A food dehydrator helps to preserve foods by reducing their moisture content. This makes them less susceptible to spoilage and can make them last much longer than they would in a typical refrigerator or pantry, making them especially valuable for anyone concerned about food storage and preservation for long periods of time.
In fact, this type of dehydrator was once an integral part of most cultures, and you can still see villagers in remote places laying out their produce to dry in the sun on hot days. It can also be a useful tool for those who follow a raw foods diet as it allows them to make their own low-sugar snacks and fruit roll ups without adding any chemical preservatives.
Explore the World of Food Dehydrators
It’s important to note that just like with cooking in an oven, the food needs to be prepared properly for the best results. It’s best to start with fresh, clean produce and meats that have been well-cut so they will dry evenly. Additionally, you’ll want to keep in mind that different foods dry at varying rates, so it’s best to plan accordingly if you plan on drying multiple items at once.
If you’re in the market for a new dehydrator, our pick is this Hamilton Beach model that’s available for under $100. It features round stackable trays that fit together neatly and is topped with a lid that encompasses the fan and controls. It can’t handle very large cuts of meat, but it’s great for making jerky and can even be used to dehydrate vegetables like mushrooms. It’s also easy to clean and comes with a drip tray that doubles as a fruit roll sheet and nonstick mesh screens for small items like herbs and berries.