To dehydrate vegetables in a food dehydrator, start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Cut them into evenly-sized pieces to ensure even drying. Pre-treat the vegetables by blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes and then plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
Next, arrange the vegetables in a single layer on the trays of the food dehydrator, making sure to leave space between each piece for proper air circulation. Turn on the dehydrator and set the temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Check the vegetables periodically and rotate the trays if necessary to ensure even drying. The vegetables are done when they are completely dry and brittle, usually after 6-12 hours depending on the type of vegetable and the thickness of the slices.
Once dried, allow the vegetables to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable bags. Store the dehydrated vegetables in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Enjoy your dehydrated vegetables as a healthy snack or as a versatile ingredient in soups, stews, and other dishes.
Best Food Dehydrators of 2024
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Septree Large 8 Trays Food Dehydrator with 8.8ft² Drying Space for Big Family, 800W Stainless Steel Dehydrated Dryer, 24H Timer,190°F Temperature Control, for Herbs, Meat, Fruit, Dog Treats and Yogurt
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Versatile Drying Options: The Septree food dehydrator offers a variety of temperature and time settings, allowing you to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, flowers,nuts, spices, pet food without losing any nutrients.
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Large Capacity: This dehydrator is up to 8.8 ft² of drying space. Dehydrator machine Dimensions L*W*H 16.34*23.3*19.09inch.Its spacious trays can accommodate large quantities of food, making it perfect for families, gardeners, and food enthusiasts.
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Easy to Clean: Made with 304 food-grade stainless steel, the trays are safer, more durable, and dishwasher-safe. The removable trays and drip tray make cleaning a breeze, saving you time and effort.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
HOPERAN Food Dehydrator, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Dehydrators for Food and Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Dehydrator Machine with Digital Timer and Temperature Control, Overheat Protection, Recipe Book Included
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⏰ 【Precise Temp & Timer Control Panel】The dehydrator is equipped with an adjustable timer control, allowing you to set drying times in 30-minute increments, with a maximum duration of 24 hours. The digital temperature presets range from 86℉ to 194℉, enabling you to adjust the temperature in increments of 9℉. The timer will display when your dehydration is complete, and it will automatically shut off once finished. This intelligent system ensures that your delicious dehydrated foods are comple
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🍌 【8 trays Large Capacity】8 detachable stainless steel trays, each measuring 11" x 7.87", made from 304 food-grade stainless steel for safety and durability. Ideal for dehydrating various foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and flowers, effortlessly locking in minerals and vitamins. All trays are dishwasher safe, eliminating concerns about potential health risks associated with using plastic drying trays. Provide the whole family with plenty of healthy and delicious 100% natural food.
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🍋 【Premium Quality & Easy to Clean & Durable】The food dehydrator is crafted from 100% food-grade stainless steel without bisphenol A, featuring a glass front door for easy monitoring of the drying progress. The stainless steel body is durable and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. After the timer completes, the food and beef jerky dehydrator will shut off automatically. In case of overheating, the overheat protection will activate. Comes with practical recipes and instructions, allowi
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | 7 Stainless Steel Trays | Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit | Keep Warm Function, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, ETL Approved
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REAR MOUNTED FAN FOR SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION – Dries food evenly, This electric dehydration machine is equipped with a rear-mounted drying fan and air flow circulation technology to ensure even drying, there is no need to rotate the shelves as needed by other brands, monitor the dryer process easily with the transparent door window
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SPACIOUS ADJUSTABLE 7 STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS – INCLUDED FRUIT ROLL TRAYS! Use the trays for regular food and the mesh trays for smaller food such as nuts and herbs, for fruit roll ups use the fruit leather sheet which can also be used for drip trays! you can do a lot in one batch with the Magic Mill dehydration machine, the dehydrator comes with 7 premium stainless steel trays.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | 5 Stackable Stainless Steel Trays Jerky Dryer with Digital Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control - Electric Food Preserver for Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Dog Treats
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POWERFUL FOOD DRYING PROCESS - Magic Mill Compact Food Dehydrator Machine streamlines 240W drying capacity that offers an efficient food drying process. It removes excess water from foods without compromising their natural juices, taste, and nutrients – boasting a 97% retention rate of vitamins and minerals.
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MULTI-LAYER AND ADJUSTABLE TRAYS - This Fruit and Herb Dehydrator features five (5) food-grade adjustable trays that allow you to dry different foods, fruits, and veggies at once. The standard height between the trays is 0.6 inches, but you can raise each to 1.1 inches – perfect for thick-cut ingredients.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 BPA-Free 11.4" Trays Adjustable Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, Black
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ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE from 95ºF to 158ºF that foods are dehydrated at their optimal temperature and horizontal air flow distributes heat evenly and efficiently.
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FUN AND CRAFTS: Perfect for hobbyists to dry flowers, potpourri or dough crafts and pet lovers to prepare healthy and delicious 100% natural treats for their furry companions.
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EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION: using a base mounted fan promotes even drying and air circulation. Large viewing window allows you to monitor the drying process.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 BPA-Free 12.2" Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included
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165°F MAX TEMPERATURE: Adjust the dehydrator between 95-165°F in 1°F increments. Higher temps ensure safer beef jerky. USDA recommends 165°F for safe jerky
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PERFECT RESULTS: With 350W power, the fan efficiently circulates hot air for even heating and drying of your foods
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ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: Customize tray heights for larger foods (raised) or easier storage (lowered)
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EASY TO CLEAN: Trays are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning. Note: Accessories are hand wash only
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Food Dehydrator for Jerky, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Dehydrator Machine with Food Air-Drying Function, 176℉ Temperature Control & 48H Timer, 600W Fruit Dryer for Meat,Beef,Herbs,Dog Treats, ETL Approved
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🥩48-HOUR TIMER & TEMPERATURE CONTROL: DIYAREA Food Dehydrator with smart LED touch screen control offers Fahrenheit/Celsius temperature control. When adjusted to Fahrenheit, the dehydrator adjusts the temperature to 95°F to 176°F in 9°F increments; when adjusted to Celsius, the dehydrator adjusts the temperature to 35°C to 80°C in 5°C increments and sets a timer in 30-minute increments from 0.5 hours to 48 hours.
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🍖OVERHEAT PROTECTION: Beef jerky food dehydrator with thermostat ensures accurate and safe food processing. Meat Dryer The timer automatically shuts off when it expires. Thermal protection activates if the dehydrator overheats, giving you peace of mind throughout the process
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🥝UPGRADED 8-LAYER STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS: Beef dehydrator comes with 8 stainless steel trays, compared with other dehydrator stainless steel trays, our trays have been upgraded: thickened and reinforced. The trays are not easy to deform and dent, scratch resistant and more durable. Our dehydrator trays measure 12 x 12 inches, which has a larger capacity than regular dehydrator trays and can dry more food at once.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Food Dehydrator Machine Detachable, 8 Stainless Steel Trays, LED Display, 48H Timer & 86℉-167℉ Temperature Control, 600W Dryer for Jerky, Herb, Meat, Veggies, Fruit, Dog Treats, Recipe Book Included
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Digital Temperature&Time Control: An enclosed thermostat from 86ºF to 167ºF in 9ºF increments. At the same time, the time can be set from 0.5-48 hours in 30-minute increments. It allows you to achieve the best results when drying different foods. We have prepared 6 optional drying function modes. You can adjust the time and temperature according to actual needs.
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Easy to Clean&Safty: Each stainless steel tray is dishwasher safe or washed with warm soapy water. When the timer ends, the dehydrators for jerky will automatically shut off. If the machine overheats, the overheat protection will turn on.
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Customer Service: KEENSTAR provides 24-hour friendly customer service. If you have any issues related to KEENSTAR food dehydrator, please feel free to contact us. You can dry fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, herbs, and flowers, and also can be used to make snacks for your pets.
What is the shelf life of dehydrated vegetables?
Dehydrated vegetables can typically last anywhere from 1 to 2 years if stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. However, the shelf life can vary depending on the type of vegetable and how well it is stored. It is best to check the packaging for any specific storage instructions or expiration dates.
What is the best way to rehydrate dehydrated vegetables?
The best way to rehydrate dehydrated vegetables is to soak them in water or broth for at least 15-30 minutes, or until they are tender. You can also steam or simmer them in water or broth until they are fully rehydrated. Additionally, you can add them directly to soups, stews, or other dishes that have enough liquid to rehydrate the vegetables as they cook. Make sure to drain off any excess liquid before using the rehydrated vegetables in your recipes.
How to avoid cross-contamination when dehydrating different vegetables in a food dehydrator?
To avoid cross-contamination when dehydrating different vegetables in a food dehydrator, follow these tips:
- Clean and sanitize the dehydrator trays and racks before and after each use. Use hot soapy water or a food-safe sanitizer to clean the surfaces thoroughly.
- Separate different types of vegetables on separate trays or racks to prevent them from coming into contact with each other.
- Use removable liners or parchment paper on the trays to create a barrier between different vegetables.
- Avoid stacking trays with different vegetables on top of each other, as this can lead to drips and spills that may contaminate other vegetables.
- Clean and sanitize the cutting board, knife, and other utensils used to prepare the vegetables before moving on to the next type.
- Store the dehydrated vegetables in separate containers once they are done to avoid mixing them up.
- Properly label each container with the type of vegetable inside to prevent confusion.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your dehydrated vegetables remain safe and free from cross-contamination.
What is the difference between store-bought and homemade dehydrated vegetables?
There are several differences between store-bought and homemade dehydrated vegetables:
- Ingredients: Store-bought dehydrated vegetables may contain preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors, while homemade dehydrated vegetables usually consist of only the vegetable itself.
- Quality: Homemade dehydrated vegetables are often fresher and retain more nutrients compared to store-bought options, which may have been sitting on shelves for a longer period of time.
- Cost: Homemade dehydrated vegetables are typically cheaper than store-bought options, as you can buy vegetables in bulk when they are in season and dehydrate them yourself.
- Customization: When making homemade dehydrated vegetables, you have full control over the seasoning and flavors, allowing you to tailor them to your preferences.
- Environmental impact: Making homemade dehydrated vegetables reduces packaging waste compared to buying store-bought options, which often come in plastic packaging.
Overall, homemade dehydrated vegetables tend to be healthier, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly compared to store-bought options.
What is the best way to season dehydrated vegetables?
One popular way to season dehydrated vegetables is to make a seasoning blend using herbs and spices. Some common herbs and spices that go well with dehydrated vegetables include garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. You can also add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
To season your dehydrated vegetables, simply toss them in a bowl with your desired seasoning blend until evenly coated. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the vegetables before seasoning them to help the seasonings stick better.
Another option is to rehydrate the vegetables by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before seasoning them. This will help the seasonings adhere better to the vegetables and enhance their flavor.
Experiment with different seasoning combinations to find what works best for your taste preferences. Enjoy your seasoned dehydrated vegetables as a healthy snack, salad topper, or side dish.
What is the recommended humidity level for dehydrating vegetables?
The recommended humidity level for dehydrating vegetables is typically between 90% and 95%. This high humidity helps to prevent the vegetables from drying out too quickly and becoming brittle. It also helps to preserve the natural flavors and colors of the vegetables during the dehydration process.