Drying food is a great way to preserve it for a long period of time and it’s a simple and easy process that can be done at home with little equipment and without any chemicals. All you need is a dehydrator (which can be purchased online or at most kitchen stores) and some fresh produce.
Easy Preparation: Wash, Peel, Slice, or Dice
Prior to dehydrating, simply wash and slice the produce thinly, spread it out on the dehydrator trays, and set the dehydrator to the appropriate temperature.
To aid in the slicing and dicing department, use a food processor—or a mandoline. It will slowly lose its water content over the course of several hours, leaving behind a product that can be stored for later consumption.
Dried produce can last a few weeks at room temperature, or for months or even years when stored properly using a food vacuum-sealer machine, making it a great way to preserve it for long-term food storage.
Follow Susan’s 10-Point Guide on what you should know about dehydrating food.
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please share it with someone else you think might enjoy it too!
See how easy it is to dehydrate food, whatever the reason or the season!
Visit Easy Food Dehydrating for all things dehydrating!
As a "Thank You" for listening, please pick up a copy of "How to Grow and Dehydrate Herbs" on Susan's website at Dehydrate Herbs free eBook.
+ + + +
Thinking of starting your own Podcast? I’m having a total blast… and Buzzsprout is here to help you get started. Launching a professional podcast is easy, and their support is second-to-none. 100,000 people already launched their Podcast with Buzzsprout.
They get your Podcast into every major Podcasting platform: such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. Get a great-looking Podcast website, along with an awesome Podcast player you can drop into other websites, detailed analytics, tools to promote your episodes, and much, much more!
Start (and get a $20 Amazon gift card!). Click the link right HERE - this takes you to Buzzsprout's login page where you can sign up for a free Buzzsprout account to get you going. This lets Buzzsprout know we sent you to them… and it helps support our show!
Buzzsprout - it's the easiest way to start a Podcast.
Support the show
00:07
Hello and welcome to Easy Food Dehydrating, the show that teaches you how to safely dehydrate and store fresh (or frozen) fruits and vegetables, along with cooked meats. I’m your host, Susan Gast.
00:23
Hey there, in today’s episode, I’ll go over the 10 things you should know about dehydrating food.
First of all, drying is a method of food preservation that works by simply removing the water from it, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms and slows down the metabolism, which in turn allows it to last longer.
00:47
Drying food is a great way to preserve it for a long period of time.
Food dehydrating is a simple and easy process that can be done at home with little equipment and without any chemicals. All you need is a dehydrator (which can be purchased online or at most kitchen stores) and some fresh produce.
01:09
Easy preparation: Wash, peel, slice, or dice.
Prior to dehydrating, simply wash and slice the produce thinly, spread it out on the dehydrator trays, and set the dehydrator to the appropriate temperature.
To aid in the slicing and dicing department, use a food processor—or a mandoline. It will slowly lose its water content over the course of several hours, leaving behind a product that can be stored for later consumption.
Dried produce can last a few weeks at room temperature, or for months or even years when stored properly using a food vacuum-sealer machine, making it a great way to preserve it for long-term food storage.
01:53
Here’s my 10-point guide to dehydrating food:
1. Dehydrating removes moisture which prevents bacteria and mold from growing.
It's a great way to preserve foods for long-term food storage. By removing moisture, you prevent bacteria and mold from growing.
Not only does this help to extend the shelf life, but it also helps to retain the foods' natural nutrition.
This way, you can be sure that you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals that they have to offer.
Drying foods is a fantastic method to preserve food for longer or just for convenience's sake.
02:31
2. Dehydrating food can extend its shelf life by up to several months or even years, as mentioned earlier.
Dried foods can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to several months or even years when you follow my Six Simple Steps to learn safe storage procedures.
02:53
3. Dehydrated food is lightweight and easy to store, making it ideal for backpackers and campers.
Dehydrating simply removes the water content while still preserving the nutrients, making it a perfect option for those who love to go camping, hiking, and backpacking.
You can easily create healthy and nutritious snacks that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. They are lightweight and easy to pack, and they can be rehydrated with a little water.
Dried produce, or meat, is as easy to cook as their fresh counterparts; it simply requires the addition of water. And because it doesn't spoil as quickly as fresh food, it's a great option for campers who might not have access to refrigeration.
So whether you're looking to save space in your backpack or you want easy-to-prepare meals for your next camping trip, dried food is a great option.
03:52
4. Rehydrating is simple – just add water! This makes it perfect for quick and easy meals on the go.
When rehydrating dried produce or meat, it is important to use clean, potable water. Boiling water for this purpose is strongly recommended, as it will help to kill any bacteria that may be present.
Once the food has been rehydrated, it should be eaten immediately. Discard any leftover water, as it may contain bacteria that can cause illness.
Dehydrated foods are a great way to have a quick and easy meal on the go—just remember to rehydrate with clean, boiling water!
04:33
5. Dehydrated food retains most of its nutritional value, so you can still enjoy all the health benefits of fresh food even after it’s been dried.
Using a food dehydrator is a great way to preserve its nutritional value. Dehydrating also helps to retain many of the food’s nutrients, so you can still enjoy all the health benefits of fresh food even after it’s been dried.
They are easy to transport and make great snacks for when you're on-the-go. They’re also a healthy alternative to processed snacks that are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
So the next time you’re looking for a quick and nutritious snack, reach for some dehydrated fruit or veggies instead!
05:16
6. You can dehydrate a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
Food dehydrating is a great way to save foods for long-term storage, and it can also be used to create interesting and unique flavor profiles.
Dehydrating vegetables—such as tomatoes or mushrooms—will intensify their flavor, while fruit can be dehydrated to create sweet and chewy snacks.
Meat and fish can also be dehydrated, and this process can be used to create jerky or cured meats. Regardless of the method you use, dehydrating is a fantastic way to preserve food for later use.
06:00
7. Dehydrating food is simple and easy to do at home with a food dehydrator.
Yes, a food dehydrator is a handy appliance that can be used to prepare snacks or enable you to stockpile foods for long-term storage. There are many different brands and models of food dehydrators on the market, but the most popular include the Nesco dehydrator and the Excalibur dehydrator.
Some dehydrators typically come with several trays, so that multiple items can be dried at once. The drying process can vary depending on the type of food being dehydrated, but it typically takes several hours. Don't forget to store your dried goodies in an airtight container, so you can enjoy it for months.
06:46
Sponsor Message
You're going to love this. Getting Susan's book Easy Food Dehydrating is one of the smartest things you can do for your health and your budget. Not only will you save money, but you'll know exactly what goes into your recipes. Susan's book takes you from start to finish with all the recipes on her site, including her best-selling Make Your Own Dog Food Recipes for Chicken Chow and Bow Wow Beefy Chow. Learn how to dehydrate the top 14 fruits and the top 16 vegetables, along with cooked meats such as chicken, beef, and turkey. Visit Easy Food Dehydrating and get started today.
07.32
8. You can also dehydrate food in the oven, although it will take longer than with a dehydrator.
Whether you use an oven or a dehydrator, it's a great way to preserve fruits, veggies, and meats for long-term storage. The process of removing the water from food helps to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, which can cause spoilage.
There are two main ways to dehydrate food like I said: in an oven or in an electric dehydrator. Oven dehydrating is less expensive than using a dehydrator, but it will take longer. Electric dehydrators are more expensive up front, yes, but they are much faster and more efficient and that’s what they’re designed to do, to dry food properly.
When oven dehydrating, though, it is important to use the lowest setting possible to avoid cooking the food. Place the food on wire racks set inside baking pans, and prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon to allow airflow.
Check on the food every few hours, and rotate the pans as needed. Dehydrating time will vary depending on the type of food and its thickness. For most fruits and vegetables, oven dehydration will take 8-12 hours.
When drying meat please note it will take longer, usually 12-24 hours. Once the food is fully dehydrated, it can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and will keep for 6-12 months.
09:10
9. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add some extra flavor to your food, dehydrate herbs and spices.
Dehydrating herbs and spices is a quick and easy way to add flavor to your food. By dehydrating, you’re just essentially concentrating the flavor, which means a little goes a long way.
This also means that you can use less salt in your cooking, as the dehydrated herbs and spices will pack a bigger flavor punch.
And if you’re looking for a truly unique flavor experience, try making your own spice blends using a combination of dehydrated herbs and spices. Experiment with different proportions until you find a blend that you love. Check out Julie's Smoked Garlic Salt on Easy Food Dehydrating.com
You can even dehydrate fruit to add a touch of sweetness to your spice blend. The possibilities are endless! If you’re new to dehydrating, we’ve got you covered with our free "How to Grow and Dehydrate Herbs" ebook.
Just visit our Dehydrate Herbs page and enter your email address and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Last, but not least:
10:19
10. Dehydrated food makes a great snack or addition to any meal – give it a try today!
Dehydrated food is a great option for a healthy snack or addition to any meal. When you dehydrate food, it helps to preserve its nutrients and flavor while reducing its bulk. This makes them perfect for on-the-go eating.
Plus, dehydrated foods are easy to prepare—you just add water! Some great examples of dehydrated snacks include beef jerky, fruit leathers, and veggie chips. So next time you're looking for a healthy and convenient snack, make some beef jerky (see Podcast #6), or fruit leathers on Easy Food Dehydrating.
11:06
Easily Dehydrate Meat, Fruits, and Veggies at Home.
When dehydrating foods, using a dehydrator is a great way to preserve produce and meat for long-term storage and to add extra flavor to it. The process is simple and easy, and all you need is a dehydrator and different types of food.
For long-term storage of all foods, invest in a food vacuum-sealer machine, food vacuum-sealer bags, and the all-important oxygen absorbers.
11:38
Take Advantage of Deals.
Be on the lookout for BOGO's and stop by the roadside stands and farmers' markets.
And the next time you're looking for a healthy and convenient snack, try your hand at making dehydrated foods—you'll be glad you did!
11:55
Start with Six Simple Steps
So what are you waiting for? Start dehydrating today!
Let Easy Food Dehydrating help.
Get my Six Simple Steps free 7-part mini-email course, delivered to your inbox by visiting EasyFoodDehydrating.com
12:14
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please share it with like-minded friends, you know, someone you know who might enjoy it! I would appreciate that very much. Until next time, Happy Dehydrating!
12:28
Thanks for listening to the Easy Food Dehydrating podcast. Visit EasyFoodDehydrating.com for much more information on how to dehydrate food and the best way to safely store it.
_______________________________
*** MY APOLOGIES for the 'background thunder rumbling.'
I didn't think the mic would pick the thunder up... 🫤