Harvesting Garden HerbsWhen harvesting herbs, I reuse those moisture retaining capsules found in some medication bottles. I save the little capsules throughout the year and repurpose them after drying my summer harvest. They help to keep the herbs dry. Should there be a tiny bit of moisture left, that could cause spoilage.
Microwave for Drying HerbsUsing a microwave to turn your fresh herbs into dry herbs doesn't only speed up the process, it also secures a longer lasting, stronger flavour. You will also notice that they retain their natural, beautiful, vibrant colour.
Dry Green Onions Inside CarI use a box flat that I get for free from the local store. Place the green onions in the flat. Place in your car in the summer months and they dry in no time and perfectly.
Homemade Celery FlakesIt is easy to dry your own celery flakes to be used in salads, tuna salads, or one of your favorite recipes.
Use Screen Patio Door for Sun Drying FoodWe replaced our patio screen door last year because the cheap aluminum frame got bent when someone (not me) walked through the closed door.
Dehydrated BananasDuring the summer months, I enjoy eating frozen bananas, but now that it has turned cold, I have a new craving and it's for dehydrated bananas.
Find Jerky Equipment and Supplies at Outdoor Sports StoresIf you are looking for tools to make hamburger jerky, look for a Bass Pro or other big outdoor sports world in your area. They carry all kinds of spices and equipment for all kinds of meat and wild game recipes.
Preserving Food by DehydratingI have always had a problem with throwing food away. I also like to prepare for the rainy day. We live 20 minutes from any shopping facility and we grow some of our own food. I have learned that the most economical way to preserve food is to dry it.
Preserving Cherries In DehydratorI wash, pit and halve the cherries. Then place them cut side up on a dehydrator; close but not on top of each other. Dry for about 2 days until leathery. Put on a cookie sheet for about 15 minutes to cool down.
Dehydrate Tomatoes for Salads or SnacksFor a tasty salad addition or snack, buy Roma tomatoes on sale. Slice thinly and sprinkle with garlic salt or powder. Dry in a dehydrator until they are dry and the skins are no longer shiny.
Preserve Food Using A Dehydrator And Vacuum SealerPeople always ask how come I buy very little at the grocery store. I own a Rival Seal A Meal- vacuum storage unit and a Excalibur dehydrator.
Dehydrate Extra Summer SquashSummer squash taking over? I chop mine into about 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces and dehydrate them. Because of the water content of summer squash, they really dehydrate to a tiny size, so you may need a smaller grate.
Dried Onions for Healthy SnackOn 99 cent day at our local Thrift store, I found a food dryer in great shape. I decided to try drying different fruits and veggies for nighttime snacking.
Drying Extra CilantroWhen I make salsa, I use half a bunch of cilantro. For a while, I would just let the extra go bad in my fridge (BAD IDEA). Then I realized that I can easily dry out the remaining cilantro and use it that way!
Drying PeppersI'm from the south and this was new to me, here you learn to eat Mexican food. Hatch is the most popular place for growing chili peppers.
Drying Beans On The VineTo vine dry beans (navy, kidney, butter, great northern, lima, lentils and soybeans) leave bean pods on the vine until the beans inside rattle. When the vines and pods are dry and shriveled, pick the beans and shell them. No pretreatment is necessary.
Storing Dehydrated FoodI like to dehydrate food and find it bothersome to find something has re-hydrated from the air in the storage container. Vacuum sealed bags is the best solution.
Drying Onions, Carrots and Celery for the WinterIt is now the end of the season for local farmers markets so I am trying to stock up on my soup supplies. My Husband made me some racks to go into my oven and on these I dry my vegetables.
Drying Food at Home (PDF)People have been preserving food through drying for thousands of years. Because dried food yields maximum quantity for the least volume, it has always been popular among hikers and campers.
How to Use Dried Foods (PDF)Dried vegetables and fruits provide
convenient and delicious
additions to family meals. They
can be used alone, in combination
with other foods, or served for an
accent to add flavor. Most uses require
that the food be rehydrated, usually
referred to as refreshing.
