How to Keep Dehydrated Powders Dry and Free From Clumping | Food Storage | Preserving

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

From a member in the Dehydrating Tips & Tricks group on FB: " An easy way to take clumpy powder out of the jar is to microwave (without the metal lid and ring) 30 seconds at a time, it does soften and you can scoop it out of the jar." -Alina

[@norweavernh]

Microwaves kill the nutritional value and alter the dna of what you are cooking. Some European countries ban microwave ovens due to this and dangerous emf waves.

[@actually_a_catt]

@@norweavernh this has been disproven btw. Heating things in the microwave might actually be BETTER for preserving nutrients, since it heats things quickly and doesnt give anything time to die off

[@nickyb829]

I keep my onion powder in the fridge, its a game changer, no more clumps!

[@villagesteader3552]

I dehydrated for the last couple years but have never powdered anything. But seeing this is fortuitous because we grew lots of peppers that we will powder. Thank you for a great video!♥️👍😎🌶

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can do it!

[@theheritagehousesc]

Thank you for the Arrowroot tip. I normally do powder on demand otherwise it will clump. We have so much moisture in the air that makes it impossible to stay dry long. Have a wonderful day!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@JoyN246]

Thank you. I was rewinding to hear what kind of powder and couldn't catch it!

[@nigelleyland166]

As others below, I've yet to start powdering having bought a blender a day ago and working towards my first blend of mashed potatoe, to be folloewed by mashed carrot and mashed turnip. So this as many other of your vids is super usefull. many thasnks.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Great information! No one likes clumpy onion powder !

[@dorothybrown8859]

Thank you for the tips. This is the morning I decided to dislodge my clumped powders. Really appreciate the tip about putting the container in the microwave to soften as I couldn't get the oinion power out of the jar!

[@mommyharris1111]

I just jar mine and grind them up when I’m cooking. I just add all the dried veggies and herbs together into my mortar and pestle or my grinder. No need to consume anymore caking agents. If you use a mortar crushing your dehydrated vegetable and herbs in with some oil is amazing! Besides that I like to use the bits and pieces sometimes in my soups and then I don’t have to chop vegetables and also I don’t like having to spend a bunch of time grinding spices and then putting them into more sanitary jars. My husband and I are vegetarians and I spend a lot of time shopping vegetables. Love the work you do! I’m looking forward to an amazing tomato harvest rn. Yay!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Great! Glad you found a way that works for you.

[@seattlejayde]

This was great. Very well done

[@guppy9713]

Store in the fridge or freezer. I do this with ALL my spices, NEVER clumps 😉

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Not everyone has that room. I never have a clumping problem, either, by storing correclty.

[@chevypreps6417]

Really storing in the frig or freezer will keep it from clumping.

[@guppy9713]

@@chevypreps6417 Definitely. I was skeptical until I tried it. I was always having to bin nearly full bottles of spices until I tried the freezer storage. I haven't tried storing them in the fridge but the freezer definitely works.

[@dianethompson8260]

Great tips, thank you so much

[@muneebkhan4299]

Learn a lot of ways

[@joseviljover3096]

In Philippines we mix rice grains into the powder to avoid clumping.👍👍

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That works some, but desiccant packs work even better. And since they are reusable, worth the small investment.

[@jrchmgn.]

Hey I'm from PH too, do you put it together with the powder i meam directly? TiA.

[@rachelgarcia4301]

The dessicant should come in there then, already. ​@@ThePurposefulPantry

[@loripeer1]

Ant thoughts of ever doing a video on dry mix hummus? I think this would be great for holidays.

[@isabelladavis1363]

Great tips thank you for sharing

[@shfrederick1]

This was very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chanthypheach4282]

Thank you for sharing😍.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Any time!

[@nancymoe4476]

Does the Arrowroot powder have a flavor that you can tell? Thank you for the tips. Great info.!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

nope - that's what makes it great!

[@jengoods2246]

I put my powder back into dehydrator and dry for a little longer seems to work well

[@reyfad]

For how long and on what temperature?

[@carlameaders4352]

I do the same thing. The powders don’t clump when the powder is dried in the dehydrator.

[@dougprentice1363]

How do you keep the fan from blowing the powder off the tray?

[@norweavernh]

I dehydrate the powder again, with a second tray on top of the first so the powered is not dispersed in the fan.

[@jbal6097]

Do you happen to have info on equivalencies? I’ve been making green powder and it is astonishing how many greens dehydrate down to such a small amount of powder! I always forget to do a before and after measurement so that I’m not using way too much of the powder. Same with other items. Maybe is there a chart somewhere that gives a general idea how much of the powder equals such and such amount of fresh?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

If you go to my website and search greens, there is a post that will show you the basic...1 cup = 1 TB approximately.

[@jbal6097]

Thank you for such quick responses! And thank you for sharing all this useful information!!!

[@greenlady43]

We used to put rice in our salt shakers to absorb moisture. Will that work? I know arrowroot is used to thicken so I’m assuming this is to little a amount to matter. Generally I use a fork to loosen dried spices. Also the absorbers, I was told once their package is opened you have to use all of them because they immediately start absorbing

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It does a little,, but not enough for powders like this. Rice is used more as an agitator than an absorber. And you're speaking of O2 absorbers, not moisture absorbers - they work two different ways and are for two different uses. Learn more here: www.thepurposefulpantry.com/how-to-store-dehydrated-foods/

[@jchai1343]

Thank you that was very useful!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mags127]

I have a mini blender I'm going to try mush the up again,it's my fault for shaking over pots the steam thank you

[@danaphillips3816]

I just saw a freezer tip, I think I try that one first.

[@mrallz4003]

Thanks for the tips..

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You bet!

[@kaylabug0719]

What size desiccant packs would you use for long term storage on these powders

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

2 grams is all you need. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYClhmSrmbhljdE

[@victorialeonard7266]

Hi Darcy, loved this video. Can you tell me how to store my oxygen and moisture absorber packs? Thanks, Vicki

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Airtight containment. Zipper bags for moisture absorbers are air permeable over time, but I still use the one mine came in. But for O2 absorbers, airtight in as small of a container as you can, and vacuum sealed if possible is the best way to store them.

[@alvinjones670]

INFORMATION THANKS FOR THE UPLOAD I'VE DECIDED TO SUBSCRIBE

[@MadlyinLovewithJesus-1953]

Brilliant!

[@paulanelson1884]

I just bought the handheld vacuum sealer with dock. Does the green light come on as soon as you plug up charger?

[@samanthanicholson9015]

What color and tyoe is the ine you have? Ours is the black and green one. It has a green light in the front, on when charging if theres no light it isnt sitting in the dock right. 24$ at walmart

[@JaniceCrowell]

Can you use the powder in pressure canning? I heard you cannot use any thickener when canning.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Most powders are used to flavor, not thicken, but follow standard safe canning instructions.

[@marygallagher3428]

Thanks for the great tips :-)

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@Tammy35424]

I appreciate your videos. Where do you get bulk arrowroot powder?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I purchase on Amazon - there's a link in the description box. But you may be able to get bigger bulk at places like Whole Foods or Sprouts, etc.

[@chevypreps6417]

The problem I have.........I stored my tomato powder in canning jars. They are hard as concrete. At this point to save this powder I will have to rehydrate into a liquid then dehydrate and grind it up again. My powder is so hard taking a knife and a rubber mallet will not break it loose.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Then use those tips to stop it in the first place. You can microwave it for a few seconds at a time to get it to release. I've had quite a few folks do it and say it works.

[@chevypreps6417]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Ok Thanks I will try that.

[@djsorensen6225]

Question, if you powder too much let's say onions or garlic, will vacuum sealing help with the clumping? I think I may have gone overboard with dehydrating both and then making it into powder. Am I in trouble? DJ

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Clumping is going to happen with them. Vacuum sealing helps extend their life, help remove residual air/moisture, but compaction happens, too. That's why an anti-caking agent like arrowroot powder helps. And you' aren't in trouble, you just may need to deal with the clumping when you go to use your next portion. use the microwave tip in the first pinned comment to help.

[@carla5484]

I was thinking about adding rice to my spice shaker. Do you think that may help?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can if you want. Rice doesn't 'work the same as a desiccant pack, but it won't harm anything and can absorb a little humidity.

[@coopie624]

What Ninja do you use to make powder? I have one that is more like a blender and it doesn’t powder well.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

i use the Nutrininja now. My Kitchen system finally died. Any bullet blender will work. I have my products linked in the description box.

[@teriw5313]

Was watching a different powder video and learned there's a difference between a wet vs dry mixer containers. They have one on the ninja blender site.

[@JosannGibson]

What i do when i notice clumps , I spread it on a baking tray pop it in the oven for about 5 - 10 minutes the most take it out, let cool completely then i just put it back in the container No more clumps I do this with onion garlic to spices and herbs I never exceeds 10 minutes

[@dorothybrown8859]

Doing that at this moment!

[@shigs1014]

Hi! Im from the phils. Where the weather is hot n humid. Can i dry under the sun the clump spice...no oven at the moment...or dry over stove top...thanks for ur answer

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can try! I have never had to work in the humidity that you have for long periods of time, so see what works for you.

[@kaylabug0719]

Do you still add the arrow root if you are placing a cloth in the mason jar to vacuum seal the jars and how much arrowroot powder again

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Placing a cloth in the jar doesn't affect the desiccant nature - that just to stop it from going into your vacuum sealer. 1/4 tsp to start

[@GotG113]

I can't find the video on dehydrating and powdering onions. Do you have a link?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Blog post - www.thepurposefulpantry.com/how-to-dehydrate-onions-onion-powder/

[@anthonykenny2631]

What about using the clay brown sugar savers? Would they work? Thank you

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

If you want. They're awfully expensive when moisture absorbers are inexpensive and the right size.

[@anthonykenny2631]

@@ThePurposefulPantry the packets don’t seem to work for me…I have a bucket of clay I paid $10s for so that’s why I wonder if I made my own if they would work. Thank you for your reply!

[@marydoughty9377]

What do I do for my banana powder becoming rock hard after I stored it and vacuum sealed in a jar? Thank you so much for your videos have a wonderful blessed day.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Some folks put it in the microwave to very gently warm it up, break it up and then repowder it - follow the ideas here to help it stop the next time.

[@dizziechef9502]

My onion powder clumped. I just bought those anti clump packs. Hope that helps

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I hope so too! But there are other options, too - especially arrowroot powder. Helps mine more than the moisture absorbers do.

[@dizziechef9502]

@@ThePurposefulPantry I just saw that too late. I’ll try it though

[@clmierau]

These are all good tips. I don’t powder for this very reason.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

But you should! The clumping is hardly a factor in most cases and makes dehydrated products even more accessible to your foods! Green powder, especially, never clumps!

[@charlenequinilty7252]

Reblend and redry. But I just heard that putting in freezer keeps it from clumping. Hope that is true and will try out.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Then it's not shelf-stable ;) I come at it doing everything to make it shelf-stable.

[@paulanelson1884]

Just subscribed to your channel!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for subbing!

[@claramunk7410]

What is the name of the powder you use to stop clumping? Also you are using a ball jar is that because of the rubber ring

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Arrowroot powder I use whatever jars I have available. They need to be airtight, so bail wire jars need the rubber gasket included.

[@MP-ne6ji]

Can I do this with tomato powder?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It is a powder, yes ;)

[@robyndudley9684]

How long do we leave it in the oven with the light on? Are we talking minutes? Hours? A day or two?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

15-20 min

[@robyndudley9684]

@@ThePurposefulPantry ok. I did about 20 minutes and pulled it out because it was fragrant and a little crusty. I broke it up and put it in a jar with arrowroot and this morning it’s perfect! Thank you so much!

[@coolstamper]

I checked popular store brands of onion powder to see what additives they contained, and to my surprise: NONE!!! Perhaps theirs is from freeze dried onion? I also read one article that said, “Do not dry onions in your house, as the smell will permeate everything.” Have you had this problem? Thx. 💕

[@QueenBee1755]

I have done the same. The only issue with that is there are over 15,000 'standardized' ingredients (the last time I checked) which are NOT required to be listed. Some of them are anti-caking agents. My son has a lot of medical food allergies. When he kept getting sick from foods that didn't show, on the ingredient list, what he was allergic to, it made me start doing a lot of research. Some powdered spices may be 100% clean, but it's not a guarantee if not listed.

[@donna1018]

I dehydrate onions and garlic outside in my screen in porch.

[@melanierice8863]

In one of your videos you mentioned making dehydrated carmalized onions. Can you make a video of that?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

The next time I make them I plan on it, but I have a blog post with pics up here www.thepurposefulpantry.com/how-to-dehydrate-caramelized-onions/

[@sheilacollins3862]

where did you get your jars on your back wall

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

They are small 4oz Ball jars (not airtight), and I've switched them out for larger spice jars since then. I got them from Walmart, but you're likely to find them anywhere Ball canning supplies are sold. They came in 4packs

[@sheilacollins3862]

thank didnt think you would see this thank you for your help

[@herbnomura9079]

I read that one can add dry beans to prevent clumping. I'm trying edamame in my garlic powder. Will that work?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't. I don't want the possible transfer of flavor in my powders from the beans. And while it may be a trick, how much moisture is it absorbing away from the powder that is highly hygroscopic in most cases. You can give it a try to see how it works for you.

[@jeannebrown4984]

I bought beef broth and chicken broth dry mix. It has turned to goo. Can I dry it in oven or dehydrator and repackage with vacuum seal or O2 absorber?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes you can, but O2 absorbers don't help with moisture control - I'd add a little arrowroot powder to it, seal it well (those powder containers aren't always airtight, and restore in a canning jar.

[@iLitAfuseiCantStop]

What size pack moisturizer absorbers are you using? Are they 5grams or 20?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

5 - but 2 is enough for most jars.

[@iLitAfuseiCantStop]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks so much!! Great video btw! I have a bunch (of bunches 😂) of leftover green onions & hate to just chuck em but I also have a texture aversion to onions (although I love the flavor) so thought making green onion powder was just a no brainer! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge & tips & also for the reply! 😊

[@islandgardener158]

Can rice be used?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can - doesn't work as well, but it works

[@dizziechef9502]

My lemon pepper got clumped up and felt kind of moist. I dried it in my dehydrator. Now how can I prevent that again.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

This whole video was about that ;) Dry it again, store it in an airtight container, use a moisture absorber.

[@kattyswanson872]

🤩

[@patriciablair2012]

Can you use rice?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's not as effective, but you can.

[@victorialeonard7266]

Darcy, I am not able to turn on the notification bell to your channel. It says that there is content made for kids. Is it the way your channel is set up by you? Or is it something that I need to change on my side?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Let me check I don't know why it would because none of my content is made for kids. i'll look into it. I'm not sure if it's on my end or yours. Thanks for letting me know.

[@teresaspensley5640]

SWITCH SUBSCIPTIONS OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. THAT HAS WORKED FOR ME 🙏

[@shortermama8099]

So I just did my tomato powder in the oven for 30 minutes. Then it was even more clumpy. Thoughts?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Is it clumpy or crusty - the crust version breaks up easily in your jar. If it's still very clumpy and sticky - you had too high of a heat, you didn't dry it properly, etc.

[@shortermama8099]

@@ThePurposefulPantry - I broke it up and it just has small clumps (like in a spice jar) can it be saved?

[@kerry-annpatterson7866]

Hi everyone i am seeking to dehydrate food. As a beginner but i cant seems to find or a dont know what to look for in a dehydrator. Need help please anyone??

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

www.thepurposefulpantry.com/tips-for-buying-a-dehydrator/

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLCfmhjm9ukfKM

[@mariusvanniekerk4206]

What I recently discovered is to use these silicone bags which are used in pills and other foodstuffs from collecting moisture in my homemade powders in bulk. I tend to decant from the bulk container into smaller everyday use containers. example 500g bulk powder to 10gram sample for everyday use.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I personally don't recommend reusing moisture absorbers from medicine bottles because you can transfer that into your food. But yes, if it is in foodstuffs and marked food grade, reuse it - as long as you haven't used it up and it needs to be recharged as most don't show. But never reuse the ones that come in non-food items like shoes and handbags.

[@crystalherrin7858]

@@ThePurposefulPantry how do you recharge them?

[@beckyskinner5145]

My problem is getting my onion flakes to dry completely. They never seem to get crispy.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Keep drying - they will get that way. And remember to pull out samples, let them cool, THEN test. But dry longer..they will get dry.

[@eppiechurch5019]

@@ThePurposefulPantry how many degrees to set the onions for? I've heard that over 120 degrees will kill the nutritional value of food.

[@njc9776]

Do you store any of your fruit powders in the refrigerator or all in the pantry?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Everything is in the pantry. www.thepurposefulpantry.com/how-to-store-dehydrated-foods/

[@JoandIvan777]

I'm still trying to get my onion powder out of the jar without breaking the jar!!! GRRRRRRR

[@GoRodent]

Wouldn't it be a lot easier just to store your onion and garlic powder in the freezer.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Not if you don't have space.

[@lavender9974]

an old fashionnway, we use rice

[@lilybond6485]

Soooo -- doesn’t the moisture in the powder get bacteria ? Who cares if you unclump it. The bacteria is still in there. People open a spice container and put it on their food when the food is hot. The moisture from the heat or steam from the food gets into the dry slice and creates bacteria. Why aren’t you talking about that ?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Because clumping isn't always caused by moisture - but by sheer sugar content. And everything has a wee bit of moisture in it, that's why brown sugar clumps and why other things do. Dehydrating is not an issue with bacteria unless you do it incorrectly - which is not what I teach - so it's not an issue.

[@lindaarnold3091]

Thank you this was so helpful.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm so glad!