Dehydrating Basics: Times, Temps, Tips, and More

[@TheSunRiseKid]

Although I know a decent amount of stuff about these subjects and I’ve always searched the way you do, your channel is so excellent because of the way you teach, and spend time sharing with those that don’t!! This is mostly just an algorithm comment but I just want to let you know that your videos are SO extremely VALUABLE!!! God bless Heidi!🙏🥰🌱🌸

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you!

[@TheSunRiseKid]

@@RainCountryHomestead you are very welcome 🥰

[@belieftransformation]

Such good information; thanks for sharing!

[@cindyebner5556]

CONGRATULATIONS RE YOUR BEAUTIFUL PRECIOUS GRANDSON!!! 🙏

[@maryschrier651]

If you have a hot, dry attic, you can put things in the attic to dry. I use paper grocery bags that are LOOSELY filled with herbs that are still on the stem. The only drawback is that they are easy to forget unless you make frequent trips to the attic.

[@tonileigh8660]

I moved into my home back in 2014. There was a handrail on the wall going upstairs and it blocked an attic door. I never looked in there until last year when I had the wiring updated throughout the house. They guys took the rail off and opened the door to have access to the ceiling light in the kitchen. I heard the guy yell and he almost fell down the stairs. I went up to see what scared him and saw DOZENS of gourds hanging in the attic space. Apparently someone, years ago before the railing was put up, had hung them up there to dry and must have forgotten about them. It really was kind of creepy seeing all those things hanging in the dark.

[@debkincaid2891]

Honestly, you give so much valuable information in each one of your videos, my head is going to explode.

[@elliebella3378]

You put so much time and effort into your videos. Your knowledge is so appreciated. Thank you, have a blessed day.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you for acknowledging this. It is always so nice when people notice, especially when I get those that want to complain about how fast or how much I talk all while being totally ungrateful for information they do not have to pay for

[@justjenn9011]

Great timing. I finally broke down and bought a dehydrator. Its gonna come in handy for my family. Its just a simple one, nothing special. Maybe eventually ill get a better one, but for now, itll do. It has at least a temperature adjustment knob and a timer. Very happy you put this video out!

[@LauraMichelGreenRaven]

If you find that the one you have works well for your needs, I would not spend a lot on a more expensive one. I have two less expensive that work well. Spend your money on something like mylar bags to store the dehydrated food. Laura

[@WateryTarty]

Dehydrating ends up being fun and easy once you get familiar with it. One quick tip....if you decide to do garlic...put the dehydrator outside. I was unaware and my eyes burned for two days. Enjoy.

[@justaddlivingwater]

Oh so jelly I wish I had the money I use the sun. Right now

[@LauraMichelGreenRaven]

@@justaddlivingwater The sun will keep the most nutrients in the food. It is great for herbs and greens.

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

The sun is the great decomposer. Sincerely, use anything but the sun. Don't infuse oils in the sun or dry anything in the sun. I used to hang things from beams but sometimes that didn't work so well. I ended up getting a dehumidifier and put it in a cheap tiny green house (I use it in my laundry room)..and I cure my herbs..it keeps color and smell amazingly well. I spent maybe 40$ for that set-up. You can spread out paper and lay plants on top of your washer/dryer too if it's a dark area.

[@growinggenerationshomestea516]

I'd love for you to write a book , chapters for dehydrating, recipes, tips for saving money, planting, tinctures and any others you could think of. Even if it was a small book your a great teacher in how you explain things. Thank you for the time you spent on your videos

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Please watch the first few minutes of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn69e6GXp6l6gpo

[@DenisenMO]

Silicone jelly roll pan! It has the lip around the edges and its cheaper than the ones made for the dehydrator!. Works like a charm.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Would it not depend on the size and shape of the dehydrator though?

[@DenisenMO]

@@RainCountryHomestead yep,.... my dehydrator has an odd size trays ..smaller than average . But the ones I got fit great.

[@DenisenMO]

@@RainCountryHomestead Oh FYI I have the cabinet style but its an off brand ...

[@americaneden3090]

​@@RainCountryHomestead RoseRed Homestead on KZbin has used plastic container lids to hold liquid items ( eggs or milk ) to dehydrate. Her experiment showed they worked well to dehydrate liquids. she's a science/math professor & incredibly knowledgeable about safe food preservation methods. she's also doing an experiment on using the plastisol rings from Garden Harvest ( or Tattler ) on used metal flat canning lids to hold a seal on jars containing pressure canned carrots and I think green beans. thus far all jars have remained sealed since December 2021.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@americaneden3090 That is cool, I am just personally done with using plastic. Silicone has its own issues but is safer than plastic as far as getting contaminants from the plastics into the food, especially when heated or frozen

[@shervin6711]

LOVE Dehydrated hamburger vs canned. I never knew it was a " thing!"

[@lauritan66]

Wow! Lots of information in this video!! Super helpful! Thank you❤️

[@suzannehorn5170]

I want to say thank you for your patience with me. I had eye surgery and reading is difficult. You answer my questions so promptly and you are kind.

[@arelidelong1188]

Thank you for sharing so many wise and useful tips dear Sister. Blessings to you and your family! 🏵🌸🏵🌸🌹

[@TheSunRiseKid]

Ha! I sat down to crochet for a bit for my knee is bad today & I dozed off. I already watch this video. I’m not on the one I started on😭 I woke up to the way end of this video

[@bonnieparker1238]

You have the BEST videos! Thank you, thank you! I feel so much more prepared to try out the things I always wanted to do. Honestly, I am very grateful.

[@mamasuki]

Commenting to support your channel and thank you for your info-PACKED videos! Recently ordered my first dehydrator, a Cosori, that should arrive today. I feel well-prepared to start from watching your dehydrating vids. So excited to preserve using this method!!

[@traceylilienthal7514]

I have an Excalibur. Love it! You can cut whatever you are dehydrating a little thicker toward the back (heat source) and thinner in the front then it all gets done about the same time

[@thatandthese]

Thanks for doing this, because there are so many new people/preppers. I'm over on TT and send people to come check you out all the time. You are so informative. Thanks.

[@michellelee2397]

Good video. Encouraging word. I have thought about a freeze dryer. My daughter has one loves it. I use my bed o and cosori dehydrators. Which I learned how to use from you. I also got a sewing machine like yours. It’s personal choice. What works for you and your situation. Also something that I would like you to do a video on is time management for your homestead. Getting it all done. The garden, sewing, putting food up, etc.. I’m older and have physical problems. Any tips would be appreciated.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am constantly having to change things up with each new responsibility or other changes and I periodically shoot a new video. Here is the last one I shot in 2022 though things have changes yet again since then now that I have three grandbabies: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX-tcqmupcypja8

[@angelamcentee1277]

Much appreciated Heidi. God bless from across the pond.

[@WendyK656]

Thank you Heidi, for more good information on dehydrating and tempts. I have found out what you have talked about being to hot.

[@michellecasteleiro1610]

I have the Cosori and I am really happy with it. Thank you so much for your videos, I have learned so much from you.

[@rosesavoia4657]

I just love you. You one smart lady.

[@ginapounds4744]

I LOVE the silicone inserts! I used parchment paper prior and made it work but couldn’t do liquids. I’ve dehydrated so many eggs after watching your video and have been very satisfied with the results. Thank you so much! God bless!

[@woodsie5796]

A lot of mherbs go in a paper bag and sit for a spell. Some dry overnight. I live in a less humidity area and I will also dry things between two screen windows. Loved this video❣ Blessings to you and Doug and all your great subscribers whom I learn from too! 🥰

[@witcherwoo8938]

Brilliant video heidi!

[@kmiller6002]

I started using the cloth liners after watching your video and I love it 💚💚. I just dehydrated some cabbage and boy is it good, rehydrates excellent and makes yummy coleslaw. Thank you for doing this video I didn't know about going to above 115. Everyone stay safe and God Bless you and your family from middle GA 🙏 Kendra

[@betty8173]

Thank you so much, Heidi, so many questions that you answer! Sometimes the directions for tools talk long about some things and then, skip the very thing you (I) was looking for! My daughter was gifted a very nice dehydrator; previously, I had dried by hanging things just on a string on my wall, or I found a kiddie toy carrier that was mesh, that hangs, and dry my moringa and herbs there...so, thank you, looking forward to many adventures in dehydrating, now that summer is coming! God bless you

[@connienelson3162]

Mom gave me a dehydrator years ago. With this central California heat I am just using trays right now out in the sun.

[@sassiegranny]

I’m thrilled I found your sight! I just purchased a dehydrator on sale and I’m excited to learn. I enlarged our garden this year because of the crazy world we’re living right now.

[@edietaylor4491]

Great timing! I just started having the need for dehydrating and was unsure about temperatures. Great advice about the cloth fabric and silicone sheets! I was surprised about dehydrating eggs and milk...my next dehydration experience! I am so happy that I found your videos and am sharing your link with friends.

[@pinelandsprepping5372]

I love your channel! You have such a wealth of information to share. Thank you!

[@cindyebner5556]

I let the ads run and also try to buy what I can thru your links as a thank you to you. It might not be much but I want you to know how so very grateful I am for your ministry. 💕

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Cindy!

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

We were just talking about getting a dehydrator this morning.

[@teresasample3948]

Coffee filters work well for the oily things that you dehydrate.... not reuseable but for experimenting it is great

[@donnawoodford6641]

¡Felicidades! Entiendo que tienes un nuevo nieto bello.👣 ¡Qué precioso!

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

Thank you Heidi! 🙂 You reminded that I still have some of last year's tomatoes in the freezer. Now that I have another dehydrator, I'll also have more room in the freezer! Woo-hoo! Love and blessings!🤗💜

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am thinking about taking out a bunch of my frozen eggs and dehydrating those too. Just leaving enough for mayonnaise making, which is not something I need to do often

[@tammynevil2422]

I love how you teach

[@maxibake9323]

I've been doing Carrots for 2 days, & Mushrooms before them, Love my Dehydrator. I do most things at 45-50°C, & had to make Muslin liners for it, everything kept falling through. You can't even buy liners for my one, it's an Andrew James one, rectangular, what were they thinking. It's 6 trays high, but they're big ones. I never thought to do Peel, I've done Orange slices though, will have to try that. TFS RC, & take care too everyone. ❤🙂🐶

[@chrismaryb.7409]

Thank you Heidi

[@alancarter4270]

I love this channel! I like how you consolidate the information. We are getting ready for major DH projects as room and space is limited since ramping up supply storage as we go deeper down the rabbit hole of supply chain and food distuption.

[@pennywillis8895]

🇦🇺I made my fabric liners for my Sunbeam dehydrator out of calico and overlooked the edges.

[@becbell2137]

Thank you for sharing, great information and detail

[@ediemurray1692]

Tysvm

[@yashuasbride]

Love your videos. I was wondering if you could dehydrate sausage like you do hamburger. I recently did hamburger and was so pleased with the results. Thank you so much for your instruction. You have taught me so much and I look forward to all your videos. And yes, God is good all the time. God bless you.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have not done it yet but plan to as I am sure it would turn out just as good

[@yashuasbride]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you. Ill drop you a note as I will be doing some this evening or tomorrow.. Have a blessed day.

[@brightstarr57]

Thanks for the great info!

[@Lulu-he9dp]

thanks for so much useful info!!!

[@cindyjohnson5242]

I just recently bought a set of those green silicone trays specifically for eggs. They worked great!! I have a Nesco Garden Master 1,000 watt dehydrator. The first one I bought close to 40 years ago. It still works great. But does take longer. About 6 years ago I bought the newer bigger ones. The circuit blew after 2 years, which burned out the fan. The replacement fan was from Sears online and the circuit was from Radio Shack on Amazon. It lasted 2 years before the circuit blew again. The fan was fine, because I caught it as soon as it blew. My husband tried to replace the circuit, but couldn't get it to run. So I had to buy a new one. I tried to just get the base, but nobody had them in stock except Nesco. While the base price was $80, the shipping and handling jacked the price up so buying new was less expensive. The thing I don't like about the new lids is they are lighter and lift off slightly from the base. I have about 25 trays now. In the peak of growing season, I'll have both of my dehydrator full and running. Also the uppermost trays take much longer to dry.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am suspecting that the older models had ALL US made parts. Since I know the newer ones, while mostly US made, do have electrical components that are made in China, this is likely why the newer ones do not last like the older ones did. I would assume this is likely truly for any electric product these days

[@cindyjohnson5242]

@@RainCountryHomestead I agree! Good point! Thank you! I still like mine for all the reasons you mentioned! Mostly I prefer analog over electronics. Usually less to go wrong. Just wish it lasted longer!😇

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

I bought a set for eggs too and love them. I also did mashed sweet potatoes on them.

[@terristalter]

I just bought a Cosori dehydrator and plan on starting to dehydrate whatever I can so I just want to thank you for sharing your experience since I am clueless 🤣...it is greatly appreciated and I am looking so forward to doing this I truly had no idea all the things that can be dehydrated...hope you have a blessed weekend 😊

[@ALayne08]

Great information, to the point and very helpful. Thanks!

[@surender4ify]

Excaliber is my brand. I have had it for about 30 years, still works great. I have a "ton" of natural muslin......think I will use some up. Thanks !!!!!!

[@eggcluck]

Metric Conversions: 95F = 35c 115F = 46C 125F = 52C

[@hopehealinghomestead462]

Great content

[@christinesroutines]

Thanks Heidi! I've been dehydrating for quite a while and picked up some great pointers from you! I'm currently doing an experiment with my Cosori and dehydrating some cashew milk I made. Wish me luck! I'm hoping to use the powdered version in my coffee as creamer! God bless!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I did try doing almond milk and while it dried up great, when I went to powder it it turned to an almond butter, which was still quite tasty!

[@cvl.ismail]

Nice

[@castelblanco13]

I wish I new about these dehydrators before I bought mine. It seems they don’t warm up evenly. It takes forever. Thank you for all the information 🙏

[@blessedbloominghomestead9134]

This time of year my dehydrator runs constantly. My great grandma from South Georgia also stored sausage in the lard. You gave so many great ideas. Thanks! Many Blessings!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I cannot remember if I said yesterday but I DID get your quilt square the other day, thank you!

[@blessedbloominghomestead9134]

@@RainCountryHomestead Yes, thanks for letting me know 😊

[@HeyHeyAlabama]

My Nesco only lasted about three years. I think the older ones are better since yours has lasted so long. That being said I bought the silicone trays for it and liked them. When it quit working I went back to an Excalibur since the one I bought over 20 years ago is still working for my daughter. I also bought the silicone trays for it. I noticed when drying with the solid squares that things don't dry as well in the middle. While drying some things I didn't have enough squares so I used the round ones with the hole in the middle and they dry much better and sooner. Probably because of the hole in the middle. I didn't have to break it up and put it back in for more time.

[@kleineroteHex]

Before I watch I need to take my stuff out😂 it must be dry!!!

[@audreychamberlain]

I am so thankful you had this video. Ive been wondering a lot about temps not to cook my herbs, eggs,meats. I do have a nesco dehydrator and i got the silicon circles. But when i tried eggs i found out my trays were warped . They were brand new..i got 2 extra trays an they are warped also. So what can i do.

[@shelly8387]

It depends on the temperature you are dehydrating at how many times you can reuse parchment paper. Twice is about it for what I've done because it gets brittle.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thanks for sharing that important information

[@shelly8387]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you for sharing about the silicone mats. I didn't know they existed. I will order them through your link.

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

I was given 20 pounds of sweet potatoes and I am going to dehydrate them in a couple ways.

[@masonhamlin3921]

I just bought a Cosori. Needed this. Listening now! Thank you. So hot here in Texas, i am wondering if I need one. :/ I have lots (!) of herbs, so your info is helpful...needing mojito mint..I have many others, but didn't get that one .

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I found ours at one of our two local nurseries

[@masonhamlin3921]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you! Will keep looking. Wanting to try it with the banana peels.

[@marteajager8533]

Dehydrate on bin lids/ DIY trays and towels/cloth in a hot car with window cracked to allow moistrure release and air circulation. OFF GRID!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, I cover many ways in the video I mentioned. The ways you brought up will work great for those who live in dry climates but not more humid climates like ours. This is why I use electric dehydrators and solar power in our sunnier months and the wood stove and OFF GRID dehydrator racks in the dark months

[@redbarn23]

I love snow peas so much, and end up eating them in the garden and most don’t even make it in the house. I tried freezing some and they just aren’t very appealing. How do you use your dehydrated snow peas? I’m excited to try something new.

[@pawilliams9786]

I dehydrate everything about 24 hours just because it is convienent. I set my timer and forget it. I have never had any problems, although I am no expert. When something is dry, I don't think it can get too dry to use.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

My concern is more with herbs, even on low heats, some can "cook". Just like anything cooked at a very low temperature, it can take much longer but eventually it still cooks.

[@cindystevensdiy1932]

Parchment paper.. cauliflower to roast it.. make a pocket around it.. after Rubbing butter all over it.. then a few spices you like roast 350 for 20 min or so.. depends on how big the cauliflower is.. staple the pouch closed.. vualia!!

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Cheap new fabric for those who don't have a fabric stash is unbleached muslin. Make sure it's all cotton, some have poly in it.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Right, I always forget that so thank you for mentioning it!

[@nancyroberts1345]

Please tell us about the manual vacuum pump for wide mouth jars.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You can find more information on the brake bleeder kit here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHzQg3ikp8-Fi6c

[@maryadkins4619]

Thanks Heidi! How do you rehydrate the hamburger? Very interested in dehydrating hamburger……love the part of draining it instead of rinsing the hamburger…..should help retain the flavor.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

So far I have only used it in soups and sauces where I just toss it in and let it rehydrate right in there with the liquids and I like it better than fresh ground beef when doing that. If I needed to rehydrate it before adding to other things, I would simply soak in hot water first

[@alisham4902]

@@RainCountryHomestead I’ve started dehydrating seasoned ground beef instead of canning since learning from you. I rehydrate and put on hamburger buns for a substitute for a patty in the event being able to have a hamburger becomes a challenge. I love it! I order high quality organic beef from Azure and my dehydrator is going 24/7 with ground beef to put up.😊I have canned some too, but now dehydrating is my go to for ground beef. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.😉

[@angieburrell5373]

As usual, lots of detailed info. My problem is how to use dehydrated foods. Veggies seem rubbery, herbs have far less flavour. I`ve watched the `flowers` video you put out but my big storage issue is fruit and veg. None seem to be even edible when I try to use them. Where am I going wrong??

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Not all veggies will dry crisp. While blended tomatoes will, tomato pieces do not. Most herbs will lose some flavor, though if not dehydrated too hot, they should retain most of it. Here is a video I did a couple of years ago on how I used dried foods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKLCm2aApJqXfsU

[@bmdwell3882]

The only affordable way for me to steam can food is via Amazon.. the steam cancer is 70$ ..but aluminum..will the aluminum penetrate the food through the glass jars in the steam cabinet?

[@Simplelifepreps]

I use new parchment paper each time. Personally, I don't feel that it would hold up for much more.

[@cherylbaker6806]

Can you dehydrate nasturtium blooms for tinctures? Do you use leaves for the tinctures also?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, you can, I dehydrate the flowers but I use them for other purposes such as making a scalp oil to help with hair growth or a hair wash vinegar

[@pattyvanfleet5520]

I love your videos! Thank you! My question is regarding placement of herbs on the tray. I thought you could only have one layer (so very time consuming). Some of your shots show several layers. Can I dehydrate several layers in one tray?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It really depends on what you are drying but when it comes to herbs, I pile them on because the way they lay leaves air space between the layers.

[@jamestriplett790]

When processing beef, do you soak it in salt water to remove the blood? As scripture says, blood was not to be consumed.

[@birdietherecycledhippychic642]

Too late I've already dehydrated my dandelions and they did turn into a puff ball. Can I still use them?

[@ddmaharaj5359]

Can the berries and dried veggies be kept without preservation in vegetable lard instead of animal fat?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, of course, I never preserve dried fruit and vegetables in fat. As you can see, I store the dried foods in vacuum sealed jars. If this is one of the videos where I brought up Pemmican, it was only as an example to prove that fat was often used to preserve foods

[@tammymote2147]

Hello. I dehydrated a frozen mixed vegetables last year. I still have the jar now and I shook it and the top of veggies shook and the rest did not. I tapped the jar against my hand and they came loose. Do u think it was the settling? I found a couple ones that are bendy. In your opinion would you keep or throw out?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Likely just settling but you can open them and tell by feel and smell if they had moisture

[@shauneeberhart5053]

What do you do about the little bugs on the "old man's beard"?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I did not have any on mine though I know there is a pest (I already forgot which one it is) that lives in Spanish Moss, which looks very similar but is not the same thing

[@pattibealer]

I think it’s funny, you use “all the dehydrators, in all the ways”.

[@teresahoye6477]

When you dehydrating shredded cheese, will there be a little oily film on the shreds of cheese? The cheese was dry, but it did have some oil on it.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, there will be a layer of oil, nothing to worry about

[@teresahoye6477]

Thank you Heidi. I was worried ,but now I feel safe, that I did it the correct way. My dehydrating is starting to fail, the motor is not working that great. I ordered an Cosori 6 tray, it looks like the one you have. I can't wait for it to get here. Thank you for answering me.

[@cindybehn9801]

What do you do with citrus peels?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have a list here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5DRqp6um7uJfac Plus something I came up with and started doing last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6awcohra5V0fbM

[@htebazileeilsel2293]

How high is the risk for botulism for vacuum sealed dehydrated fruit/veg? I have seen many different opinions, some say NEVER vacuum seal or use an oxygen absorber in dried fruit, others say the risk is minimal...what do you say?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Because I actually looked this up on the national data base and found that getting sick from botulism is actually quite rare and most common in babies who are fed honey. Least common in home canned foods. So I say the risk is minimal. Especially since many of the same sites that site the risk will still encourage people to vacuum seal dried good for longer shelf life

[@htebazileeilsel2293]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you for answering this!! I've been dehydrating a few years now and just got real heavy into it and was scared to store some things long term because of some people out there saying that there's a botulism risk!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Honestly, I think it is propped up far too much to scare people. I never used to be that way. Including back when they used to commonly water bath can everything, even low acid foods. Back then even Ball had a guideline for proper times to water bath meat and vegetables

[@colleenpritchett6914]

For things like raisins etc you can dehydrate them and then package

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@colleenpritchett6914 Raisins are already dehydrated grapes. They are also high in sugar so there is no need to dehydrate again before vacuum packing.

[@vivette2512]

Do you have any brand of dehydrator that you recommend plz? Thanks in advance

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I did already mention two in the above video and I also provided a link in the description box to another video where I talked about those to plus two others. Please go check that out

[@gailhonadle5182]

Can you use Amber jars? Amazon has a 6 pack for about $30 with tax on Prime.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, you can, they are spendy and I do have a few only because I got them for 1/3 that price. But you can also just use curtains or boxes

[@gailhonadle5182]

@@RainCountryHomestead I was looking more at the size, for flour, oats, cornmeal, as none have a great shelf life, there are just 2 of us, I to oven can. And I'm the only 1 who takes these food shortages seriously. He will just have to learn to live without Junk Food and kiddie cereal. He's never gone hungry unless he's fasting for a med test. Or on extended Watch. 20 yrs USN. It drives me up the wall, whiney women complaining they can't afford junk, trips, for their kids but won't give up unnecessary luxuries. My youngest's wife is like that, has to eat out, Starbucks, both smoke, over buy toys, fancy parties for a 4 yr old is dumb, have $1,000 phones, not a saved dime to their names. They got every Stimulus as they have a 4 yr old, we got 1. Used it to restart canning, garden. I'm reading those Great Depression signs, my granny lived through, raised 8 kids, worked in a shirt factory, made plain quilts from the scraps, flour sack shirts, and bloomers for 6 girls 2 boys, since they had a small farm they faired better than many. Grand dad had Black Lung. He complains I'll be 82 in July, well I'm 74 in Aug. So we do slow, ache, hurt, but it gets done. He doesn't need cable TV either. I made every candy, cookie, or used rummage sales for clothes. Priorities.

[@Souperat60]

Hi Heidi. I have an inexpensive Presto. One setting. I worry about that, heats from bottom. That’s what scares me about doing eggs. It was given to me. Do you recommend one brand on top of another? I have plastic trays and I do not know the temp that’s already set.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

For the eggs especially, I am really liking my Cosori for that

[@flgming]

My first dehydrator is the Presto basic model with only on or off (control by plug in). I was so excited when I scored it form a thrift store. I used it to dehydrate tomatoes, it did a good job. I did a search from Presto website when I heard that we should use low temperature for drying herb and found out the temperature was set to 160 F.

[@flgming]

For drying herbs, I found out a very good method from April of She is off the woods. Using the dehumidifier. I didn't create the dehydrate tent as she did but I lay the herbs out in the basement on screens bcause I have to run the dehumidifier 24/7 during the Summer. All herbs including chamomile dried so well and most of them retain their color. Some herbs willl be crispy but most of them are still bendable but are totoally dried. This method saves me a lot of electricity cost and avoid additional loud noisy from the dehydrator.

[@sherlynpatterson4304]

I bought some yellow Maseca for making tortillas. When I opened the package the corn meal was very moist compared to regular yellow corn meal. Is this normal? What is the best way to store it? Wasn't sure on how to store it so no mold would grow so I put it in the freezer.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It does sound odd that it is moist, at least to me. If you do not want to keep it in the freezer, consider drying it in the oven on cookie sheets or on a dehydrator. Of course if you have a 50 pound bag, that would be a lot to take care of

[@sherlynpatterson4304]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you. Only bought a small bag to make sure I like this type corn meal. Making flat bread and tortillas are new for me. Usually I just make fruit breads. The future will provide a lot of baking challenges.

[@lisamcaulay5847]

Can you use cheese cloth in the dehydrator?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes

[@jbrand255]

I'm looking at replacing my dehydrator, I saw in a review of the Cosori that the door is made of ABS plastic. Since you have one, is this true and what is your experience/thoughts on that?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Only the frame that holds the glass front in place (yes, it is glass) is plastic plus the handles on the outside of the dehydrator.

[@jbrand255]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you!

[@mandatereporter7928]

What is the best sugar for the body?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It depends on how you plan on using it. Usually just for consuming in foods, any natural, non GMO sugar with a high mineral content is best and also raw honey or real maple syrup. Molasses is also very good as it is very high in minerals. However, for fermenting, high mineral sugars are not good to use

[@joycewedel9084]

Do you keep your homemade vinegar in the refrigerator when it's done? Mine keeps turning into wine either way. Grrrr. Hahaha

[@RainCountryHomestead]

If it is at the wine stage, that means it is only half way done. Wine is the first step, _then_ vinegar. Here is my video on vinegar storage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJLEhHyYbb2Ma80

[@joycewedel9084]

Ty so much.

[@mandatereporter7928]

Just Hypothetically speaking if a person wasn’t able to get medical care at a hospital or doctor’s office and they had a stroke what would be the best homemade are over-the-counter medicine and helping that person besides God the creator

[@RainCountryHomestead]

That is not something I have looked into at this time so I cannot say.

[@wtexasdanielle4266]

??WHERE ARE THE SILICONE TRAYS MADE??? I don't buy things made in China...got my dehydrator to make jerky. Starting to dehydrate frozen mixed veggies, fresh strawberries 🍓 & fresh mushrooms 🍄. Also just started canning again.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I could not find where they are made. The thing is, it is virtually impossible to find many things that are 100% made in the USA. Though I agree with doing all we can to support our own country, you may be down to making things yourself from locally sources product. Even the "US made" Excalibur is NOT 100% US made as parts of it are made in China

[@sandrabrown9173]

Can i use my oven for these 16:18

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Your oven will work for many things but I do not recommend using it for delicate herbs as you cannot get the heat low enough

[@justaddlivingwater]

Anyone know what I can eat for exhaustion, I have a Horrible bone disease, (osteochronosis) immune disorder supposedly, just wondering if anyone or Heidi if you know what I can take herbally that would help me, I don't know how much time I have left & the pain gets worse everyday, I was just wondering..ty my disease. Also having a EpicfarmhouseEstateSale if anyone like Antiques & Housewares ect. From Tn & Around the world .

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Do you know if adding more minerals is helpful at all for that?

[@kingscairn]

I use the parchment paper - until I can't 🥴

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Any idea how long that is for you on average? Three uses? Four?

[@debkincaid2891]

QUESTION: I have an old 4-tray Excaliber that I cannot find silicone tray liners for due to its unusual (discontinued?) size of tray: 11-1/2 x 11-1/2 square. Does anyone here know of a source?

[@debkincaid2891]

Forgot to make clear: looking for ones with upturned edges in order to dry liquids.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

The ones for the Cosori may work but I do not recall the exact measurements, they are rectangular though and yes, they are edged. Please check out the links in the description box just below the video

[@debkincaid2891]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thanks, I'll check it out.

[@thrumylens1]

Hi...I bought rectangular size sheets and cut them do to the size I need...I also pinched the corners and pinned them with a paper clip to bring up the sides to use for liquids and to put them on the silicon tray....

[@debkincaid2891]

@@thrumylens1 Thanks!

[@witcherwoo8938]

Eidi, i dehydrated peppermint and lemon balm at 35c but it came out burnt...any ideas?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

How long did you allow it to run?