Dehydration as a method of food preservation is nothing new. In fact, the history of dehydrated foods dates back to ancient Egypt. Since at least 12,000 BCE, people have experimented with a variety of food dehydration methods.
The first method used to dehydrate food relied on the sun’s heat. Traditional sun drying often involved laying sliced fruit out in the sun to dry for preservation. In the middle ages, Europeans began constructing buildings designed for food dehydration purposes. Then, a couple of French inventors created a technique that involved heating and compressing foods.
Today, food dehydration is gaining popularity in homes across America. If you’ve never tried it, it might surprise you how simple the process can be with the help of a food dehydrator. While some high-end dehydrators can be a big investment, they offer convenience and efficiency. The main difference between traditional and modern dehydration methods is the control over temperature and drying conditions, which leads to more consistent results.
Read on to learn how to use a food dehydrator for yourself!
Before you begin, make sure that you clean the counter space and other areas where you will be working with an antibacterial cleanser. Also, wash your hands, as well as the fruits or vegetables that you will be using.
After cleaning your hands, it’s a good idea to wear gloves so that you don’t transfer any oils from your hands to the foods.
Introduction to Food Dehydration
Food dehydration is one of the oldest and most effective ways to preserve food, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods long after their peak season. By dehydrating food, you remove most of its water content, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. This not only extends the food’s shelf life but also makes it easier to store and transport. With a food dehydrator, you can easily dehydrate a wide range of foods, from vegetables and fruits to herbs and even meats. Whether you want to preserve food from your garden, create healthy snacks, or simply reduce food waste, dehydrating is a simple and rewarding process that anyone can master.
Benefits of Dehydration
Dehydrating food offers a host of benefits for both your pantry and your lifestyle. First, it helps preserve the nutritional value of your foods, so you can enjoy healthy snacks and ingredients even when fresh produce isn’t available. Dehydrated foods are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for backpacking meals, camping trips, and other outdoor adventures. By dehydrating your own food, you can reduce food waste and make the most of seasonal produce, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Plus, dehydrated foods are ideal for long term storage, so you can stock up on your own food and have nutritious options ready whenever you need them. Best of all, when you dehydrate food at home, you control the ingredients—no unnecessary additives or preservatives, just pure, wholesome food. Dehydrating food also maintains more nutrients than other methods such as canning.
Choosing the Right Food Dehydrator
Selecting the right food dehydrator depends on your needs and the types of food you plan to dehydrate. If you want to process large batches or a variety of foods, look for a dehydrator with multiple trays and adjustable temperature controls. Features like a timer and a temperature gauge can make the dehydrating process more precise and convenient. Popular models such as the Excalibur food dehydrator are known for their reliability and even drying. While most ovens can be used for dehydrating in a pinch, a dedicated food dehydrator is designed for efficiency and consistent results, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about dehydrating. Food dehydrator prices range from $50 to $300, offering options for different budgets and needs.
Safety Precautions
Safety is key when dehydrating food to ensure your dehydrated foods are both delicious and safe to eat. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly and making sure all equipment, including your food dehydrator and utensils, are clean and sanitized. When dehydrating food, especially meats and poultry, use a food thermometer to confirm that the food reaches a safe internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness. Once your foods are completely dry, store them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and nutritional value. Proper storage also helps prevent moisture from getting in, which can cause spoilage. By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy your dehydrated foods with confidence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Food Dehydrator
Using a food dehydrator is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Begin by preparing your food—wash, slice, and trim fruits and vegetables, or cut meats into thin strips for beef jerky.
- Arrange the food in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, making sure the pieces don’t overlap for even drying.
- Set the temperature and timer according to the type of food you’re dehydrating—fruits, vegetables, meats, or herbs all have different requirements.
- Start the dehydrator and let it work its magic, checking periodically to ensure the food is drying evenly.
- Once your foods are completely dry, remove them from the dehydrator and let them cool.
- Store your dehydrated foods in airtight containers to keep them fresh and ready for snacking, cooking, or outdoor adventures.
With these steps, you can create a variety of delicious and healthy dehydrated foods, from dried fruits and vegetables to homemade beef jerky and fruit leathers, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
1. Cut the Fruits or Vegetables into Thin Slices
Always be sure that the fruit or vegetables are completely dry after rinsing them before you begin. Slicing fruits and vegetables to the same thickness ensures they dehydrate at the same rate, resulting in even drying and better preservation. Then, slice the individual pieces, such as apples or potatoes, into thin slices—proper slicing fruits is important for even dehydration. For example, apple slices that are cut too thick will take longer to dry and may have a chewier texture, while thinner apple slices will dry faster and become crispier. You can use a knife or mandolin, or a food processor to achieve uniform slices quickly and efficiently.
2. Spritz Fruits With Lemon Juice
If you are dehydrating fruits that have a tendency to turn brown, such as bananas, you can preserve their color by spritzing them with lemon juice before placing them into the dehydrator.
Alternatively, you can use an ascorbic acid solution, citric acid, or fruit juice to prevent browning and preserve color in dry fruits. To prepare an ascorbic acid solution, dissolve 1 teaspoon of ascorbic acid in 2 cups of water and soak fruit slices for a few minutes before dehydrating. For citric acid, dissolve 1 teaspoon in 1 quart of water and soak the fruit in the solution. Fruit juice, such as lemon or orange juice, can also be used as a natural pretreatment by soaking the fruit slices briefly before drying.
This technique also works well with carrots.
3. Blanche or Steam Vegetables
To blanch vegetables, briefly immerse them in boiling water, then transfer them to cold water to stop the cooking process. This method is especially important for tougher vegetables like green beans and brussels sprouts, as well as for broccoli, eggplant, and carrots, which should be steamed for about 10 minutes before dehydrating. You will also need to blanch other vegetables, such as cauliflower, potatoes, and squash.
Frozen vegetables can often be dehydrated directly without additional blanching, making the process more convenient. There are some veggies, such as , that won’t require steaming or blanching before beginning the dehydration process.
Blanching helps vegetables retain their color, texture, and nutrients, and can also reduce rehydration time when preparing dehydrated vegetables for use. If necessary, it’s important that you do not skip this step because it ensures that the vegetables maintain their nutritional value and naturally-occurring enzymes.
4. Place Foods on Racks in the Food Dehydrator
Check to see what temperature it takes to dehydrate the specific fruits or vegetables you’re using. Set the temp on the dehydrator accordingly. Using a low temperature or low heat helps preserve nutrients and prevents case hardening.
Place the slices onto the rack without overlapping, then put the racks in the food dehydrator
Most foods will need to heat for several hours to remove adequate moisture. The amount of dehydration time necessary will depend on both the environment and the type of food dehydrator you are using. Some foods may require a bit longer to dehydrate fully for optimal preservation.
Upon removal, foods should be at least 95% dehydrated so that they do not spoil during storage. Excess moisture will cause foods to ruin much sooner.
If the temperature is set too high, it can also cause foods to keep moisture within, even if their outer layer appears to be completely dehydrated. Higher temperatures can cause a tough case to form on the outside of food, trapping moisture inside and risking spoilage.
Temperature Settings
Different temperatures are more accurate for drying different types of foods. For example, herbs should be dried at about 95 degrees F while a higher temperature of 155 degrees works better for meats and fish. A more middle range temperature of 135 degrees is best when dehydrating many fruits. Be sure to choose the best temperature for the type of food you’re dehydrating.
Don’t raise the temperature thinking that you can reduce the drying time. This can lead to the outside drying faster, making you think the food is ready. The inside of the food, however, is still moist — potentially leading to spoilage.
5. Test the Food
To help avoid this problem, watch for signs that the inside is not done. The best (and most delicious) way to check is to simply take a bite of a piece of your dried food.
Otherwise, check the items with your fingers. Soft, spongy feeling foods need more time. A breakable, chip-like consistency, depending on the food you’re drying, is good, although some foods won’t ever get that crisp so use good judgment.
Use the Time as a Guideline
Humidity in the air will vary the drying time for foods. Higher humidity in the air will make it more difficult to remove the moisture, causing a longer drying time.
For best results, place your dehydrator in a warm, dry location. Always test the food before removing as we described in the previous section to check for doneness.
6. Remove the Dehydrated Food & Place in Air-Tight Storage Container
Once the process is complete, remove the foods from the dehydrator and place in an air-tight storage container. To ensure your dehydrated foods are stored correctly and to maximize the food’s shelf life, use proper storage methods and containers. Dehydrated food should be allowed to cool to room temperature before storage to avoid condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
Using a vacuum sealer to remove air from storage bags or jars can significantly extend the food’s shelf life by preventing oxidation and moisture re-entry. Mason jars and canning jars are excellent airtight containers for storing dried foods, as they keep out moisture and oxygen, making them ideal for long-term preservation. Vacuum-sealing can further extend the shelf life of dehydrated foods by removing oxygen, which is a key factor in spoilage.
Most fruits and vegetables will keep for months using this simple, effective method.
Want More Food Dehydration Tips?
Once you know how to use a food dehydrator for fruits and vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Food dehydrating is an effective method for preserving food and extending the shelf life of fresh food, making it ideal for healthy snacks and storing seasonal produce.
When you’re ready, you can also use your dehydrator with cooked meat, including ground beef, to make homemade jerky and protein-rich snacks. Drying fruits is another great way to dehydrate foods for convenient, long-lasting treats.
You can also try oven drying as a practical method for drying fruits and other foods at home, especially during long periods of hot weather—just use a low temperature and keep the oven door slightly open. For those interested in advanced preservation, a freeze dryer offers another option for removing moisture from food for long-term storage.
Start dehydrating today and make your own dehydrated food for outdoor adventures and emergency storage. Check out our site for more easy food dehydration tips!
FAQ
How long do you leave food in a dehydrator?
It depends on the food. Most fruits take 6–12 hours, herbs 2–4 hours, and meat for jerky 4–8 hours.
Do you leave the lid open or closed on a dehydrator?
Always keep the lid closed to maintain the correct temperature and airflow.
Do you put water in the bottom of a dehydrator?
No, water isn’t needed. Dehydrators work by removing moisture from food, not adding it.
Do you have to cook meat before you put it in a dehydrator?
Yes, for safety, cook meat to 160°F (or poultry to 165°F) before dehydrating to kill bacteria.
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Do you need to peel the skin from fruits. You have kiwi in a photo. I don't know about you, but I don't want to eat kiwi skins.
Hi Rob,
Thank you for your message.
You can peel the skin from the fruits if you like.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dehydrated Foodz