Dehydrating Food: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Dehydrating Food

Food dehydration is one of the most common ways to preserve food for a longer time. Not only does it extend food’s life, but it also makes particular tastes develop! If you’ve been wondering how you can make Dehydrating Foods at home, you’ve come to the right place.

Why should you dehydrate food?

Dehydrating Foods is one of the easiest ways to preserve food. This is a practice that has been around for thousands of years. It is an easy and inexpensive way to make food last longer without the need for refrigerators.

This process works by reducing the moisture content to less than 20% of its original. The lack of moisture makes it impossible for bacteria to survive, delaying decay in food. By doing this, you’ll be able to work some magic and extend the life of food!

Now, we have some of the best dehdrators for jerky to help keep your meat in delicious, lasting condition. But, is making jerky the only way to dehydrate food? 

Types of Food Dehydration

1. Air Drying

Air drying is one of the oldest methods of food dehydration, dating back to hundreds of years ago. This process takes place in the shade, preserving anything that wil need to be protected from the sun.

This is the perfect method for those who want to dry herbs and any greens. It even works for herbal teas as well!

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2. Electric Dehydration

As gleaned from its name, this method makes use of electric dehydrators. This is a more refined and modern way to dry food. 

Reduce your waste through electric dehydration. These eliminate many rounds of trial and error, as these machines have been tailor-fit to cater to dehydration. We recommend using this device in the garage or somewhere outdoors, as it may heat up your living space.

3. Sun Drying

Sun drying is the simplest way to dehydrate food. For thousands of years, people have been slicing fruits and putting it in direct sunlight. This is particularly common in areas with sunny or tropical climates. 

However, it’s important to take note that this process takes quite a while. If you’re in a rush to get your sun-dried goods, this may not be the best method for you.

What type of food can you dehydrate?

Virtually any type of fresh food is ready to be dehydrated. It all boils down to how well it will actually turn out! Here are some of our favourites:

  • Fish and meat.
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Sprouted grains
  • Nutes and seeds
  • Herbs
  • Granola, etc.

What You’ll Need for Food Dehydration

Sure, food dehydration is simple, but there are some things that will make the job easier and more successful. 

Tools are necessary to ensure success. One of the main things to focus in is thickness, as an even cut ensures good food dehydration. An even cut will make sure that all parts will be evenly treated, giving a perfect result.

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An apple slicing device or something similar wil be perfect for the job! It works amazingly for slicing and peeling food.

We also recommend having extra. If you want to come out with two bags of dehydrated jerky, prepare food enough for 3 bags. This is particularly if it’s your time, as you may still have some failed batches.

Trial and error is the name of the game in Dehydrating Foods. Don’t worry, though, as the results you reap are priceless once you’ve perfected this! Food dehydration is a classic, timeless process that has stood the test of time. 

Drying food is a great way to preserve the life of food and reduce food packaging. We hope this guide was helpful in kickstarting your food dehydration journey! 

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