Despite the constant influx of new products for use in the kitchen, there are a few “must have” appliances, such as a toaster, coffee maker, microwave oven, or blender that can almost always be found.
Of the extra appliances that can be added to a complete kitchen, none are more useful than a simple food dehydrator. There are many uses you can put dried food to once it has been preserved. It can go into stews and soups, and as healthy snacks.
Most of the vitamins are relatively unaffected. Few vegetable phytochemicals are left unaffected. Some, such as lycopene and polyphenols, become more concentrated in the dried form. Mineral content of dried foods is entirely unaffected by the drying process.
With thoroughly dried foods, the risk of botulism contamination is eliminated. Unlike canned foods with their full moisture content, dehydrated meat and vegetables are safe for long periods of time. The lack of food spoilage and loss with dehydrated foods is rewarded even more by the preservation of flavor as well.
There are many different styles, sizes, and price ranges of food dehydrators. One variety produces hot air from a heating element on the bottom. There is the type that blows the hot air from the top and provide top-loading compartments. And there are the kind with the heating element on the side. These generally have trays that are accessible from the front side.
Operation of a food dehydrator is simplicity itself. There is little more to do than turn on the machine and wait. Since the different styles have varying power levels, the important thing is to watch the process and learn how long it takes your machine to complete its task.
Dehydrated foods are easy to store and take up less room than unprocessed items. You can carry them with you in purse or pack and have them readily available without worry about preservation. Once you get used to the many ways a good dehydrator can improve your eating experience you will find it becoming one of the most important and indispensable machines in
your kitchen.
