nuts often contain an excess of moisture in their nutmeat. The moist nutmeat firms as moisture is removed by the heated airflow of a food dehydrator. Temperatures inside the food dehydrator must be kept relatively low so the nuts dry slowly without rusting or burning. Dried nuts can be stored for months without the threat of mold growth.
Step 1
Remove a couple trays from the food dehydrator if the nuts are too large to fit in between trays in the shell. Spread the nuts in a single layer on each remaining tray of the dehydrator.
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Step 2
Set the food dehydrator to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Open as many vents as possible in the base and lid to increase airflow and keep the temperature at a safe level.
Step 3
Leave the nuts in the dehydrator for 24 hours before cracking into one. Examine the nutmeat for texture and moisture levels. A properly dried nut often releases easily from the shell because it has shrunk during the drying process.
Step 4
Run the dehydrator for another 12 to 24 hours or until you are satisfied with the dryness of the nuts.
Tip
Place a small fan next to the dehydrator to increase airflow and keep temperatures low throughout the drying phase.
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