and cook on high for about 1⁄2 of the time required to completely cook the fresh vegetable. Depending on the age and design of your microwave, you may want to stop the cooking half way through and stir the vegetables to achieve a more even blanching.

Drying

Load blanched vegetables onto drying trays, making sure that air can move freely between the pieces. For vegeta- bles, such as corn or peas, that tend to clump together, stir occasionally to allow air to reach all of the pieces.

Vegetables are dried until they are crisp, tough, or brittle. Package immediately after drying to prevent absorption of moisture from the air. See Packaging, page 11 & Storage, page 16.

Hints and Suggestions

Carrots – to save time grating, dry car- rots for salads, carrot cake or coleslaw.

Green pepper, onion, celery, chives, etc., – chop and dry in a one-day effort for use instantly all year!

Green beans, wax beans & green peas

–best when used in soups, stews or casseroles.

Onion powder – dry the whole veg- etable slice until crisp and powder in the blender or chop in blender for chopped onions.

Tomato slices – use for color and crunch when crumbled over a tossed salad. They rehydrate well in soups, stews and casseroles. Tomato leathers can be powdered and used as instant soup, sauces and paste.

All Purpose Tomato Sauce

Wash and core 15 lbs. of ripe tomatoes. Chop in blender.

Chop or grind:

4 large green peppers

3 large onions

3 large carrots

2 garlic cloves

1 jar pimentos

Mix all ingredients together, then blend in portions until smooth. Press through a strainer to remove any pulp.

In a very large kettle (12 qt. or larger) or 2 smaller kettles (6qts.) bring mix- ture to a boil over medium heat. Boil gently, uncovered for about 5 hours.

Stir often to prevent scorching. Mixture should be thick enough to mound on a spoon. Ladle onto 5 Fruit Roll sheets and dry at 140°F until crisp. Powder in blender.

Add different amounts of water to your powder mixture to make:

Tomato Paste –

1 t. powder and 1 t. water. Tomato Sauce –

l t. powder and 3 t. water. Tomato Soup –

1 t. powder, 1 t. water and 2 t. cream. Tomato Juice –

1 t. powder and 1/2 c. water or more.

Adjust amount of water to taste for soup and juice.

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Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Green beans, wax beans & green peas, Tomato Paste
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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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