Make Broccoli Shelf-Stable by Dehydrating It! 🥦 And Don't Waste the Stem!! | Dehydrating Food

[@GrandmaChickens]

Truth in (your) advertising--I dehydrated some frozen broccoli and later added it to some alfredo. I was praised because "you know how much I love my broccoli," and was told how good it tasted. I later revealed that it was dehydrated...they couldn't believe how fresh it tasted! You are, by far, my favorite & most trusted go-to authority on dehydrating, so thanks!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it went over so well for you!!!

[@nvalles2565]

Quick tip: buying frozen eliminated the blanching process. I now buy many frozen veggies because it gets me to the dehydrator quick and all without making a bigger mess in the kitchen.

[@leonieduplessis4467]

But theirs frozen veggies like Broccoli,Cauliflower that reallly is not nice😉

[@TARDISJACKED]

I was hoping to find this answer as I have a lot of frozen broccoli.

[@cindyjohnson5242]

How does it taste ? Any bitterness etc?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

But not everyone has frozen - and if you're growing it you need to know how to preserve it. But yes, frozen is a great way to build it quickly.

[@marilynhumphreys4196]

@@ThePurposefulPantry My question is: I haven frozen broccoli, so I can dehydrate it and follow how you rehydrate it? I really appreciate the help. I'm hoping to buy more and dehydrate them.

[@JaneDoe42011]

I have a broccoli tip for you. I'm allergic to dairy so I like to cook my fresh broccoli by putting about a 1/4-1/2 of a cup of chicken broth in a pan, tossing the broccoli in & cooking the broccoli in that broth. It makes the broccoli buttery flavored & delicious without the butter. OH! I also slice the broccoli stems into rounds & cook them as well. I like the stems best.

[@gloriatwiggs467]

Thank you so much. I really only discovered UTUBE about a year ago. We grew 45 Broccoli plants last year and after the freezer was full we ate until we were full and gave to every neighbor who smiled at us. I will have to get Moisture absorbers because South Louisiana is very humid. I am learning so much from your channel. Thank you again.

[@karenabrams8986]

This is going to save me so much freezer space! Thank you.

[@AModernHomestead]

This is unbelievable... I dehydrate so many things and would NEVER have thought to dehydrate broccoli!! Thanks for the video!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Add more to that pantry of yours! ♥

[@MM-oc3sb]

Blanching is important to reduce goitrogens that are hard on the thyroid... especially if you eat it frequently. Same with cauliflower, kale, spinach, etc. Thank you for the detailed video 🤗

[@prole2554]

I've been dehydrating spinach and kale, but I did not know to blanch.

[@sharonsopczynski1192]

@@prole2554 I just run those under really hot water because it seems to bunch all up in a big ball of yuck if I blanch spinach every time

[@JaniceCrowell]

I didn’t know that. Thank you for this information.

[@cindypendleton7901]

Thank you for reminding those of us with hypothyroidism to blanch!!!

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

So does the 5G/wifi/"smart" devices. Constant radiation to the thyroid. Not good.

[@janicenatale6188]

Love your practical approach to telling us.. we all know how to wash vegetables lol so true.. ❤

[@petethemeat9010]

This is Mrs Pete. Love your videos very informative. Just a trick I started to use a salad spinner to get off the extra water since that is the goal of the dehydrator. 😜. Just something I found that works for me.

[@tonileigh8660]

I make a lot of broccoli soup. I put enough in a jar for one pot of soup,sometimes alone and sometimes with dehydrated carrots, celery, onions and garlic. I can what I grow, but sometimes, (not so much this year) my local Meijer has broccoli crowns for $1 and I grab at least 10 and dehydrate them.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Broccoli is one thing I finally added to my pantry. Mmm mmm. Love it.

[@lidip8700]

WoW, you're so thorough! A question would pop into my head and the very next sentence out of your mouth was always the answer!! I'm like, is she reading my mind??!! Lol This happened several times in the short video! You're a great teacher! God bless you Darcy!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@karenrivers3123]

I am glad to hear that you encourage people to use every bit and peace Americans waste and throughout a great deal of food that can be eaten.

[@bobleponge1301]

If people like the stem less crunchy, they can peel the exterior of the stem that is mainly CHITIN (hard coating).

[@karenz7059]

When cooking fresh broccoli, the outer of the stem rarely seems to cook good anyway. I think I would peel it for eating but then still keep the peelings for powder.

[@starlingmorris648]

Great tips! I recently dehydrated broccoli for the first time. But I was not prepared for the intense broccoli smell when I opened up the jar after conditioning.

[@MA-mh1vs]

A steamer insert works perfect for blanching and you can go larger amounts at a time. All you have to do is fill the bottom pan deeper and it will fill the steamer insert with water. Then you can lift the whole insert out when done.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Right -but I try to also show how to do it for those who don't have those tools ;)

[@samanthac3018]

Can I just say it's so enjoyable that you talk so fast . ❤

[@relaxlove.3678]

Yes! I wish I could speak so eloquently and quickly without stumbling.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You don't know how many hours I am editing to remove much of the stumbling I do so you don't have to hear it :D

[@JustCookIt813]

I remember taking the stems, stipping ybe outside and making circles or just strips for dipping. Never told people what they were, they are them. At end of gathering, told them. They were shocked

[@karenz7059]

I think the stalk taste very good..minus the hard outer "peeling".

[@judyfrett5246]

Darcy, thanks so much for doing this. I have started to use all the big leaves as well. I cut the ribs out, chop the leaves, and sauté as stir fry.

[@HeatherRose_]

No one in my family likes broccoli but since they are so healthy, I dehydrate frozen organic broccoli, powder it and make vitamin capsules out of it. 8 capsules make a full serving but we only take a few a day with our meals for that extra boost of nutrition.

[@prizzyhoney]

Didn’t know this was possible. TY

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You betcha !

[@lindakettner271]

I didn't know this either!!!! TY!

[@delene121]

you are becoming my favorite binge watch! I'm loving dehydrating my garden and now I'm doing frozen vegies also. Thank you Darcy for all your shared wisdom and information

[@LauraNielson-b3g]

I appreciate that you show it after it's rehydrated, and talk about what it's good for in cooking.

[@susanortoleva8193]

Just started dehydrating for backpacking and really enjoying your channel. Thanks

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Thanks for the focus on broccoli. I've thought about dehydrating it, but had questions both on the process and the re-hydration and use afterwards. You've clearly answered them. I'll be watching for the next sale. Looking forward to using them in salads and such. We eat a lot of steamed broccoli, so if I can get anywhere close to that texture, I'll be happy! Thank you.

[@brightantwerp]

Thank you for explaining so well and show the complete process and options.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@islandgal500]

Just started dehydrating and jar sealing, so appreciate all your information. I live alone so also like to use some smaller jars more often so I can nearly use the whole jar quicker by resealing it less often.

[@Denise_B17]

Wow! I didn’t know you could dehydrate broccoli. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us. I greatly appreciate it! I am going to try it.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hope you enjoy

[@Denise_B17]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you! And thank you for sharing this with us.

[@makeoversbymeme2077]

Me either ! There’s so much I don’t know 🤦🏾‍♀️ but I’m learning. I’m excited because my Dad is going to buy me a dehydrator 😀 he use to make deer jerky when I was younger. Ok, didn’t mean to overload you lol. Hope you grow something awesome

[@KKing55]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Do you vaccume seal your jars ??

[@elenavaccaro339]

I used to be able to buy the stems shredded, broccoli slaw. I can't have a garden right now, thinking about going to the Farmer's market to get some stalks... Thanks for showing this. Love your blue bowl!

[@cindyjohnson5242]

Good idea!

[@melinda6712]

Broccoli slaw is a great idea for DH and making powder. Thanks!

[@Vro-]

Good timing, my dehydrator is supposed to be delivered today! I think I'll try it on frozen since the blanching process is done (from what I've heard) and here the frozen is much cheaper than fresh at the moment.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep - commercially frozen foods are already completely ready for you to go dry!

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Blanching is done, but based on the frozen veg blends I've bought, the broccoli will have to be cut finer and stems sliced. Probably semi-frozen is the best time to do that. I need to experiment with it, myself to see if I need to thaw completely.

[@journeywithnichole]

You are my new favorite you tuber!! Thank you for your help.

[@Hail2MasterChief]

Game Changer!! Thanks I will be using this for stir fry!

[@michelemenard8364]

Thank you Darcy. I love your instructional videos they are always full in lots of great information and tips! The Blanching chart is great too!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome! Glad it's helpful!

[@DrValerie800]

A lot of people just don't get the whole blanching process. When I'm teaching a dehydrating class I show them what green beans look like with and without blanching. That's a real in-your-face difference, like with broccoli. When I ask them which jar they would pick, hands down it's always the blanched one.

[@LoLo995]

Love your videos! They are so informative and you get right to the point. Thank you for all you do ❤️❤️

[@JenB.188]

I'm going to pull out my dehydrator and do this.

[@kandi8640]

I like to peel the stems because I find them a little woody otherwise. My family uses them for soups.

[@tlcox3935]

Peeling the broccoli stem down to the 'heart' mellows the flavor.

[@sharonpayne8187]

i have the same chopper , love that it is safe and how it works

[@terryintintoli3749]

Thank you for showing the rehydrated part.

[@sandytmobile4467]

I thank you for your teaching, I was given a packed full bag of Broccoli and didn't want to can it because of mush and freezer has enough. It's one thing that doesn't grow well in Oregon so I want it on hand. Thanks for being out there in our needs.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@GimmeADream]

I have a couple trays of broccoli in the dehydrator following your method now. I'm going to do a couple trays of fiddleheads also using this method, simply because the machine is already on the go.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sounds great!

[@rosejafari8917]

Fiddleheads are cute.

[@angiehomeschoolmom3269]

When you make broccoli rice, do you peel the stalks first? I'm so sad I didn't know about using the stalk for that before now. What a great addition to rice recipes!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't - but I know that there are those who do, especially if they are older, tougher stalks.

[@angiehomeschoolmom3269]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks for your help and quick response. ☺️

[@thehazelnutspread]

I LOVE the before & after shots. I'll definitely be doing this on the 'stead.

[@karenreneelyles261]

Outstanding demonstration

[@TheMzTR]

Wow! Bc of ur great videos, I purchased a dehydrator. Tks for sharing this method with me

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Great 👍

[@cynforrest]

Hi Darci: Well I’m doin it. First batch in the Cosori. Five trays of Ménage a Trois and one of corn. Straight from grocers freezer. Lol. Set at 116 deg x 48 hours. Not sure about temp - forgot. Manual doesn’t say. 😢. Fingers crossed. Thanks for all you teach! Jars are in the d/washer. 👍♥️

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Veg 125 Fruit 135 There's a magnet for that :D :D :D :D

[@cynforrest]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thank you and I plan to get one!! ;-). Changed temp to 125

[@sandytmobile4467]

I dehydrate so much but broccoli wasn't on my list. I'm happy I watched to separate the dry stem from flower in jar's. I get a call from my food bank on food getting tossed to garbage so I take if I'm needing . I got two big boxes full of store broccoli to get done. Now freezer room. I have gone threw four dehydrator being it's always going. So if you can ask food banks to call before they toss.

[@kathiehacht9156]

Thank you it was an excellent presentation. Thank you for the info I’ve forgotten how long to blanch even though my Mon always blanched. Now I’m 73 and I just plain forgot.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's okay! It's not a deal breaker ;) Just rotate through it more quickly!

[@SmokeyMtnRobin]

I dehydrated frozen broccoli and vacuum sealed them in bags. I wasn't impressed with the outcome but will still use those. Going forward I will definitely be doing this method.

[@rosejafari8917]

The prefrozen are best for freeze drying.

[@abigailhumes4608]

Thank you so much! This is one I have never dehydrated.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denisefischer939]

Wow! Thanks for this, I just did a big bunch, can't wait to try it.

[@susananderson9619]

I'm using my first brand new dehydrator right now,since yesterday. I also bought a pack of silicone trays liners. I'm drying sugar dipped, on both sides, navel orange slices . It's been drying about 12 hours at 135 . Then I put temp to 145 for another 2 hours. They are still pliable and sticky. I'm going to keep dehydrator I guess

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

One project that isn't an easy drying project shouldn't make you wonder if you should keep it. The sugar is going to be hard to dry because as it is warm it's always going to be sticky. You need to get the orange dry, then let it cool and test.

[@sewnew1944]

Thank you so much for getting me excited about dehydrating again. I have 2 Ronco dehydrators for 50 years, and they still work. But I am looking into a Cosori to order soon. Do those plastic mesh come with the cosori or do we have to buy separately? I can't wait to get started again. Look out marshmallows, here I come.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You have to order. It only comes with 1. I recommend buying off brand sheets from Amazon as they are much less expensive.

[@alge3399]

I'm going to have to try this. I make pesto with basil leaves. My dad taught me years ago to add a tablespoon of baking powder to the boiling water when blanching. Keeps the leaves green through the processing step. Wonder if it will work with broccoli? Thanks for the video. Will try dehydrating beef too and make beef broccoli with oyster sauce. Just rehydrate add sauce and BAMM! 😅

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't think it's necessary - but yes, it can work.

[@SmokeyMtnRobin]

Side topic. Can spiralized zucchini be dehydrated? As a diabetic I substitute spiralized zucchini in place of spaghetti noodles.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes - look for my zucchini video

[@annettesanchez7062]

Thank you so much for this video this was wonderful

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@karenreneelyles261]

Do you have a video that describes how you prep the jars for use in dehydrating in accordance with safety protocols?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hot water and soap then dried thoroughly is all that is needed.

[@terridean4784]

My husband didn’t know you can eat broccoli stems until he married me. Now he prefers the stem to the flowers just like me.

[@virginiacurtis4431]

How are you preparing the stems to eat? Need ideas.

[@terridean4784]

@@virginiacurtis4431 steamed with the florets or roasted.

[@jackieperez9922]

Thanks Darcy. As always great information.

[@dianatennant4346]

Thank you for doing this by itself I was actually really looking forward to this one and enjoyed it immensely. I loved how you said about keeping the stems too I'm using them and some things that you could use them for I'm amazed at the number of people that actually just throw away all the stems

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I grew up never eating the stem!

[@rosejafari8917]

The stems are good for veggie sticks, salads. Just plain snacking.

[@janetdw]

@@ThePurposefulPantry my son will only eat stems - doesn’t like the texture of the florets

[@cindygere]

Love your videos, Darcy! Could you powder Broccoli to use in seasoning or with super greens?

[@rosejafari8917]

Of course. You can do wild greens also.

[@juliewebber2749]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

My pleasure!

[@lynnheasley7604]

Thank you so much. Really helpful and useful info.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're very welcome!

[@tannaphillips6840]

Ty!!! Very helpful !

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're welcome!

[@Cherbear609]

I love your videos; you always pack them with so much useful info. 🏆👏👏👏

[@lolareh8756]

Frozen broccoli is already blanched, and eliminates that step. If you hit a good sale, even better, as fresh broccoli is pretty pricey nowadays. Just a thought....

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Right - but this wasn't about teaching frozen broccoli - but fresh ;) Folks harvest broccoli from their gardens everyday.

[@lolareh8756]

@@ThePurposefulPantry ...and I loved the video. Didn't mean to take away from it. My "bad". 😊

[@marygallagher3428]

Thanks for the great demos Darcy!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

My pleasure!

[@micheleramge7519]

Should you vacuum seal the mason jars?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

If you want, but its not necessary.

[@mariahenschel2557]

Thank you so much! I Just love watching you! And learning!

[@citygirlhomestead]

I really need to try this thanks for the information very nice

[@OkieJammer2736]

Love this. Thank you.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@laurie9398]

Thank you for my next project!

[@11354mary]

TY for this info. I was "just" wondering about dehydrating Broccoli 🥦🤔 ty

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're welcome!

[@lisesheeba4156]

Thank you…appreciated all the tips…especialy how you store them

[@kathydavis3340]

Darcy could you do a video on using the oven to dehydrated since my aryfryer oven is to small

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

If you're oven is a convection oven, works just like your air fryer. I don't use my oven as it wastes so much energy to do it, and I can't make the quantities I need, but I did do a tip video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYakpYCMaNJjn9E

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

Can collard greens be dehydrated??

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Any dark leafy green can be

[@shawnplowman7924]

Thank you, very informative

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sandijammes7761]

Darci... a little off topic, but if you could direct me to a video for REhydrating shredded or sliced cheese, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Nope ;) I don't dehydrate cheese.

[@suereaume97]

Love this video. You don’t have to peel the stems? Some stems have a thick skin.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Nope - but if you want to it is fine to do

[@mariaowen3425]

Can you dehydrate radishes?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes - the tops as well! www.thepurposefulpantry.com/how-to-dehydrate-radishes/

[@S.Kay.Steffy]

Great and helpful video!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@feliciabrasuell1997]

Thanks for all you do for us. I received my book and most of the produce you use is fresh. Is frozen spinach, frozen cauliflower, ok to dehydrate. Also, I have a bunch of tomatoes I cut up and put in freezer. Will they be ok to dehydrate, and if so, do they need to thaw out first? THANKS

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes, it is! There are quite a few videos here of me doing frozen veg, and a section in the book about doing them ;)

[@feliciabrasuell9458]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you. Ok for the frozen tomatoes also and do they need to thaw first? Just want to make sure

[@sharonsopczynski1192]

I dehydrated everything on broccoli. I’ve made cream of broccoli soup and and to a mixture of other greens for capsules and smoothies

[@butterflystarwoman]

I can't wait to get started!

[@JanJacobs-xf1ob]

How long will these last in Mylar bags that are vacuum sealed with an oxygen absorber and a desiccant packet?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You don't use both desiccant packs and O2 absorbers. They last a couple of years....optimally - anything you might get after that is bonus.

[@clivemilner]

Frozen vegetables from supermarket 😋 should they be blanched or has supplier done that?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Already done

[@libertyliz4222]

Do you add a desiccant packet to the foods you've dehydrated (before vacuum sealing for storing)? I noticed some recommend using a desiccant pkg at the bottom of the jar and an oxygen absorber at the top of the jar, and am confused about the best way to store dehydrated foods. (Or should the dehydrated foods be placed in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers?🤦‍♀️) So much to learn. 😐

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

They aren't necessary if you dry properly, condition, and store in airtight containers of the right size. You can use them (don't use them together), but if you need something, use a moisture absorber .

[@JustCookIt813]

Love your knife, thinking of buying, hiw often do you need to sharpen it? Thanks Darcy!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I haven't sharpened it, yet, but it needs it. I've had it about a year, and it definitely needs some sharpening.

[@JustCookIt813]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thanks!

[@tessoxford5074]

Do you have a video on how to dehydrate eggs? And can you bake with them afterwards?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I've never had a video on how to dehydrate eggs - I don't do them and don't recommend it.

[@tessoxford5074]

Thank you

[@marymechler8451]

I have this same dehydrator! Saw your review on it as well. Love broccoli and will dehydate some as well. I did just dehydrate some strawberries, and I'm wondering how crisp they must be to store. Mine are still a bit pliable and I've dehydrated them for more than the required amount of time. What do you think, or how would you test that? Should I try to condition them? Thank you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Never go by the time. Go by if they are done. They should easily snap apart. If you're doing them for snacking only (to be eaten in a few days), it's not as important since it won't have time to mold. But for storage, dry until it's completely dry.

[@marymechler8451]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks. Back in they go!

[@grnddesign]

Can you marinade the broccoli in olive oil and onion and garlic powder and then dehydrate? Maybe also add some grated cheese?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

No - no oil for dehydrating

[@grnddesign]

@@ThePurposefulPantry is there a reason why? Will the veggies not get crisp?

[@pistachio57]

Very informative.

[@kimmies4582]

Question! Can you use an air fryer oven to dehydrate? thanks! Kim

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Depends on the air fryer - not all get low enough not to actually cook. And most don't give you the ability to do volume - but yes you can.

[@kimmies4582]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you!

[@sharrilswindle752]

have you done beets?? I love beets ,I wonder if they would dehydrate well n3ver done those

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

In things, but not as a side dish on their own.

[@theholleringhuffs]

Can you do this with cauliflower?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

yes

[@LeonaNicc-pn8yr]

Does frozen broccoli have to be blanched before dehydrating?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

As mentioned, you don't have to blanch frozen broccoli - it's already been done.

[@grlnexdoorable]

The second day I got my dehydrator I dehydrated 2 lb of Frozen broccoli. It filled a 1 qt jar.

[@tammy5590]

Do the jars need to be vacuumed seals?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Nope. It can be a helpful tool if you want to use it, but it's certainly not necessary.

[@tammy5590]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thank you.

[@lisabreeding1861]

Can you course chop the stems for slaw?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes