What Vegetables Can I Dehydrate?
Dehydrating is a great way to preserve and store your seasonal or garden-fresh vegetables for longer. It’s also a great way to reduce food waste by using up your abundance of produce. However, it’s important to know which vegetables can be dried successfully. Here’s some tips on which vegetables you can dehydrate.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard can be dried successfully. To prepare them for dehydration, simply wash, dry, and tear the leaves into small pieces before placing them on your dehydrator trays. It’s important to ensure the pieces are evenly sized so they dry at the same rate.
Fruits
Many fruits are suitable for drying, with popular choices including apples, oranges, and bananas. To dry, simply core and slice the fruit, remove any seeds, and arrange on your dehydrator trays. Many fruits should be dipped in a citric acid solution to prevent darkening, so be sure to check this before you begin.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables such as beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots are great candidates for drying. Simply wash, peel, and slice the vegetables before laying them out in single layers on your dehydrator trays. To ensure they’re evenly dried, turn the slices halfway through the dehydrating process.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be successfuly dried using a dehydrator. The trick is to slice them very thinly and spread the pieces out on your dehydrator trays. It’s important to check the pieces regularly to ensure they’re not overcooking, as the enzymes in mushrooms can quickly break down when exposed to high temperature.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices such as parsley, oregano, and cumin should be dried with caution. The volatile oils in herbs and spices can be damaged when exposed to high heat. It’s important to dry the herbs and spices at the lowest possible setting on your dehydrator and remove them from the trays as soon as they feel crisp.
Recommended Dehydrating Tips
- Prepare vegetables properly: Wash and dry vegetables before cutting into uniform slices. This will ensure they dry evenly.
- Choose the right setting: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct temperature and time setting for each type of food.
- Store properly: Place the dried vegetables in air-tight containers to prevent oxidation and slow down the loss of nutrients.
Dehydrating is a great way to store your vegetables long-term. By taking the time to select the right vegetables and prepare them properly, you can create healthy and delicious snacks that will last a long time.
