Drying Time

Because of the unique design of the patented Converga-Flow®system of your NESCO® American Harvest® dehy- drator, you’ll be surprised at how quick- ly most foods dry.

Drying times may vary, depending on the type and amount of food, thickness and evenness of the slices, percentage of water in the food, humidity, tempera- ture of air, altitude and the model of NESCO® American Harvest® dehydra- tor you are using. Drying times may also vary greatly from one area of the country to another and from day to day, depending on the climactic conditions.

Keep records to help you predict future drying times for specific foods.

Drying Temperature

Foods dried in the NESCO® American Harvest Gardenmaster® dehydrator gen- erally dry more quickly than in other models. Fruits, fruit rolls, and vegeta- bles should be dried at 130° to 140°F (55° to 60°C). By drying foods in this temperature range you will minimize the loss of heat-sensitive vitamins A and C. Because, all foods sweat when they first begin to dry, the temperature may be set higher than 140°F (60°C) during the first couple of hours of drying. The actual temperature of the food will remain 15° to 20°F (6° to 8°C) lower than the air temperature for the first couple of hours.

Meats and fish should be dried on the highest temperature setting of your dehydrator. Since meats and fish do not contain vitamins A or C, these higher temperatures do not affect nutritional value. These temperatures also keep bacteria and other spoilage micro- organisms, common to meats and fish,

to a minimum during the first stages of drying when they tend to multiply. Nuts and seeds are high in oil, and if higher temperatures are used, they will tend to become rancid, developing off flavors. The best drying temperature for them is from 90° to 100°F (30° to 40°C).

Herbs and spices are most flavorful when they first open and should be harvested while very fresh, before they begin to blossom. Because the aromatic oils are very sensitive, temperatures should be 90° to 100°F (30° to 40°C) for drying. Herbs generally dry in an hour or two. Take care not to load trays too heavily as this will prolong the drying time.

Dried flowers, herbs and spices used for potpourri should be dried at temper- atures ranging from 90° to 100°F (30° to 40°C.). These low temperatures maintain aroma and colors.

Use these guidelines for the foundation of your dehydrating techniques. Expand on them as you gain skill and confi- dence with experience.

Testing for Dryness

Food must be carefully monitored near the end of the dehydration process to prevent overdrying. Overdried foods lose quality in texture, nutrition and taste. To test for dryness, remove a piece of food, allow it to cool, and feel with your fingers to determine dryness:

•Fruits should be pliable and leathery with no pockets of moisture. To check if fruit is dry, tear a piece in half and watch for moisture beads along the tear. If there aren’t any, it is sufficient- ly dry for long term storage.

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Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Drying Time, Drying Temperature, Testing for Dryness
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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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