Dehydrating parsnips is a great way to preserve the flavor and nutrients, turning them into a pantry staple. This not only extends their shelf life but also a healthy snack. Learn how easy it is to make delicious crunchy parsnip chips for any occasion.
Preparing Parsnips for Dehydrating
Cut, Wash, Peel
- Peel and Chop: Use a sharp knife to peel your parsnips. Then chop them into thin slices, each piece less than 1/4 inch thick.
- Wash: Rinse the parsnips in cool water, use a brush to scrub away any dirt or debris. They should be clean and ready to dry.
- Trim: Look for any fibrous, woody, bruised or spoiled spots on the parsnips and trim them away. This step helps maintain the quality and taste of your dehydrated parsnips.
- Same Size Pieces: Cut the parsnips into same size pieces. This is important for even drying, so all pieces dry at the same rate, so none are over dried and some are still moist.
Now you have your parsnips prepped.
Blanching Parsnips (Optional)
Why Blanch
Blanching parsnips is optional but highly recommended. This step helps preserve the color and texture of the parsnips, so they look and taste good even after drying. It also extends the shelf life of your dehydrated parsnips, making them more stable for long term food storage.
How to Blanch
- Boiling Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. This is important for blanching.
- Start Timer: Once the water is boiling, add your prepped parsnips. Start a timer for 4 minutes. This is important to get the desired preservation without over cooking the parsnips.
- Cool Quickly: After 4 minutes, remove the parsnips from the boiling water and transfer them to an ice bath. This rapid cooling stops the cooking and sets the parsnips color and texture.
Dehydrating Parsnips
Using Dehydrator Trays for Even Drying
I always dehydrate parsnips on dehydrator trays. I spread them out in a single layer on the trays so there is good air circulation around each piece. This prevents them from sticking together and drying evenly. When I take the time to do this my dehydrated parsnips are perfect and uniform, great snack or addition to my homemade veg stock powders.
125°F for 7-11 hours
I set my dehydrator to 125°F and dehydrate for 7-11 hours. The time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the type of food. I like to check on them every now and then to make sure they’re drying evenly. This is important to get the perfect texture and to make sure they’re completely dry, which extends their shelf life and flavor.
Check for Crisp Not Chewy
Once dehydrating is underway I check the parsnips regularly to make sure they’re getting to the desired crispness. I look for a crisp not chewy texture. This is important because it tells me any excess moisture has been removed, so the parsnips are not only a perfect snack but also ready to store in airtight containers for long term. By doing this I can use my dehydrated parsnips in soups or as a healthy snack anytime.
Flavor and Texture
Add a Squeeze of Lemon Juice
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to your parsnips for extra flavor. The citrusy zing not only boosts the flavor but also helps preserve the color of the parsnips during dehydrating. By adding lemon juice you introduce a refreshing zest that complements the earthy flavor of the parsnips, making them a better snack or addition to your recipes.
- Use olive oil or other healthy oils to add flavor and moisture to your parsnips. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the parsnip slices before dehydrating them so they don’t dry out. The oil acts as a barrier to lock in the natural moisture and adds a subtle richness to the flavor of your dehydrated parsnips.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika or your choice of seasonings to add depth of flavor to your parsnips. By seasoning the parsnips with smoked paprika you’re giving them a smoky savory flavor and turning them into a gourmet snack. Try different spices and herbs to create unique flavor combinations to suit your taste and turn your dehydrated parsnips into a versatile ingredient for soups, salads or as a snack on their own.
Crispy Parsnip Chips
How to Make Parsnip Chips
To make crispy parsnip chips slice the parsnips very thin. You can use a food processor to help you get uniform slices which is important for even cooking. This will ensure all the chips will be the same texture once dehydrated.
Once sliced place the parsnip pieces on dehydrator trays in a single layer. Set your dehydrator to 125°F. Dehydrating time is 7-11 hours depending on the thickness of the slices and the type of food. Check on them every now and then to make sure they’re drying evenly.
With Sweet Potato Chips
A Healthy Snack Combo
Dehydrated parsnip chips and sweet potato chips make a great snack combo. Both are crunchy and flavorful, perfect to snack on their own or with your favorite dips. You can also use these chips to make homemade vegetable stock powders. Simply grind them up and add to your soups or stews for an extra boost of flavor. Whether snacking or cooking this combo is a tasty and healthy choice.
Dehydrated Parsnips Storage
Store in Airtight Containers
To keep your dehydrated parsnips fresh and flavorful store them in airtight containers. Mason jars or vacuum sealed bags work great for this. Make sure to put them in a cool, dark and dry place like a pantry or cupboard. This will preserve the flavor and texture. Try to use your dehydrated parsnips within a few months for best taste. That way you can enjoy them at their freshest and tastiest.
Safety
Hot Dehydrators and Sharp Objects
When using a dehydrator be careful it gets very hot. Always use oven mitts or gloves when touching the dehydrator. This will prevent burns and keep you safe.
Keep children and pets away from the dehydrator and sharp objects like knives. This will keep them safe and accident free. By following these simple precautions you can dehydrate parsnips safely and worry free.
Common Problems
Problems and Solutions
When dehydrating parsnips you might run into some common issues like uneven drying, over drying or under drying. These can affect the quality and taste of your parsnip chips.
- Uneven Drying: If some parsnip slices are dry and others are still moist it means they didn’t dry evenly. To fix this make sure your dehydrator is set to the right temperature and arrange the parsnip pieces in a single layer on the trays. Using a food processor can help you cut the parsnips into uniform slices so they all dry at the same rate.
- Over Drying: When parsnips get too dry they will lose flavor and become too crispy. To prevent this check the drying process regularly and adjust the time as needed. Make sure to keep an eye on the texture and stop the dehydrator when the parsnips are crispy but not too brittle.
- Under Drying: If the parsnips are still soft or chewy they haven’t dried enough. Increase the time and make sure the dehydrator temperature is consistent. You want the parsnips to be completely dry to prevent spoilage during storage.
Done
Dehydrating parsnips is a great way to preserve the flavor and nutrients and have a healthy crunchy snack. Now you can enjoy parsnip chips or add them to soups and stews. Store them well for long freshness and flavor.
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