Food dehydrator?

[fuzzymum1]

I have been thinking about getting a food dehydrator to dry food for the goos. Do any of you use one? are they any good? I would love to be able to make a mix of dried goodies for my fuzzies

[philbailey1806]

Hello! I was thinking of getting one of these too! But then I tried the oven way and dehydrated some carrot, and thought it would be a bit of a waste of money. Sliced quite thinly and left on at 50 degrees in the oven did a fantastic job. I left it in for 45 mins, then turned the pieces over and 45 mins later I had a tray full of dehydrated carrot.

[fuzzymum1]

Ooooh good idea - I'll give that a try - no point buying something else to take up kitchen space if the oven works well

[philbailey1806]

Ha ha, my thoughts exactly, just make sure it's on the lowest heat, I don't want you to blame me for your house burning down lol

[davx]

I used such a device. It works fine and you can regulate the temperature better for the needed low temperatures. But I prefer to use the natural heat in the summer or in winter, I used warm places (e.g. heater or radiator) to dry the plants.

[NightwishRaven999]

I have though of this, but decided against it for now.
I have found these to be very costly here, and as mentioned by David, the vegetables and herbs can easily be dried without an expensive dehydrator.

[Kins]

Sept 14, 2011 19:30:10 GMT philbailey1806 said:

Hello! I was thinking of getting one of these too! But then I tried the oven way and dehydrated some carrot, and thought it would be a bit of a waste of money. Sliced quite thinly and left on at 50 degrees in the oven did a fantastic job. I left it in for 45 mins, then turned the pieces over and 45 mins later I had a tray full of dehydrated carrot.

I was wondering what temperature and how long to dry veg for, this has answered my question, thank you.

I will be attempting to dry some aubergine, carrot and courgette over the weekend. I will try and take some pictures, if I remember...

[philbailey1806]

the aubergine and courgette may take a little longer, carrot is naturally quite dry, but on the lowest heat your oven can go, it'll be safe to leave, as long as you just keep checking on them and turning them over every now and again. The lowest temperature isn't hot at all, it won't burn.

[squeakyandbubbles]

I think i read in NightwishRavens blog that putting salt on the veggies your going to dry can absorb all the liquid, to save time, because then you dont have to leave it in the oven as long? Just make sure to wipe it off before you put it inthe oven

Many apoligies if I'm mistaken, i could just sworn i read it on someones blog..but please correct me if i am wrong

[davx]

I was wondering what temperature and how long to dry veg for, this has answered my question, thank you.

That depends on the stuff you want to dry. Our can regulate the temperature from about 40 °C to 100 °C (or even more... I don't know exactly). Especially water rich vegs needs higher temperature and also more time. In contrast for herbs its better to use a lower temperature, perhaps something between 40 and 60 °C.

I think i read in NightwishRavens blog that putting salt on the veggies your going to dry can absorb all the liquid, to save time, because then you dont have to leave it in the oven as long?

That's right. The oven uses heat for drying, the salt uses a chemical reaction instead and can bind a given amount of water without the use of heat. If even the oven is necessary I don't know, but I'm shure Jordan can answer this question or you try it out... Depending on the state you decide to use the oven (if it is limb) or when it feels like good dried then the oven isn't needed.

[Kins]

Well, I may give the salt a go first and then finish off any drying in the oven on a low temperature. I'll just see how it goes. Should be fun...

Thanks for all the input!

[Boz]

I have one and I absolutely love it!! I use it all the time! Works wonders. I dry lots of things in it for the degus. Basil, carrots, hibiscus petals, willow leaves and branches, you name it it's probably been in it. haha!

I also dry out carrots, apples, cranberries, celery, strawberries, bananas and other fruits and vegs for natural treats for my rabbits. Better then those icky processed treats from the store.