Herb Drying Guidelines

Most herbs may be dried in your NESCO® American Harvest® dehydrator right on the plant stalk or stem. Seeds and leaves are easily stripped from the plant when dry. Drying temperature should not exceed 90°-100°F (35°C). Do not dry herbs with fruits and vegetables. Store in glass containers in a cool, dark place to reduce flavor loss. Label clearly before storage because they are difficult to recognize when dry. Do not powder leaves until you are ready to use.

 

 

 

Average

 

Food

Part of Plant

Preparation

Drying Time

Uses

 

 

 

 

 

Anise

Leaves

Rinse in cold water

1-3 hrs.

Soups, stews, sauces,

 

 

 

 

and vegetable and

 

 

 

 

fruit salads

 

 

 

 

 

Anise

Seeds

Rinse in hot water

2-5 hrs.

Cake, cookies,

 

 

 

 

sweet breads

 

 

 

 

 

Basil

Leaves

Clip leaves 3 to 4

1-3 hrs.

Italian and

 

 

inches from top of

 

Mediterranean dishes,

 

 

plant just as first

 

tomato dishes, meat,

 

 

buds appear

 

salads, soups, fish,

 

 

 

 

poultry and egg dishes

 

 

 

 

 

Caraway

Seeds

Clip entire plant.

2-5 hrs.

Pork, sauerkraut, rye

 

 

Dip in boiling water

 

bread, cheese,

 

 

 

 

vegetables and cookies

 

 

 

 

 

Chili

Pods

Rinse and dice

5-12 hrs.

Powder for seasoning

Peppers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chives

Leaves

Chop, rinse in cold

2-3 hrs.

Mild onion flavor, use

 

 

water

 

in moist recipes

 

 

 

 

 

Cilantro

Leaves

Clip with stems.

1-3 hrs.

Mexican, Chinese and

 

 

Rinse in cold water

 

Mediterranean dishes

 

 

 

 

 

Coriander

Seeds

Clip entire plant.

2-5 hrs.

Sausage, pickling,

 

 

Dip in boiling water

 

spices, apple and

 

 

 

 

pear dishes

 

 

 

 

 

Cumin

Seeds

Rinse in cold water

2-5 hrs.

Curries and chili

 

 

 

 

dishes

 

 

 

 

 

Dill

Leaves

Rinse in cold water

1-3 hrs.

Salads, vegetables,

 

 

 

 

potatoes and fish

 

 

 

 

 

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Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Herb Drying Guidelines

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.