5 Things To Keep In Mind When Using Your Food Dehydrator

by Steve Jen Nothing

Looking for that perfect, cost effective, and simple way to prepare and store fresh food for quick snacking? Well, dehydrating food is your best option! Using a dehydrator as tool, a light in flow of hot air is used to reduce the amount of water that exists in food. Doing so, you substantially minimize its chances of spoilage, increasing its life and eliminating the chances of bacteria growth on it – all while keeping its nutritional value intact!

Ready to get started on food dehydrating? Before you jump on board, here are some things that you should read first!

1.    Thickness Matters

Before you slice your foods, you should take a look at its recommended thickness. If you slice them in varying thickness, it will not dehydrate evenly. Some pieces would be dried too much, while the other might still be moist. It’s important that you slice them with precise care for an even and consistent dehydration that will make your food last longer.

2.    Make Sure To Choose A Dehydrator With Appropriate Fan Positioning

Dehydrators come in varying designs. Some of the highly recommended ones are those with a fan at the back or top of the unit than one with the fan on the bottom. This ensures that there is even and consistent flow of air throughout. With bottom fans, food and moisture can get into the fan and motor.

3.    Dehydrate Up to 95 Percent

In order to store it for long, your food should be 95% dehydrated. If the food still feels soft, moist, or spongy, place it into the dehydrator again. If it’s crispy and breaks easily, then consider it done. Also, where you place your dehydrator matters a lot. Therefore, you should try to dry your food away from the vent or window – some place warm and dry. It will take longer to dehydrate foods in a room that has high humidity.

4.    Don’t Immediately Dehydrate At High Temperatures

In an attempt to avoid leaving the food moist, we tend to turn up the temperature to the highest level. This tends to dry out the outer core too quickly, leaving the inside still moist, making your food vulnerable for spoilage. Start at medium temperature, first. Even if the food remains soft, you could place it back in and dry it longer. However, with a dehydrator that has a two stage temperature timer, like the Tribest Sedona SD6280, Tribest Sedona Express Food Dehydrator SD6780 or Tribest 9150 Dehydrators, you dehydrating is a lot more convenient. These dehydrators start at a high temperature so as to begin the dehydrating process faster; then it automatically reduces the temperature to complete the drying process. This saves time, preserving the live enzymes and keeping the food in a raw state.

5.    Storing the Food

Once you remove the food from the dehydrator, it cools down quickly. Food dehydrators do not dry foods at such a high temperature that the food needs time to cool. Bagging the food quickly will prevent moisture in the air from rehydrating the food. The longer it is exposed to the air, the higher the chances of it getting moisturized again. The more humid the air is the faster the food will transform from crispy to a state that is a bit soggy. Porous fruits like apples will rehydrate quicker than dry vegetables.

New to food dehydrating? Give it a try! Dried fruits are a healthy snack that that packs some serious energy! Furthermore, dried vegetables are great for making a quick soup. Take a look at some of the best food dehydrators by leading brands. When you buy your food dehydrator, also grab a Dehydrating Book that uncovers the secrets of preserving and dehydrating food. For more on other small kitchen appliances, please visit, VeggieSensations.com