General

Drying

Guidelines

here are no absolutes and quite a Tfew variables in food dehydration.

The only way to become proficient is to dry, dry, and dry some more! Certain varieties of produce, the humid- ity in the air, and even methods of food handling make a difference in the drying time and quality of dried product.

•Experiment with different drying tem- peratures, thicknesses of produce, pre- treatment versus no pre-treatment and different rehydration methods. You will determine what works best for your particular needs and preferences.

•To save nutrients and produce a quality product, it is necessary to work fast preparing foods to dry. When placed in your dehydrator, they need to dry continuously at the recommended temperatures and times. Do not turn off your dehydra- tor and leave partially dried foods sitting on the trays. The food may spoil or develop off flavors.

•Spread all foods evenly to dry in single layers. If slices overlap, the areas that are overlapping will take twice as long to dry.

•Do not add fresh produce to a partial- ly dried batch. It will slow the rate of drying for both products. It is possible however, to combine partially dried foods on to fewer trays.

•Many people have more than one NESCO® American Harvest® dehydra- tor. If you have two, it’s easy to com- bine a load from both dehydrators after a few hours and start a new batch in your second dehydrator using the remaining trays.

Selecting food to dry

Select the best quality produce at the peak of ripeness and flavor. Wash carefully to remove debris, dust, and insects. Cut away any bruised or damaged sections.

Loading Trays

Lay food pieces evenly on trays. Don’t overlap food pieces as this will inhibit drying. As each tray is loaded, place it on the dehydrator to begin drying.

9

Page 9 Page 11
Page 10
Image 10
Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Selecting food to dry, Loading Trays
Page 9 Page 11

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.
Top Page Image Contents