Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Record Keeping, Rehydrating Dried Food, Cooking Dried Food

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The ideal storage temperature for dehydrated food is 60°F (15°C) to below freezing. The ideal storage place is your freezer or refrigerator, particu- larly for storing low acid foods such as meats, fish, and vegetables.

All fruits dried with skins intact should be packaged and frozen for a minimum of 48 hours to prevent any possibility of insect infestation.

Record Keeping

Recording the following information can be helpful in improving your dehy- drating techniques and determining quantities of food to dry each season.

•Date dried

•Quantity dried, including weight of produce before and after drying

•Drying time, temperature, and humidity

•Packaging: size of containers and packaging materials used

•Storage temperature

•Length of storage time before use

By labeling storage containers with the contents and date dried, you can keep track of your supply, rotate as needed and avoid mix-ups.

Rehydrating Dried Food

Eat dehydrated foods dry or rehydrate for use in recipes. Rehydrate by placing dried foods in a container (with enough water to cover food) and soak- ing for 30 minutes to 2 hours Boiling water rehydrates foods more quickly than cold water or water at room tem- perature.

Fruits or vegetables may also be rehy- drated in liquids other than water, including fruit juices, cider, vegetable juices, milk, consommé, etc. Refrigerate these foods while they are soaking to reduce any risk of spoilage.

Do not add seasonings, especially salt or sugar during rehydration because they slow the rehydration process.

Cooking Dried Food

After rehydrating food, cook it as you would normally. If foods are cooked before they are fully rehydrated, they will cook in a shriveled state and will not be plump. Most fruits and vegeta- bles will rehydrate to about 80% of their fresh state. Consequently they are a little more chewy than a fresh or frozen fruit or vegetable, even when rehydrated.

Dried food used in cooking will absorb additional liquid, so adjust the recipe accordingly by adding more water:

•Vegetables – add 1 additional cup of water for one cup dried food.

•Stewed fruits – add 2 additional cups of water for each cup of fruit, allow to stand for 1 hour, and simmer until tender.

•Pies or fillings – use 1 additional cup of water per 1 cup of fruit – less, if you desire a thicker consistency.

Note: When using fruits in baking or for ice cream, they may be softened by covering with boiling water and allow- ing them to stand for 5 minutes. Drain, then chop or blend, depending upon use.

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Contents Food Dehydrator & Jerky Maker Table of Contents Important Safeguards Assembling Your Nesco American Harvest Snackmaster Pro Product Information FD-50/FD-50T Snackmaster ProUse and Care Follow these safety rules when dehydrating foodAssembling Your Nesco American Harvest Snackmaster Express Product Information FD-60 Snackmaster ExpressBase and Moisture Tray PrecautionsAssembling Your Nesco American Harvest Gardenmaster Product Information FD-1000/FD-1010 GardenmasterFD-1000/FD-1010 Product Information Loading Trays Selecting food to dryTesting for Dryness Drying TemperatureDrying Time Labeling PackagingStorage Rehydrating Dried Food Record KeepingCooking Dried Food Drying Fruits Should I Pre-Treat? Drying Fruit Rolls Garnishes Fruit Drying Guidelines Grapes Leave whole, remove stems Drying Tomato Paste Green beans, wax beans & green peasVegetable Drying Guidelines Drying Time Drying Jerky Drying Meat Drying Cooked Meats Drying Herbs Testing for Dryness Herb Drying Guidelines Fennel Drying Crafts Brush 1500 mgs. vitamin C Dried Apple WreathAcrylic paints Paint brushes Cups flour Cup salt 2 cups waterPrecoloring dough Bread and Glue Ornaments Potpourri Sugar may be substituted Breakfast RecipiesWaffles Pieces dried fruit, cut in half Teaspoon paprika Serve these at your next partyCup shredded Ounces cream cheese, softenedCup butter or margarine Teaspoon salt Cups brown sugar Dried Apple Pastry SquaresApricot Cream Cheese Coffee Cake ⁄ 2 cups finely chopped dried figs Dried Fruit Filling see belowCup plain or flavored yogurt ⁄ 2 cup dried strawberriesLb. dried tomato slices Cup extra light olive oilOunce cans whole tomatoes Pint Dried Tomatoes In Olive Oil Teaspoon garlic powder Teaspoon salt Tomato Paste SupremeHomemade Chili Powder Cup lemon juice Cup mayonnaiseCup dried vegetable flakes ⁄ 4 teaspoon dried sweet basil Pinch garlic powderHarvest Granola Add-A-Trays Clean-A-ScreensFruit Roll Sheets Jerky Making Kits How to Dry FoodsJerky Spices Index Index ONE Year Limited Warranty Metal Ware Corporation Monroe Street Two Rivers, WI About Your Warranty and Service SatisfactionFood Dehydrator & Jerky Maker

Food Dehydrator specifications

The Nesco Food Dehydrator is a versatile kitchen appliance that enables home cooks and health enthusiasts to preserve food efficiently. With a reputation for reliability and quality, this dehydrator stands out in the market for its innovative technologies and user-friendly features.

One of the most notable features of the Nesco Food Dehydrator is its patented Converge-Flow technology. This unique drying system utilizes a top-down airflow, which ensures that hot air is evenly distributed throughout the dehydrator. This design prevents the need for rotating trays, resulting in consistent drying without the hassle of manually rearranging food items. This technology allows for higher efficiency, leading to better results in less time.

The dehydrator boasts adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to control the drying process based on the type of food being processed. Ranging from 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, these settings cater to various foods, from herbs and fruits to meats and vegetables. This flexibility makes the Nesco Food Dehydrator suitable for a variety of preservation needs.

Another characteristic of the Nesco Food Dehydrator is its capacity. With multiple trays that can often be expanded, users can customize the amount of food they wish to dehydrate at once. Many models come with five to twelve trays, providing ample space for large batches of fruits, jerky, or granola. Additionally, the trays are typically made from food-grade plastic, ensuring that they are safe for food contact and easy to clean.

The Nesco Food Dehydrator also typically includes a clear lid, allowing users to monitor the drying process without disrupting airflow. This design advantage not only enhances convenience but also contributes to energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss.

In summary, the Nesco Food Dehydrator is an excellent choice for those looking to extend the shelf life of their food while maintaining essential nutrients. Its advanced drying technology, adjustable temperature settings, ample capacity, and practical design features make it an indispensable tool in any kitchen. Whether you are preparing healthy snacks or creating homemade jerky, the Nesco Food Dehydrator guarantees a reliable and efficient drying experience.
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