Fruit | Preparation | Dryness Test |
Brussels | Cut sprouts from stalks, cut in half |
Sprouts | length wise through stem. |
Broccoli | Trim and cut as usual. Steam until |
| tender - 3 to 5 minutes. |
Cabbage | Trim. Slice into strips 1/8” thick. |
Carrots | Select young tender roots. Steam |
| until tender. Cut into slices, |
shreds, |
|
| cubes or strips. |
Cauliflower | Separate into flowerets. Place in |
| 2 quarts of water (with 3 table- |
| spoons salt) for 3 minutes. Steam |
| until tender. |
Celery | Separate stalks from leaves. Cut |
| stalks into 1/4” slices. Leaves dry |
| first, so remove when dry. Flake |
| leaves after drying, for use in |
| soups, stews, etc. |
Cherries | Do not stem until ready to |
| prepare. Pitting is optional, or pit |
| when 50% dry. |
Chives | Chop - spread on tray. |
Corn | Remove husks, silk and blemishes |
| just before steaming. Blanch on |
| cob until milk is set. Cut from cob |
| & spread over tray. For even |
| drying, stir kernels several times. |
Cranberries | Chop for flakes or leave whole. |
Cucumber | Pare and cut into 1/8” slices |
Eggplant | Trim, wash and slice 1/4” to 1/2” |
(all Squash) | thick, and spread on tray. |
Garlic | Separate into cloves, remove |
| outer skin. Slice, grind or process |
| for seasoning after drying if |
| desired. |
Grapes | Remove stems and place whole |
Seedless | grapes on tray. Parchment paper |
(raisins) | liners may be used to avoid juices |
| dripping in base of dehydrator. |
Greens | Trim tough stems. Steam until |
(Spinach, | wilted, not soggy. Use bottom tray |
Kale, Chard, | of dehydrator but be careful not |
Turnip, Beet) | to scorch. |
Brittle
Brittle
Leathery
Leathery
Leathery
Brittle
Leathery but sticky
Brittle
Brittle
No visible moisture
Leathery
Brittle
Very brittle
Pliable &
Leathery
(3 days leathery)
Very brittle
1 - 2 days
1 - 2 days
1day
1 - 2 days
1 1/2 days
1 - 2 days
1 1/2 days
1 day
1 - 2 days
1 1/2 days
1 - 1 1/2 days
1 - 2 days
1 - 1 1/2 days
1 1/2 - (2 trays max)
1 day
10