The Art of Dehydrating Food

[@americaneden3090]

i truly enjoy learning from all u wonderful people including bexar prepper, lindas pantry, kneady homesteader, etc i really could go on and on wish yall were my neighbors

[@jodunlap2955]

I’ve got the same dehydrator rig, Katz. I bought mine used and it serves me well. I might look into a used chopper like the Wizard. Looks fantastic. Jo

[@deebeaulieu6595]

Thank you Katz, you've opened up my eyes to a better way to preserve. Thank you-Have a wonderful week!

[@susieq9186]

Katzcradul, you are my go to person and I can't tell you how much I appreciate the information you provide. I dehydrated green beans last night and did a test on rehydrating them today. I'll be doing some more for long term storage.

[@HaciendaHomestead]

I use mine with my home baked bread. I make croutons, bread cubes for stuffing, and grind down seasoned bread crumbs. I make a stove top copy cat and with the home made bread this also saves money like crazy.

[@orrisholt3715]

I'm so glad to see all the different things I can dehydrate or can. Blessings and Prosperity.

[@we2az1]

I love listening to you and learning new things. I could listen to you all day, you sound like home. PrepperA has a great teacher.

[@petz1235]

This video was a joy and a half to watch!! Please don't take offense, I mean the highest respect, but it was like sitting and listing to my grandmother telling me how to do things. I had a huge smile on my face the whole time. Please do keep up the good work.

[@tonicbabydriver]

You are my shero! I love watching along with your videos and experiences! We found a nice 9 tray excalibur 2900 on craigslist for 100 bucks this past weekend. It looked like it was not even used, so i got it home and washed up and have had it running for 24 hours! I just need a pressure cannner and some tattler lids, and im set for life. On the tattler site you can buy lids in bulk and save more. Thank you for everything you do, i dont have anyone to teach me these things!

[@hopelovefaith1321]

Hey Katz!! I've been interested in dehydrating foods for some time & this video of yours has really inspired me big time!!! 👍🏻👏 ( I also watched your jerky video) ....thanks for all the information Katz....you're such a great teacher & inspirer ( if that's a word? 🤔😄) Your dried goodies look amazing!!! Such a wonderful selection!....your family are very lucky to have such a resourceful mum...many thanks Katz !! 🤗

[@mariaheagerty3482]

Thank you so much for this video! I just started dehydrating this week and can't believe the things you can dehydrate! We have the same dehydrator as you and I bought it for my husband for jerky (your video as well :) I would like to start the meals in jars using my own dehydrated ingredients so I know exactly what I am feeding my family for the winter, when my job is crazy, and I can put it in the crockpot and know there are no chemicals in the dish.

[@BelovedLeah]

I had one of those Vidalia choppers, based on your recommendation, but broke the chopping grid wire on one of the "plates" chopping carrots and sweet potatoes. Then bought another one through Bed,Bath and Beyond, then another one called Genius chopper online. I thank you for your videos, I have learned so much and bought several kitchen helpers through your knowledge. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and tips & tricks.

[@katzcradul]

Sorry to hear about the equipment failure. I've been brutal with mine in chopping carrots and sweet potatoes and it's held up...for which I'm grateful.

[@Bigswtmomma1]

Thank you for making these type of videos. I have wanted certain foods in those times of the year that you cannot find or its too expensive. You have been a God send. This will save me so much money!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@timzwyf1965]

I love this video. I shared it with my husband, he didn't realize how much you can dehydrate. He asked if you'd be willing to share your eggplant dressing recipe. It looks like we are going to be getting lots of eggplant....finally! Keep making your great videos!

[@katzcradul]

Annette, thanks for you sweet message. PrepperA and I are LOVING summer vacation! The bees seem to be perfectly content with their new queen. We've watched them coming into the have for the last several evening, ladden with bright yellow and orange pollen...a very good thing.

[@Bsget2]

Love your video! I actually have an old ronco dehydrator. I have dried everything! Yankeeprepper sugested using parchment paper inside the vaccum bags and it works very well for those poky foods, most of the time!

[@katzcradul]

You are so fortunate to have that great machine. I'm glad you're going to start using it.

[@KarenAnn62]

Thank you for this video. I just got my dehydrator yesterday, and I went right out and bought tons of mushrooms! So they're in there now. But you have inspired me so much to do so much more! Again , thank you so much for this video and your time to make it for us. :)

[@BDMOutdoors]

Katzcradul, you have the best prepping and food storage vids. I've learned much from watching. Awesome vid on dehydrating. We do some foods like deer jerky and fresh garden spices but nothing at your level. Some really great ideas and I'll be giving several a try. All the best!

[@ramongonzalezgonzalez383]

I´m a newbie to dehydrating. Just bought a dehydrator and planning to do beef jerkey tomorrow. After seeing your video I am flipping at all the possibilities!

[@deekottal6907]

I have watched this video many times, I purchased a dehydrator, a Nesco, I am dehydrating Sage,Parsley and Italian Oregano as we speak.Going to purchase Ginger next,the Herbs came from my garden.Thank you for your vast knowledge, Prepper A is learning how to become a great cook.

[@yoopermary]

So inspiring! I just dehydrated something for the first time this week---sliced liver for my dog. Now I can't wait for spring when there'll be morel mushrooms and wild leeks to dehydrate, then early summer when my strawberries ripen and on and on...thanks for the ideas.

[@maybeeme220]

I'm so happy I seen this video. I been growing my own ginger root in a flower pot in my apartment. And want to dehydrate it. Now I have some idea of how it's done. Thank you Katz :)

[@AOTEOROA4066]

When I vacuumed them, I did it in a bag; however, I am awaiting the attachment for the food saver to be able to do jars and as soon as it arrives, I will trans to a jar and keep an eye on it. That is a great tip you gave me, thnx.

[@choward1115]

Hi Katz, whenever I see one of your videos come upI always watch... always!! I can’t figure out why you stopped doing/sharing your videos... you have the best contents! To each her own, mine is not to figure out why or when just going with the flow. You have a great day... I ❤️ you!!!

[@katzcradul]

Life got in the way and family came first. I hope to get back. Thanks for being so faithful.

[@katzcradul]

I use the jar attachment for my FoodSaver. I made a video demonstrating it. Most of the foods I store, do not necessarily have to be vacuum sealed, especially if I am going to use them withing 6 mo. - 1 year.

[@KayakFisher01]

The buzz at work last year was dehydrated yellow squash and zucchini. You eat them as you would potatoe chips. When you cut/dehydrate your onions, green onions and scallions, save the bottom with the roots. Plant them all back in the garden and they will grow more for you. As long as it has roots, it will grow again. Works great with the bunched green onions you buy in produce. Also, if you can't use those in time and they are going bad, just plant them. They will start growing again.

[@Hoovesandpaws61]

Great video. I love to see what others are doing. I have been dehydrating for several years now. I am amazed at how well the food turns out and it is easy! The food is easy to store. I have the chop wizard too. I bought it about 2 years ago wondering if the thing would work and it works great. It is a must for dehydrating carrots and potatoes. Thanks for sharing.

[@katzcradul]

Karen, you are so welcome. I'm excited for you! I think you're going to love your new dehydrator and all the wonderful food you're going to be able to store.

[@Dorrie519]

I have been dehydrating lots of citrus the last couple of weeks. Bought a tea blend from Teavanna that sells for $16.99 for two ounces. It has lots of citrus along with apple pieces. This makes such a wonderful tea. And it has convinced my sister (who lives with us along with her girls and my mother) of the value of the dehydrator!! Thanks again for your time!

[@katzcradul]

I wouldn't be without my dehydrator...love it!

[@adamesmercedes112]

I have been using your sock tip now forever thank you so much. I must do more dehydrating. I have so many cans of string beans and today I will tackle this as I need the space. THANK YOU for sharing. Mercedes

[@nagaempress]

Oh thank you! Wonderful timing for me! Im getting my first Dehydrator this week off the internet and I was wondering about this! tytytytytyty!!!!!!

[@reharlan]

I just found this channel and its very helpful for a first timer at dehydrating, THANK YOU. :)

[@DTyndale45]

This is so wonderful, can't wait to get my dehydrator out. Thank you for explaining also how you use it and how easy it is to rehydrate the produce!

[@katzcradul]

You are so welcome. Thank you for taking the time to watch.

[@callmecordelia1]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I've been dehydrating for years, but I learned a lot from your video. I'm going to try some frozen vegetables soon!

[@katzcradul]

I'm really glad that you like my videos. Yes, I blanch both the squash and the potatoes. I've never dehydrated lettuce. I don't believe it would work very well.

[@MsDancingNana]

Thanks Katcradul, I appreciate the help.

[@kevinmiller2305]

I am just getting started with dehydrating and I sure am glad I found your video, thank you so much and I really enjoyed watching

[@katzcradul]

Thanks, Dee. I love my dehydrated ginger. It's great in recipes, but I like it best in hot teas in the winter. I like Red Zinger with my ginger. PrepperA likes just a ginger and honey tea. She makes it herself. You're right...she is becoming a great cook. She is a great helper in the kitchen.

[@katzcradul]

I started with apples, bananas, and frozen mixed vegetables. Still three of my favorite foods to dehydrate.

[@timzwyf1965]

Thanks so much. I love all your videos! You inspired me to dig out the dehydrator and actually use it!

[@MsKibznBitz]

Great video! Thanks for sharing all your labors of love...I have dehydrated kale,chips ,cauliflower, cauliflower popcorn. Absolutely delicious. Who knew green beans would be so tasty dehydrated? thanks again. I'll be checking out your other vids. :)

[@katzcradul]

Oh, you bet, they dehydrate great. I just happen to have a huge stash of them that I purchased from the LDS cannery. If you're going to dry them, you might want to put the dehydrator in your garage, if possible, because the onion smell can get pretty intense in your house.

[@nancycoy9510]

very interesting I have just bought a dehydrater & love seeing all the things you have dehydrated!

[@katzcradul]

@milestogotilisleep You've got a good eye. I bought that long ago at an antique store. It is a beautiful piece of embroidery. I've used it a lot and it still looks beautiful. I'm a sucker for antique handwork. Thanks for watching.

[@TXSBLUEBONNET]

Thank you so very much for your very quick response! Love your videos!!!

[@NolaGB]

I love dehydrating!!! After the first time, I was hooked!! I probably need to find a Dehydrator's Antonymous group. :)

[@katzcradul]

It is kind of addicting! My favorite thing to dehydrate is pineapple slices. Delicious!

[@graceminifarm]

I have learned so much from you and imstillworkin...being a disabled vet and on a budget. I cant wait till I can get a vac sealer and jar sealer! I tried the ziplock bag pump but its worthless. Only been prepping for a couple of months but my wife is a coupon clipper and we are getting it a little at a time lol

[@spottedground]

I used to love my food dehydrator and unfortunately I am looking to replace my old one. I used to buy fresh pineapple from the store when it went on sale, and that would be my favorite snack. I want to thank you for the tip about trying dried green beans instead of chips. I've got a bad gallbladder, so things like that are perfect tips for me.

[@Lookingforblueskies1]

I can butter also and love it. Just thought of ease of carrying on camping trip, or even in a SHTF situation making powdered anything could be an awesome treat.

[@itstheblessing]

I see you are burning the midnight oil ! Same here . I am waxing cheese while watching your video's . Thanks for getting back to me so promptly. I think the frozen green beans would be best to dehydrate too . I hope everyone realizes just how very much you help us,and why. Bless your heart Katz.P.S Enjoy retirement from school . I know you are rolling up your sleeve's to prep and will be working hard to help all of us with your Video's . Thank's a million!

[@rhondalamastus8001]

Thanks katscradle. I dehydrated 2 years ago then stopped. I was very new to it. How do you know if you have done mushrooms right. I've had them stored in a glass mason jar I vacuumed sealed? Also how long do you cool stuff down? I'm always worried it will mold. Thanks for answering what may seem like dumb questions. I want to start again.

[@momtomtse]

Have you done a video of cooking with your dehydrated foods? I'd love to see one :) Those are some beautiful, full jars!

[@okstillhere]

thanks for this video I'm just learning to dehydrate and now I'm learning there are so many possibilities!

[@kskerrysmiles]

Thanks for all the great tips! I just received a dehydrator as a gift, & im so excited to start making healthy things!

[@lanaebarb5280]

What appliance did you use to powder the ginger! My coffee grinder broke and I can't figure what else would do the same job! Any suggestions will be aporeciated.

[@katzcradul]

A mini chopper does a pretty good job. Lots of time you can pick up a coffee grinder at yard sales fairly cheap.

[@edhunley]

Great video. Dehydration is wonderful. The other day I needed celery salt and was out of it. I just threw some of my dehydrated celery and some salt in my coffee grinder and it was better than anything you get in the spice aisle at the store.

[@dianna303]

i LOVE dehydrating foods i have been making my own tomato powder which i use often but mostly the fruit.. i have a 6 yr old grandson that always wants something sweet..i have found dried fruit to be perfect for him instead of candy..he even asked for his own dehydrator for his birthday

[@jimmy40290]

What great ideas. Your videos are the best. They always seem to make me hungry too.

[@betsyoman7173]

One thing you didn't mention is strawberries. Slice them and dry them. Keep them in a dark container, or wrap the jar to keep it dark. They are delicious and you'll want to hide them or they'll disappear. Dry fruit and veg at 130 degrees or less. I never treat my apples with lemon and they seem to stay about the same color as yours. It helps to get them on the dehydrator and going ASAP. I've done lots of dehydrating and taught classes.

[@paulettaconley7450]

I'm just starting out and found your video very helpful. you have a great helper too.

[@katzcradul]

@tech09201 I don't put an o2 absorber in my jar since I vacuum seal them, no air remains. I'll post a follow-up video tomorrow showing how I vacuum seal my jars.

[@lorilei73]

Glad I saw this..it inspired me to pull out my vidalia chopper and utilize a bunch of stuff that would have gone to waste in the fridge..Thanks! :)

[@jksatte]

I thought about that. I wonder if you could just use paper towels. Wrap the dehydrated food in them and store in mylar. Thanks for the video Katz. Always informative.

[@katzcradul]

No, I put them on mesh sheets that have smaller holes than the regular trays. They're available from one of my favorite companies, Pleasant Hill Grain. You can get 3 sheets for $8.95 plus shipping and handling. Hope this helps.

[@mylindagrim5982]

I'm not sure how it will work with dehydrating but with fresh potato hash browns if you precook the potato it won't turn grey. I usually just throw a few extras in when making bake potatoes and refrigerate til morning. Also there is no need to peel them first, just cut in half and start grading and the peel comes off in your hand.

[@Inga4020]

I never thought about dehydrating frozen veggies, what a wonderful idea katz. When you use frozen do you let them thaw and then put them in the dehyd.? Beautiful jars of homemade yumminess. Thank you for showing us all this it has made me want to get going again with my machine:)

[@katzcradul]

I do both. However, when I want the bright green color, and the fresh taste of cilantro, I use the frozen.

[@anniebsattic1]

Hey Katzcradul, I am waiting for my first dehydrator to arrive, and I was wondering if I don't have the fruit roll up, or the small holed sheet, if I could just use strips of parchment paper? I will see if my model offers those two sheets, but I won't have them when it comes. I don't garden, but I do buy the vegetables frozen, so I'd love to be able to especially dehydrate my mixed veggies. Thanks, for any help you can give me. You and your family do a great job!

[@penguinistas]

Thanks for the cost estimate of using the dehydrator. I'm got a 1,000 watt, 80 liter monster "commercial" dehydrator from Cabelas but was afraid that dehydrating was going to cost me (arm + leg). With electricity being about 7 cents per KWH, then running it for 10 hours would be 70 cents (no biggie). I appreciate the info.

[@Lookingforblueskies1]

BTW...thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate you more than words will ever convey! Take care!

[@Dorrie519]

that is a great idea! I have lots of plastic canvas!! I will be working with it tomorrow!! Thanks!

[@betsyoman7173]

Kristene H. mentioned dried things being expensive. The reason is when you take the water out, what's left is more expensive. A pound of fruit, which cost X price, dries into 2-4 ounces, which is the same price as the original pound. (Plus the cost of electricity.)

[@katzcradul]

Yes, I just wash out and re-use old jars. Many of my videos are very appropriate for beginners...in fact, I think most of them are. I'm thrilled to have a fan in Ireland. I've been there twice and if I could chose to live anywhere else in the world, Ireland would be it. I think it's the most beautiful place I've ever been. Thanks so much for commenting. I'll tell PrepperA.

[@ThoTrav]

I have an excalibur dehydrator I dont use, I think I will get it out and start dehydrating. thanks for the video!

[@BexarPrepper]

Love to look at the food that is stored. Great idea on the grapes. How do you treat your potato's mine always turn black so I just purchase dehydrated potato's in 50 lb bags but would love to see how to do them right! Blessings

[@shellyprice8488]

Just love your videos!! I have learned alot in the last 10 months from watching them. My questions is when you buy spices, such as chili power from Sams in the large plastic containers should I repackage those in jars and seal them with my foodsaver? I know plactic is porious and was wondering if putting them in glass jars would extend their shelf life? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all the "Baby Prepper" questions you get!!!

[@catching20]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do all the videos you do! Is there a general amount of dried food that would equal 1 cup of fresh?

[@GardenDavesProjects]

Thanks for your reply. I've managed to persuade everybody I know to save their old jars from the supermarket lol, and I plan to build a home made dehydrator so all I need now is to learn how to vacuum seal a jar lol. Thanks again, Dave :~)

[@ckynaston9774]

If you get a pump-n-seal you can suck out the air from any jar that has a gasket in the lid (rubber ring in the jar where it meets the lid)

[@katzcradul]

I'll try to make an eggplant dressing video when eggplant come in season. I'll have to think on it since I've never really used a 'recipe' to make it. I'll work on it. Thanks for watching my videos and for taking the time to comment.

[@allidock11]

This video is packed with great info, thank you!

[@mrgrivers1]

Loved your vid And I'm happy I found you. I recently purchased a four tray food dehydrator & jerky maker made by American Harvest it's a NESCO. I found it brand new still in the box at a Salvation Army Thrift store for $10 bucks. now since it only has one setting I am glade that I saw your vid on how to use a thermostat to make sure my meat reaches 165. Thanks you've given me plenty food for thought (pun intended)

[@katzcradul]

Thank you so much. Yes! It's the perfect solution to keeping dry spices fresh. Love hearing from "Baby Preppers."

[@DORYFY1968]

lady u r awesum,my son has always enjoyed making jerky of all kinds of meat n he does fruit for me ,now i can tell him ur great ideas on veggies as well ,thanx so much,u explain everything so well,im ur new subscriber now,peace

[@katzcradul]

You are SO welcome. Your comment made my day.

[@aftermidnite3956]

I had some plastic canvas that is used for crafts and made the screens for mine and for the small one my dear daughter brought with her when she moved in..they work wonderfully and the cost was 2/.89 I am looking into a more firm plastic type film and thing those plastic cutting boards will work the trick for the fruit /liquid trays ..

[@itstheblessing]

Kat , I love your video's . You and Prepper "A" do a great job ! Just a little hint , I find if I boil my potatoes a bit . Not cooked but just until they start to cook but are firm , they won't discolor when slicing or grating to dehydrate . Cool good first . A request for your jerky recipe please . Beef jerky ? I tried dehydrating the frozen mixed veggies and they turned out great . Thanks for all the info. you give .Bless you, L.

[@katzcradul]

@NORTHWOODSPREPPER1 That is correct within a cent or two...depending on where you live. Most folks suppose it costs much more. Thanks for watching.

[@katzcradul]

I blanch all vegetables except onions, garlic and mushrooms. You don't have to put salt and pepper in jerky, but I don't imagine it would taste very good.

[@djroselli6310]

My wife got a dehydrator today at a garage sale and we can't wait to start!

[@RichardCranium1976]

Really great videos. Very informative. Keep up the great work.

[@katzcradul]

@ssamorgan2044 Thanks for commenting. Our daughters definitely have something in common.. How old is your daughter?

[@katzcradul]

You're so welcome. Glad your finding information you can use.

[@gunsmithsc]

Hey Katzcradul I have dehydrated some mushrooms for storage. They did not come out looking like yours. Now I really dried them out. Can I dehydrate them too long? I was thinking the more water I get out of them the better?

[@sandy-mr5gj]

Katz, you have given us a wealth of no-nonsense nformation and I sure am missing you as I rewatch your videos tonight. Any plans of starting back up? I know you have stuff to share Hope you and family are well and happy.

[@billiecousin3555]

I have canned for over 40 years and love what you video. I watched the video where you received your vacuum sealing bags in the mail and promptly went to the sorbent system web page but was so overwhelmed by the variety of bags and other products they list I wasn't sure which one you ordered... the price was $86. Can you tell me which ones you ordered? I also regret all the olive and jelly jars I've thrown out over the years... I could have been using them while prepping. Thanks.

[@deekottal6907]

Good news they are now all on sale at Amazon I even ordered the Nesco Gardenmaster 1000 watt dehydrator plus two extra trays. Not 40 dollars for sure I recieved it today and it is sweet and larger than the picture on Amazon. Thanks for all your infomation contains a book of instructions, ordered the Oxygen sensor also.

[@KatNip2007]

I would love to see you do a series of videos on how to incorporated these many dehydrated foods into recipes...would you consider, doing so?

[@horticultureandhomes]

Yum! Nice to see your goodies! The taters may be shredded and placed in boiling water at once to cook through for a few minutes without becoming mush. Drain well and then proceed to the dehydrator. Shred in small batches of several cups and get cooking quickly is the real key or plunge in cold water and then on to the hot water. Hope this makes sense and brings success!