The Complete Dehydrator Cookbook: the definitive guide to deliciously easy meals
From sun-dried produce in ancient Egypt to salty air-dried fish aboard Viking ships, dehydration is one of the oldest, most versatile methods of preservation―creating foods that are compact, perfect for traveling, and great for a quick snack or backup meal. The Complete Dehydrator Cookbook is your all-in-one guide to easy, affordable home drying, pairing delicious dehydrated foods with easy-to-navigate guidance to get you drying in no time.
Whether you're preserving seasonal crops or making protein-packed camping snacks, this dehydrator cookbook takes you through the ins and outs of dehydrating, storing, and rehydrating a wide variety of foods. The Complete Dehydrator Cookbook is also brimming with 125 simple dehydrator recipes for everything from stews and curries to herbal teas and spice blends to ready-to-eat breads, crackers, and cookies.
The Complete Dehydrator Cookbook includes:
A to Z drying―Explore the essential equipment you'll need, troubleshooting tips, and detailed directions on how to dehydrate more than 75 different kinds of food, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, yogurt, tofu, meat, pasta, rice, and more.
Product details
Publisher : Callisto (April 28, 2020)
Language : English
Paperback : 226 pages
ISBN-10 : 1646117018
ISBN-13 : 978-1646117017
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 7.5 x 0.56 x 9.25 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #4,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#2 in Dehydrator Recipes
#8 in Canning & Preserving (Books)
#10 in Hiking & Camping (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.6
5,566 ratings
Introduction to Dehydrating
Dehydrating foods is an ancient method of preservation that involves removing moisture from food to prolong its shelf life. This process not only makes foods lighter and more compact for storage or transport but also preserves a high percentage of the nutritional content, making it a favorable method of food preservation. The essential equipment for dehydrating includes a dehydrator, though an oven can also be used for certain foods. To ensure safety while dehydrating foods, it’s crucial to follow best practices such as ensuring foods are dehydrated at the correct temperatures to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Getting Started with Dehydrating
- Preparing Foods for Dehydration: Begin by selecting fresh, quality produce or meats. Wash all produce thoroughly and slice items uniformly to ensure even drying.
- Basic Dehydrating Techniques: Pre-treatments such as blanching for vegetables or using citric acid solutions for fruits can help to retain color and nutrition. The dehydration process then typically involves setting the dehydrator to the recommended temperature for the specific food type.
- Storing Dehydrated Foods: Once dried, foods should be cooled to room temperature before packing them into airtight containers. Keeping dehydrated foods in a cool, dark place will maximize their shelf life.
Dehydrating Fruits
- Techniques Specific to Fruits: Fruits may require pre-treatment to prevent browning. Drying times will vary based on water content.
- Fruit Leather and Rolls: Pureed fruit spread thinly and dried can make for a nutritious and portable snack.
- Recipes for Dehydrated Fruits: From apples to bananas, detailed recipes guide the process for creating tasty dried fruit treats.
Dehydrating Vegetables
- Techniques Specific to Vegetables: Blanching before drying can help to preserve color, texture, and nutritional content.
- Making Vegetable Chips: Thinly sliced vegetables dehydrated until crisp can offer a healthier alternative to traditional snacking options.
- Recipes for Dehydrated Vegetables: Detailed instructions provide ways to dehydrate everything from tomatoes to zucchini for use in cooking and snacking.
Dehydrating Meat and Fish
- Safety and Preparation: It is crucial to select fresh, lean meats and to trim any fat to prevent rancidity. Pre-cooking meat to 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for poultry is recommended to kill pathogens.
- Making Jerky: Marinating slices of meat before dehydrating adds flavor and aids in preservation.
- Recipes for Dehydrated Meat and Fish: With careful attention to temperature and timing, creating jerky and other dehydrated meats and fish can be satisfying and delicious.
Dehydrating Herbs and Spices
- Best Practices: Herbs are best dehydrated at lower temperatures to preserve their oils and flavor. Removing all moisture is key to long-term storage.
- Creating Herb Blends and Rubs: Once dried, herbs can be mixed to create custom seasoning blends.
- Recipes for Dehydrated Herbs and Spices: Dehydrating enhances the potency of herbs, offering creative ways to season food.
Making Meals with Dehydrated Foods
- Rehydrating Techniques: Techniques vary from soaking in water, cooking directly in soups or stews, or using in baked goods.
- Planning Dehydrated Meals: Dehydrated ingredients can be pre-mixed for convenience, allowing for easy meal preparation.
- Recipes Using Dehydrated Ingredients: From soups to casseroles, the possibilities are endless when incorporating dehydrated foods into meals.
Dehydrating Dairy and Eggs
- Techniques and Safety: Dehydrating dairy and eggs requires careful attention to temperature to prevent spoilage and ensure safety.
- Recipes for Dehydrated Dairy and Eggs: Powdered eggs and milk can be used in a variety of recipes, offering a convenient, shelf-stable option.
Advanced Dehydrating Projects
- Combining Dehydrated Foods in Recipes: Dehydrated ingredients can add texture, flavor, and nutrition to homemade meals and snacks.
- Homemade Tea Blends: Dried fruits, herbs, and spices can be mixed to create unique tea blends.
- Dehydrated Gifts and Crafts: From edible gifts to decorative items, dehydrated foods can be versatile in creative projects.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Common Dehydrating Issues: Addressing problems like uneven drying or insufficiently dried foods ensures quality and safety.
- Maximizing Flavor and Nutrition: Proper preparation and storage techniques can help to preserve the desirable qualities of dehydrated foods.
- Maintenance of Dehydrating Equipment: Regular cleaning and inspection of dehydrating equipment ensure efficient operation and longevity of the devices.
FAQs: Dehydrating Foods
1. What are the benefits of dehydrating foods?
Dehydrating foods offers multiple benefits, including extending the shelf life of perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, and meats by removing moisture that bacteria, yeasts, and molds need to grow. It also offers a method to preserve the bounty of seasonal produce for enjoyment year-round. Dehydrated foods are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for camping, hiking, or as a convenient snack. Additionally, dehydrating retains the nutritional value of the food, making it a healthy snacking option.
2. What essential equipment do I need to start dehydrating?
To get started with dehydrating, you'll need a few key pieces of equipment:
- A dehydrator: There are various types on the market, from simple to advanced models, offering a range of temperatures and timer settings.
- Slicing tools: A sharp knife or mandoline slicer for cutting foods into even slices that will dry at the same rate.
- Storage containers: Airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to store dehydrated foods and preserve their shelf life.
3. How do I safely dehydrate foods?
Safety is crucial when dehydrating foods. Here are key tips:
- Wash and dry all foods thoroughly before dehydrating to remove bacteria.
- Cut foods into even, thin slices to ensure uniform drying.
- Use a food thermometer to check temperatures. Meats should be dehydrated at 160°F (71°C) and poultry at 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful pathogens.
- Store dehydrated foods in a cool, dark place in airtight containers to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
4. What is the best way to store dehydrated foods?
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of dehydrated foods. The best way to store them is in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to protect against moisture and light. Vacuum sealing is ideal for long-term storage, but zip-top bags with as much air removed as possible can work for shorter-term storage. Be sure to label and date your containers.
5. Can you dehydrate dairy and eggs, and if so, how?
Yes, it's possible to dehydrate dairy and eggs, but it requires careful attention to safety and proper techniques. To dehydrate eggs, they must first be cooked and scrambled. Spread the scrambled eggs thinly on a dehydrator tray covered with a nonstick sheet or parchment paper. Dehydrate at 145°F (63°C) until completely dry. Dairy, such as cheese, should be shredded and dehydrated at 125°F (52°C) until moisture is removed, making them crisp. Always store dehydrated dairy and eggs in an airtight container in a refrigerator or freezer to ensure safety.
6. What are some common dehydrating issues and how can I solve them?
| Issue |
Solution |
| Uneven drying |
Cut foods into uniform sizes and rotate trays during drying. |
| Sticking to trays |
Use non-stick mats or parchment paper and lightly oil the trays. |
| Moisture absorbing |
Store in airtight containers with desiccant packets in a cool, dark place. |
| Mold growth |
Ensure foods are fully dehydrated before storing and check stored foods regularly. |
7. How do dehydrated fruits compare nutritionally to their fresh counterparts?
Dehydrated fruits retain most of their nutritional value after the drying process, especially fiber and minerals. However, some vitamin loss, particularly vitamin C, can occur due to the heat and air exposure during drying. Despite this, dehydrated fruits remain a nutritious, convenient snack option. Keep in mind, though, that they are more calorie-dense than fresh fruits, as removing water content concentrates the sugars.
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