Benefits of dehydrating food is to preserve nutritional value and extend shelf life. This retains vitamins and minerals and is a healthy alternative to chemically preserved snacks. Dehydrated foods are light, easy to store and you have a constant supply of healthy options all year round, no additives.
While the benefits of dehydrated foods are many, the process is actually very simple to do at home. It involves removing the moisture from the food item and results in food items that can last for up to 30 years.
While the extended shelf life of dehydrated foods is well worth the celebration alone, they’re also healthy and the process is free from chemicals!
If you’re looking to explore the many advantages of food dehydration, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering the seven most significant health benefits of dehydrating food and why you should try it for yourself.
Is dehydrated food healthy? Let’s find out!
What is Dehydrating Food?
1. What is Dehydrating Food?
Dehydrating food means removing the moisture from food. This preserves the food and makes it last longer without going bad. By removing the water content we can prevent mold and bacteria growth and the food is safe to eat.
2. A Little History
Dehydrating food is one of the oldest form of food preservation. People have been doing this for centuries even before refrigerators were invented. Ancient civilizations used the sun and wind to dry foods so they would have food to eat when fresh produce was not available.
3. Why Dehydrating Food is Important
Dehydrating food is important because it retains the nutritional value of the food. When done right, dried foods retain most of their vitamins and minerals just like the fresh ones. Plus dehydrated foods have a longer shelf life so you can store them for months or even years and still get the nutritional benefits of food dehydration.
Dehydrating Food Benefits
1. Retains Nutritional Content of Food
Did you know that dehydrating food can retain almost 100 percent of the nutritional content?
While many other food preservation methods strip the food of its nutrition, the process of dehydration does not do so. A food dehydrator has the ability to deliver dried foods that contain the same vitamins and nutrients as the fresh version. This is because the process only involves removing the moisture from the food item.
This means you can rest assured that the food you’re dehydrating today will be just as nutritious when it comes time for consumption!
2. Healthy Foods Throughout the Year
Dehydrating your fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure that you have these healthy foods available all year.
Based on your location, not all fruits and vegetables are available throughout the year. Even if your location does produce a wide array of fresh produce, there’s no denying that certain months are better than others in terms of quality.
With dehydrating these healthy foods at their prime, you are able to enjoy these fruits all year. You can also dehydrate fresh herbs to have a bountiful selection throughout the year. This means more healthy food and herbs in your pantry at all times!
3. Maximizes Freshness
When you dehydrate food, you are extending the shelf life and freshness of the food item.
If a food item is close to its expiry, dehydrating that item This helps to ensure that you avoid wasting the food item and also consuming it while it’s still fresh.
4. Low Risk of Bacteria
In the process of dehydrating a food item, about 75 percent of the water is removed from the item.
As you remove the moisture from food items, the possibility of bacteria growing on that item is reduced. The more moisture present in your food, the higher the possibility it will be contaminated.
Let’s consider that bacteria need water to grow. So, when you remove this moisture from your food, you’re minimizing the chances of bacteria growing in the first place.
That being said, it’s always better to over-dry than to under-dry during the process.
5. Provides for Healthy Snacks
Dehydrating your own food provides for multiple healthy snack opportunities.
From dehydrating fruit and vegetables to lean meats such as chicken and fish, dehydrating your food can be a fabulous method of ensuring that you are eating healthy.
This is especially the case for those that rely on dehydrated foods such as campers or astronauts. In these events, dehydrated food is making up the bulk of their consumption. For this reason, it’s essential to have dehydrated foods that are both filling and nutritious.
It’s also worth noting that a significant amount of dehydrated food examples are plant-based and vegan-friendly. Some nutritious examples are:
- Kale chips
- Zucchini chips
- Flax crackers
- Fruit Leather
6. No Added Chemicals
Commercially produced dehydrated food often contains added chemicals.
For example, commercially dried fruits are often produced with added sugar and sulfites. While this does help to extend the shelf life, these additives are not always beneficial to our help.
This is something that is totally avoidable when choosing to dehydrate your own food. When you dehydrate your food, you are in control of what is and what is not added to your food.
Because dehydrating your foot is simply removing the moisture from the food item, you are not adding any nasty chemicals to the food.
7. It’s a Health Conscious Alternative
For moments that rely on the ease of dehydrated foods, the commercial options available are not always healthy. These are moments such as camping and traveling or even in emergencies where traditional food is not available.
Dehydrating your own food gives you the power to ensure that you are eating healthy even it’s not easy to do so. These are times where dehydrated fruits and vegetables will come in handy as opposed to excessively sugary, salted or commercial alternatives.
As we have mentioned, commercially produced dehydrated foods lack the same nutritional control that personally dehydrated foods possess.
Benefits of Dehydrated Foods
- Retains Nutritional Value
Dehydrating food keeps almost all the nutrients of fresh food. So your dried fruits and vegetables are as healthy as when they were fresh. The dehydration process only removes water, not the vitamins and minerals.
- Longer Shelf Life
Dehydrated foods can last for months to a year if stored properly. So you have healthy snacks ready whenever you need them without worrying they will go bad soon. Just store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
- Reduces Food Waste
By dehydrating food you can save items that would go to waste. If you have extra fruits or vegetables, drying them will preserve them for later use, reduce the food you throw away. This is a great way to make the most out of your grocery shopping.
Best Foods to Dehydrate
- Fruits and Vegetables
Dehydrating fruits and vegetables is the way to enjoy them all year round. You can dry apples and bananas for sweet snacks or carrots and broccoli for savory dishes. Leafy greens like kale and spinach also dehydrate well, perfect for adding to soups or smoothies. The dehydration process retains the nutritional value of these foods so you get the vitamins and minerals without the water content. Plus they have longer shelf life so you can store them easily.
- Meats and Proteins
If you want to preserve meats, dehydrating is a safe and good method. Lean meats, poultry and fish can be made into jerky which is a high protein snack. The dehydration process removes moisture which prevents mold and bacteria growth. Properly dried meat is lightweight and shelf stable so it’s perfect for camping or emergency food supplies.
- Grains and Legumes
Grains and legumes like rice, beans, lentils and pasta can also be dehydrated. This makes them easy to store and quick to cook when needed. By dehydrating these foods you can reduce their moisture content which extends their shelf life. They are perfect for making ready to eat meals that only need boiling water to cook. This is great for backpacking or when you need a quick meal option.
Dehydrating Food for Specific Needs
- For Backpacking and Camping
Dehydrated food is perfect for outdoor adventures like backpacking and camping. It’s lightweight and compact so you can carry it in your backpack. You can enjoy nutritious meals without the hassle of heavy and bulky food. Plus dehydrated foods are shelf stable so you don’t need to worry about refrigeration.
- Health and Wellness Benefits
Dehydrating food is a way to retain its nutritional value. The dehydration process removes moisture but keeps the vitamins and minerals intact. So you can enjoy healthy meals as healthy as fresh produce. Plus dehydrating reduces food waste by preserving your garden harvest and leftover fresh produce for future use.
- For Special Diets
If you have special diet, dehydrated foods can be a perfect fit. They have gluten free, vegan and low carb options so you can stick to your diet without compromise. You can easily make dried fruits, vegetables and other snacks that fit your nutritional needs and lifestyle.
Dehydrated Food Recipes
Dehydrated foods are not just for storage; they can be the main course. Here are some simple and yummy recipes you can make using dehydrated foods:
1. Breakfast Recipes
- Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Porridge: Start your day with a warm bowl of apple cinnamon quinoa porridge. Rehydrate dried apples and mix with cooked quinoa, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a splash of milk or your favorite milk alternative. This is a fiber and flavor packed breakfast to start your day.
- Strawberry Oatmeal: Have a sweet and fruity breakfast with strawberry oatmeal. Rehydrate dried strawberries and mix with oats, a drizzle of honey and a pinch of salt. Cook until creamy and you have breakfast in minutes.
2. Dinner Recipes
- Tortilla Soup: For a cozy dinner try tortilla soup. Rehydrate dried vegetables like tomatoes and peppers then simmer with broth, spices and corn tortillas. Top with avocado and cheese for a easy and satisfying meal.
- Pasta Primavera: Make a colorful pasta primavera using dehydrated vegetables. Rehydrate a mix of dried veggies like bell peppers, zucchini and carrots. Toss with your favorite pasta, olive oil and parmesan cheese for a fresh dinner.
3. Snack and Dessert Recipes
- Beef Jerky: Make your own beef jerky for a protein snack. Use lean cuts of beef, season with your favorite spices and dehydrate until chewy. Perfect for on-the-go snacking or a quick protein boost during the day.
- Fruit Leathers: Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade fruit leathers. Puree your favorite dried fruits, spread the mixture thinly and dehydrate until it becomes chewy and fruity. These are a healthy alternative to sugary candies.
Medication Interference with Dehydrated Foods
When using dehydrated foods as part of your diet, be aware of any medication interference. Dehydrated foods retain most of their nutrients but can sometimes affect how medications work in your body.
- High Sodium Content: Some commercially dehydrated foods may have added salt for preservation. If you’re on medication for high blood pressure or heart conditions, consuming high sodium foods can interfere with your treatment. Always check labels and choose home dehydrated foods without added salt.
- Potassium Levels: Dehydrated fruits like bananas and apricots are high in potassium. If you’re taking medications that affect potassium levels like blood pressure medications or diuretics, monitor your intake to avoid complications.
- Fiber Content: The high fiber content in dried vegetables and fruits can affect absorption of certain medications. Consume these foods at a different time than your medication to ensure optimal absorption.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Dried fruits have concentrated sugar content which can affect blood sugar levels. If you’re on medication for diabetes, be mindful of portion sizes and monitor your blood sugar levels.
Talk to your doctor to understand how dehydrated foods may interact with your medication. Then you can enjoy dehydrated foods and manage your health.
The Health Benefits of Dehydrating Food
If you’ve contemplated entering the world of dehydrated foods, there is no better time than now!
With such a push for healthy and natural food, dehydrating your own food has never been more popular. It allows you to have total control of your food and ensure that no pesky chemicals are involved in the process.
With these benefits, it’s clear that dehydrating your food has countless nutritional advantages. As compared to other methods of food preservation, it’s safe to say that the process of dehydration provides the most health benefits.
Whether you’re planning a camping trip or just looking to better your supply of healthy food, choosing to dehydrate your food is always worthwhile. The process is simple, fast and incredibly affordable.
Go on, try it today!
For more benefits of dehydrating food, be sure to check out our blog.
FAQ
Is dehydrating food good for you?
Yes dehydrating food is good for you as it retains most of the nutrients, a healthy and preservative free way to enjoy foods with longer shelf life.
Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!
