- Crystal Mediate
- Apr 10
- 6 min read
Dehydrating is a time-tested method of food preservation that allows you to enjoy the flavors of your harvest long after the growing season ends. Whether you’re looking to store garden produce, make homemade snacks, or create shelf-stable meals, dehydrating is a simple and effective way to extend the life of your food. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to get started with dehydrating, from equipment choices to creative ways to use your dried goods.
Do’s and Don’ts of Dehydrating Food
✅ Do Choose the Right Equipment
There are different styles and price ranges for Dehydrators, do your research. And remember your oven can work with very little investment.
Do invest in a dehydrator that suits your needs—stackable tray dehydrators for affordability, box dehydrators for even drying, or specialty dehydrators for herbs and jerky.
Do use an oven on a low setting or air-dry certain foods if you don’t have a dehydrator.
Do ensure your dehydrator has proper airflow and temperature control to prevent uneven drying.
❌ Don’t Assume Your Dehydrator Will Do All the Work
Check food periodically to ensure even drying. Some foods may require tray rotation depending on your dehydrator model.
Don’t overcrowd trays, as this blocks airflow and leads to inconsistent drying.
Don’t use a dehydrator with poor ventilation, which can cause spoilage.
✅ Do Prep Your Foods Properly
Some foods, such as carrots, green beans, and potatoes, benefit from blanching before dehydration. This process helps preserve color, texture, and nutrients. Always wash, peel (if necessary), and slice foods evenly to ensure uniform drying.
Do wash and dry all produce to remove dirt and bacteria before dehydrating.
Do slice food uniformly for even drying. Use a mandoline or sharp knife for consistency.
Do blanch certain vegetables like green beans and carrots to preserve color and texture.
Do pre-treat fruits prone to oxidation (like apples and bananas) with lemon water.
❌ Don’t Skip the Pre-Treatment Step
Skipping blanching for certain vegetables or failing to pretreat apples with lemon juice can result in poor texture and discoloration.
Don’t dehydrate overripe or bruised produce, as it can affect quality and taste.
Don’t skip pre-treatments if necessary—this helps maintain color and flavor.
✅ Do Follow Optimal Drying Techniques
Different foods require different temperatures for proper dehydration.
Do dehydrate foods at the correct temperatures:
Fruits: 125°F-135°F for 6-24 hours
Vegetables: 125°F-135°F for 6-12 hours
Herbs: 95°F-110°F for 1-4 hours
Meat (Jerky): 145°F-160°F for 4-8 hours
Do test for doneness—fruits should be leathery, vegetables brittle, and jerky firm but not overly hard.
Do rotate trays as needed for even drying.
❌ Don’t Second Guess Temp
Using too high a temperature can cause the outside of food to dry too fast while the inside remains moist, leading to spoilage.
Don’t dehydrate at temperatures that are too low, as this can cause spoilage.
Don’t set temperatures too high, as this can cook the food instead of drying it.
✅ Do Practice Food Safety
Do always use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Do sanitize all equipment before and after use.
Do store dehydrated foods in airtight containers to prevent contamination.
❌ Don’t Store While Warm
Packing warm dehydrated food into a container can lead to condensation, which invites mold growth. Always let food cool completely before storing.
Don’t handle food with unwashed hands to avoid bacteria transfer.
Don’t store dehydrated foods in humid environments, as moisture can lead to mold.
✅ Do Store and Package Properly
Do use airtight containers like mason jars, mylar bags, or vacuum-sealed bags.
Do store dried foods in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life.
Do add oxygen absorbers to extend storage time.
Do label containers with the date of dehydration.
❌ Don’t Forget to Label
Label jars or bags with the food type and date of dehydration. While dehydrated foods last a long time, tracking storage time helps ensure freshness.
Don’t store different types of dehydrated food together, as flavors can mix.
Don’t leave dehydrated food exposed to air for too long before storing.
✅ Do Get Creative with Dehydrated Foods
Dehydrated foods have so many different uses and the recipes and foods are endless. Have fun with it.
Do use dehydrated foods for snacks like fruit leather, trail mix, and veggie chips.
Do add dried vegetables to soups and stews for easy meal prep.
Do crush dried herbs for homemade spice blends.
Do blend dehydrated fruits and vegetables into powders for smoothies, sauces, and baking.
❌ Don’t Stop Experimenting
Experimenting is not only useful but it is the best way to find the foods and recipes your family will love.
Don’t assume all dried foods need rehydration—some are great eaten as is!
Don’t forget to experiment with new recipes and uses.
✅ Do Rehydrate Properly
This step is essential for using some of the foods you dehydrate properly. But don’t worry this is the fun part, enjoying your harvest.
Do soak dried fruits and vegetables in warm water for 15-30 minutes before using.
Do soak dried meats in water or broth for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Do use herbs and spices as-is or crush them before adding to recipes.
❌ Don’t Hesitate
Use your taste buds here, You know what food should taste and feel like. You only removed the moisture, so once you return it you should have the same taste and texture.
Don’t over-soak foods, as this can cause them to become mushy.
Don’t assume all foods need rehydration—some can be added directly to recipes.
✅ Do Troubleshoot Common Issues
Problems occur, but all you need to do is a little trial and error and you will find the solution.
Do use parchment paper or non-stick sheets if food is sticking to trays.
Do ensure food is fully dried before storage to prevent mold growth.
Do store foods separately to avoid off flavors.
❌ Don’t Stress
Different foods, especially homegrown ones, are going to have higher moisture levels.
Don’t panic if drying takes longer than expected—humidity and food thickness affect drying times.
Don’t neglect to check for proper dryness before storage.
The Science Behind Successful Dehydration
Moisture content plays a crucial role in shelf life and texture. Most fruits should have about 10-15% moisture content, while vegetables should be around 5%. Using a moisture meter or simply breaking pieces apart can help determine readiness.
Nutrient retention is another factor. Dehydrating at lower temperatures preserves vitamins, while higher temperatures can lead to nutrient loss. That’s why using the proper settings is essential for maintaining food quality.
Next Steps: Take Your Food Preservation to the Next Level!
Looking to maximize your food storage and learn even more ways to put your harvest to good use? Check out The Abundant Table, where you’ll gain step-by-step guidance on meal planning, food preservation, and getting the most out of your homegrown food.
On to You!
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of dehydrating, here are the key takeaways:
Choosing the right equipment and techniques ensures even drying and high-quality results.
Proper preparation, storage, and food safety practices help maximize the shelf life of your dehydrated foods.
Creative uses and rehydration techniques make dehydrated food a valuable addition to your kitchen.
By following these steps, you’ll feel confident in preserving your harvest and creating nutritious, shelf-stable ingredients for your meals. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing you have a pantry full of home-preserved foods ready to enjoy!
To take the next step, download our free Dehydrating Checklist to help you stay organized and ensure success in every batch you dry. Click below to grab your copy and start dehydrating with confidence!
Keep moving forward and remember it starts with the first step.
1) Grab the Dehydrating Checklist- to help you stay organized and ensure success in every batch you dry
2) Listen to the Pray, Just Plant Podcast- come and listen as we dive into every stage of the growing journey and find the steps you need to take to build the best homestead for you and your family.
3) Join the Purposeful Growing Membership Waiting List, where I hope to coach and encourage growers, homesteaders, and more on how to provide the best food for their families. To build a homestead, grow more abundantly, and create a lifestyle you will love.
Don't let the World Hold You Back,
Pray, Just Plant.
Have a blessed day,
Crystal
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