Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Drying Herbs

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Drying

Herbs

resh herbs and spices have a stronger Faroma and flavor than dried herbs and spices. They are prized by food

lovers and gourmet cooks.

Dried herbs and spices are next-best. They are used more often than fresh because they are more readily available and convenient to use. Although some flavor is lost when they are dried, it becomes more concentrated because so much moisture is removed. Most herbs contain from 70 to 85 percent water. Eight ounces of fresh herbs will yield about one ounce dried.

Gathering Herbs

The flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems of herbs can all be used for seasoning. Leaves and stems should be gathered early in the morning before the heat of the sun dissipates the flavoring oils.

Leaves should be harvested before the plant begins to flower and while still tender. Snip stems at the base, taking care to leave sufficient foliage for the plant to continue growing. The new leaves at the tip of the plant have the most concentrated flavor.

Plants usually survive three or four major harvests and depending on the climate, may produce all year round. Cold frames extend the growing season and a sunny kitchen window frequently will allow potted herbs to produce all year round.

When plants have begun to flower, a bitter taste develops and the leaves are not as aromatic because the energy has gone into producing buds.

The flowers of some herbs may be used for seasoning. They should be harvested when they first open and while still very fresh. Seeds, such as caraway or mustard, are harvested when they are fully mature and have changed from green to brown or gray.

Preparation

Leaves and stems should be lightly washed under cold running water to remove any dust or insects. Remove any dead or discolored portions.

If flowers are to be used in teas, dry them whole. Wash and separate petals, and remove any tough or discolored parts. When seed pods have dried, their

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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 dryDrying Temperature Testing for DrynessDrying Time Packaging LabelingStorage Record Keeping Rehydrating Dried FoodCooking 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 Ounces cream cheese, softened Serve these at your next partyPieces dried fruit, cut in half Teaspoon paprika Cup shreddedCup butter or margarine Teaspoon salt Cups brown sugar Dried Apple Pastry SquaresApricot Cream Cheese Coffee Cake ⁄ 2 cup dried strawberries Dried Fruit Filling see below⁄ 2 cups finely chopped dried figs Cup plain or flavored yogurtCup extra light olive oil Lb. dried tomato slicesOunce cans whole tomatoes Pint Dried Tomatoes In Olive Oil Teaspoon garlic powder Teaspoon salt Tomato Paste SupremeHomemade Chili Powder Pinch garlic powder Cup mayonnaiseCup lemon juice Cup dried vegetable flakes ⁄ 4 teaspoon dried sweet basilHarvest Granola Clean-A-Screens Add-A-TraysFruit Roll Sheets How to Dry Foods Jerky Making KitsJerky 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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