The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Food & crafts => Food processing => Topic started by: Frieslandfilly on January 15, 2011, 01:39:11 pm

Title: Dehydrator
Post by: Frieslandfilly on January 15, 2011, 01:39:11 pm

Have just bought a dehydrator, has anyone used these before and any tips??

Title: Re: Dehydrator
Post by: Greenerlife on February 04, 2011, 09:16:11 pm

Yes I have had one for a couple of years.  My only tip is to fill it right up every time to save eletricity!   Have done dried tomatoes and then put them in oil, dried apples, pears, papaya, pineapples (when they were really cheap - that goes in my home made granola - yummy!) and also this year I dried rose hips for rosehip tea during the year.  Also made jerky with beef and turkey.

Title: Re: Dehydrator
Post by: janeislay on March 01, 2011, 10:23:35 am

I'm a great fan of the Weston A Price Foundation, who recommend soaking nuts and seeds and then drying them - the taste is totally changed and all the bitterness gone.  (it gets rid of the phytates)

I also dry nettles for adding to soups and stews, and for making nettle tea during the winter.  Also great for drying herbs.

I couldn't do with my dehydrator and have just bought a new, bigger one, which I haven't tried yet.

I add the nuts and seeds to cakes, biscuits, dark chocolate; I tell myself the healthy nuts cancel out the sugar !

oh - and I also dry seaweed, too.

Title: Re: Dehydrator
Post by: Greenerlife on April 30, 2011, 07:08:18 pm

Nettles!  fantastic!  I am de- nettling tomorrow and some will definitely go in the dehydrator.