Beginner's Guide to Dehydrating: How to use your new dehydrator!

Dehydrating food is so easy to do, but can be daunting if you're just starting, so this video will help you walk through the process of getting started dehydrating food for long-term storage for your pantry!
📍 LINKS MENTIONED
MAGNET / STICKER: shop.thepurposefulpantry.com/...
LEARN TO DEHYDRATE SERIES: • INTRODUCING DRYCEMBER:...
COSORI DEHYDRATOR for $128.99: USE CODE TPP and this link: sl.vesync.com/Bq7trp
HOW TO PICK A DEHYDRATOR: www.thepurposefulpantry.com/t...
📖 My Books
*NEW* DEHYDRATING BASICS & JOURNAL
All the info you need to learn to dehydrate - plus keep an ongoing record of all of your projects!
shop.thepurposefulpantry.com
BEGINNER'S DEHYDRATING TOOLBOX: shop.thepurposefulpantry.com/...
30-DAY PANTRY CHALLENGE
shop.thepurposefulpantry.com/...
🧰Tools I Use & Recommend🧰
🛒 Shop for everything here: www.amazon.com/shop/thepurpos...
Cosori Dehydrator with coupon codes! thepurposefulpantry.com/cosori
Excalibur Dehydrator: amzn.to/2X4q8N5
Sahara Folding Dehydrator: brodandtaylor.com/darcy-baldwin
Nutri-Ninja to grind powders: amzn.to/325OYOo
Vacuum Sealer: amzn.to/3Lhmbzs
Wide Mouth & Regular Mouth jar attachments: amzn.to/2Ie2zOu
Handheld Vacuum Sealer amzn.to/3cJ1WYK
For Jar Lids: forjars.co?sca_ref=1912723.5vNLp0drZl Use Code PANTRY10 for an extra 10% off any purchase
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer: affiliates.harvestright.com/4...
GreenStalk Garden Tower: lddy.no/1fw97 Use code PANTRY10 to get $10 off $75 purchase
👀 To see more of the tools I love, check out my Amazon Store!
www.amazon.com/shop/thepurpos...
👕 MY T-SHIRTS & MORE ☕
Canning Shirts @ Amazon: amzn.to/2JyY0gl
Canning Shirts, mugs, and more @ TeePublic: www.teepublic.com/user/thepur...
Dehydrating Shirts: amzn.to/34gg1t0
CONNECT WITH ME
💻 Blog: thepurposefulpantry.com
📌 Pinterest: / thepurposefulpantry
📸 Instagram: / thepurposefulpantry
👍🏼 Dehydrating Tips & Tricks Facebook: / dehydratingtipsandtricks
💌Email: [e-mail]
✉ Join my newsletter: www.thepurposefulpantry.com/l...
📫 MAILING ADDRESS: I love letters and will always write back!
The Purposeful Pantry • P.O. Box 125 • Allen, TX 75013
I am an Amazon Associate member which means that I may receive a small commission on a purchase made through these links, at no cost to you.
TIMESTAMPS

[@lindahamilton3520]

I am 71 years old and never dehydrated anything! You have taught me so much and I am so appreciative. Thank you

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome! Hope you'll give it a try soon!

[@fineassamyfresh2387]

This makes my heart happy! Very happy for you 😊

[@debbiemusgrove676]

Once it is dehydrated and cured can you fill the jar to the top?

[@julied6322]

It is because of you that I invested in a dehydrator and I'm loving it! We go to a food pantry at least once a month and there's always lots and lots of vegetables and fruit. We wouldn't get very much because we couldn't eat that much before it went bad. The food bank workers were always encouraging us to take more but there's no way we could use it all. But now I have a dehydrator I can dry all the extra to have this coming winter. I also made a super greens powder per your suggestions which our sons will use in their smoothies. I also made beef jerky, celery powder, tomato powder, apple rings, dried strawberries, and dried summer squash. Next will be watermelon jerky. Thank you so much for all of your information.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're welcome!!!!! I'm so glad you're able to have such success with it!

[@Deauxneal]

Same. I got her handy magnet too, it has been so convient and saved me so much time from looking it up or having a paper taped to the side looking all tacky.

[@peggygreenhill494]

Loving my dehydrating adventures. You are a wonderful teacher!! Just made raisin they are awesome.

[@cynforrest]

@Julie D - yup, ditto. Im a Darci fan as well. Learning lots from this clever lady.

[@onmyway7363]

I've done mixed veggies Green beans Watermelon 🍉 Mushrooms Muskmelon Jalapeños Orange 🍊 mint Stevia Bananas 🍌 Blueberrys Strawberries 🍓 Broccoli 🥦 Squash Having a ball

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

So glad you're enjoying it!

[@paisley1134]

I am saving for a cosori! I want one so badly. I have none. I had a dehydrator a cheapish old one but I have it to my son because he did not have one and my son's both grow big gardens, fish and one hunts, the other does not have the heart to kill a animal.😀 So the son that doesn't hunt bought a nice one. The other son that hunts has 4 kids so it's harder for him. So I gave him mine. Now I am saving for a dehydrator. Hopefully I find a real good sale.

[@splanzer]

I love your content. Thank you!!

[@flowercats8106]

I love my Corsori. I use it all the time! I never used my manual - I immediately found you! 😊

[@cindychalfant5999]

I pulled out my nesco 7 tray dehydrater, I did vidalia onions rings!! So I can put in a salad or cheeseburger! Yum!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sounds great!

[@anthonymanz9355]

Great vid im hooked

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

I am learning so much, thank you.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're very welcome! Let me know if you have other questions!

[@GEOCAHEPUNA]

Are you a Master Food Preserver? I have dried and powdered carrots and mushrooms. Im doing pickles I made last week. I plan on drying and powdering all vegetables and sell. We have a homemade cottage law here. Thank you for the inspiring ideas.

[@reneegriffith2375]

Got my new dehydrator today, came on here to remember what to do. Got it cleaned. Waiting for my mesh sheets and silicone sheets to come tomorrow, then will be doing some frozen veggies.

[@janlovell809]

You are the queen of dehydrating! I learn so much from you every time I listen to your tutorials. Thanks so much.

[@sal4gal]

Amazing video, thank you so much! I have been using an old round one that is 15 years old. It has served its purpose but it does not have adjustable time or temp, just on or off 😂. I just ordered the Cosori and your video is fantastic! Thank you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That is awesome! Enjoy using it!

[@marygallagher3428]

Great introduction to dehydrating :-)

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@helenjones4550]

I’ve been dehydrating for 30+ years. Super investment. I can and freeze less food, never have vegetable waste. Just finished dehydrating mushrooms that were at a great sale price. Highly recommend choose a model that will meet you needs.

[@esemmanuel6603]

Sounds like you should start your own video. What about using a vacuum sealer, do you still need to put it in a jar then switch to another one in 7 days ? I’ve never heard that before, but I’ve also never seen anyone can without a vacuum seal ….. ?!

[@eileenknoblock9626]

Thank you so much! I've been binge watching your videos and ordered a dehydrator that is suppose to arrive tomorrow. You break everything down and make it less intimidating! I ordered a bundle from your website and can't wait to get started!

[@JoAnnCarpenter815]

Thanks so much for showing us what to do, I always learn more when being shown what to do. I can always refer to your video later on!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Charlie_Kelly666]

I just bought some silicone fruit roll trays on Amazon. Works great

[@Gogrannygo55]

I had no idea I could take frozen veggies 🥗 veggies 🥕 and dehydrate them. I am dehydrating now. Thank you so much!!

[@LisaJButler]

Darcy, I can't thank you enough for your fantastic and educational videos! I'd never considered dehydration before stumbling across The Purposeful Pantry. I've now bought a Devanti 6 tray (same as your Cosori but in Australia) and I love it! I'm loving dehydrating and storing food and I'm learning so much from you. I also get your wonderfully informative newsletter. You are so inspiring. Thank you! 😊

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm so glad it's helping, Lisa!!! Happy Dehydrating!

[@PrettyAliceNight]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I’m saving up for a dehydrator and am super excited to finally get it!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@luvelyjay]

New subbie! Thank you so much for the code! Great saving!

[@terrilew5350]

I love the way you explain everything, thanks

[@elizabethhendriks9030]

thank you so much for this video. I am a new subscriber. Have had my dehydrator for months and was hesitant to start as I didn’t know much about it. Bought a book, but you have made this so straightforward I really appreciate it!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You've got this!

[@lisamarr9116]

Ohhhh!! I am saving up for a cosori!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

This works for ANY dehydrator - not just for Cosori.

[@GinnyGrubb-le7qb]

I love mine. I am 70 and just started hydrating. Had such good crops in garden this year.

[@stylingsa7954]

You are wonderful 🌷 such a joy to watch, so helpful, true expert tips

[@fellicialubisi8461]

Thank You so much for making such important videos they are so helpful 😊

[@louisianacooker321]

Thanks for the link and the code. I just ordered this dehydrator and hope to free up some freezer space.

[@eclecticbasil]

Love your channel. I appreciate all your knowledge. Just got the Cosori based on a video you did and getting ready to do ground beef!

[@beckysteinmiller338]

Great information, thank you!!

[@ginaperez9793]

Thank you for such informative recipes. Love how she explains everything!

[@sandydickinson6193]

Simple and comprehensive. Thank you. 😊

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susantelchik5986]

I love all your videos! Thank you! I have shared with several of my friends.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm glad you're finding them helpful!

[@lindaw2418]

Your videos are very Thorough and I love that you give us information from trial and error and that you like feedback because we’re all on the learning curve and more heads are better than one but I appreciate your videos very much I’m going to buy this one to start with thank you.

[@andreav2125]

Appreciate the magnet, Darcy! Just got one from you to go with my new Cosori mini. Learning a lot from your channel. 🙂

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm glad you find it helpful!

[@msclnelson]

I love how you are the real truth and direct. I am new to this and appreciate this so much!!!

[@amerruru2443]

Thank you so much 🌻

[@Tattiepoo1]

I have the cosori. I love it

[@elsie9649]

Thank you, I just got my cosori dehydrator. So happy I found your site.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

WOOHOO! Have fun!

[@aktudors]

Another great informative video Darcy. Thank you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BrendaBodwin]

I really love my Cosori. 😁👍🏻 I use that white tray as a catch as well. I purchased 6 extra mesh sheets and 3 silicone liquid or fruit leather trays with nine.

[@user-xs8tn4xe1o]

Just rec’d my hydrator. I’m looking forward to using it, love your tutorial! Thank you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Have fun! I'm glad you found this useful!

[@pamelapulsifer332]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial. I look forward to viewing all of your videos. My question is this: I just purchased a large bag of frozen veggies from Costco that included mushrooms. So I need to separate those mushrooms out and dehydrate them on their own? Can you dehydrate frozen & fresh mushrooms together? I appreciate your expertise.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Nope - those will be fine.

[@GinnyGrubb-le7qb]

I dried Thai chili peppers, jalapeños and tomatoes so far. Ten pounds of potatoes going in today.

[@lorrainegodwin3885]

Yes i just got one second hand im learning from you so much thanks i had no clue

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Have fun with it!

[@fineassamyfresh2387]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! just placed my order. I am so excited that you still have the discount code!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@fineassamyfresh2387]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks! I am sure that I will. I don't want the stuff from the garden to go to waste and I also want to dehydrate the frozen veg like you show on your channel. :)

[@grungejournals7800]

Thankyou . Very helpful video

[@deborahrusignuolo7612]

Thank you for the great information. I am new to all this and I just got my first dehydrator. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@wilderness1969]

Thank you, great video!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you liked it!

[@mollymouseketeer]

I did! :D Thanks Darcy!!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

WOOHOO! I can't wait to hear about your first project!

[@jill1097]

Thank you for the tip about conditioning!! I was concerned that maybe moisture was left and I wouldn't catch it.

[@nside411]

Thank you for all your videos. I just ordered my Cosori 10 tray and am excited to get started. I have used smaller stackable dehydrators as well as the oven but this is my first cabinet... I must say even with some experience this channel has been fantastic. Thank you and yes I have subscribed 😊

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hope you have fun with it!

[@reneegriffith2375]

I have been wanting a different dehydrator and just ordered this one using your code. I can't wait to get it. I have a Nesco and it is not my favorite, it is the round one with plastic trays. And has heat control. I will use it if needed.

[@tarcarius3313]

Thank you for your in kitchen, real time explanations. I always find it much easier to follow the examples of people rather than learn from basic instructions. I don't have much experience and your videos are perfect. I also think my times vary because I live in a mid-high humidity area, also it might also depend on you altitude. I hope you have a great day!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Altitude really doesn't affect drying times (but it does for canning). It's humidity that's the issue - no matter what altitude you are at.

[@SkylarWhitmire]

This is a great video.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you think so!

[@JFullerTruth]

Thanks!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're welcome -- and thank YOU!

[@elizabethsteen581]

I bought this dehydrator with some accessories on Nov 2 of last year because I found you, but I have NEVER used it! I am so glad you are doing this video, lol!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Then let me encourage you to get it out now! Look up some things to dry - and get busy!

[@JustCookIt813]

I dehydrated marshmellows for my first time. Then went to frozen lima beans,. Once I started, I am looking for ideas to dehydrate. I have a Cosori and love it.

[@desireepritchard7763]

Thank you so much for this! I am a 2nd year gardener and my goal this year is to preserve. I have been watching your videos for quite some time... turning my "waiting room into a classroom" (thanks Jess Sowards at roots and refuge farm!!). I have had my cosori from your Amazon recommendations in my cart for about 6 months... finally pulled the trigger yesterday with prime days!! 💜🙃 I also ordered a new mandolin (with gloves!! Lol). Thank you SO MUCH for all of your information. I appreciate you!! 💜💜

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm so glad this has been helpful for you, Desiree!! That's my goal - so that we all learn from each other!

[@brendacosby2186]

So excited, just ordered my Cosori Dehydrator today! Saw your videos a couple of years ago and was hesitant about what kind to purchase but, with all that’s going on now with the economy, I am going for it. Thank you for your step by step guide. Looking forward to filling our pantry.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Have fun!

[@onmyway7363]

Love my new Cosori. Having a ball with it. Broccoli 🥦is in there right now. Thank you for your shared info and tips! 🐞

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@jeannettejohnson6109]

I never thought about putting an extra tray with a silicone fruit leather sheet to catch the drips from fruit. Thank you.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep . I do it in my Excalibur, too, by placing a fruit leather sheet down on the bottom.

[@tinareaves958]

That is what I have. Went to market got lots of fresh veggies. Tomatoes going now. Ty for all info🙏

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome

[@tucker2074]

Amazing thankyou

[@rebeccasanford8607]

Hey Darcy! Great video. I’m thinking of getting a second Dehydrator. I have the Nesco. Looking at your comparison video again. I’m thinking about the Cossori. Thank you for all your education and information

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@peggygreenhill494]

I purchased a Cossori. Lovin it 🥰

[@allienoneya4257]

I have the same brand dehydrator…..6 shelf.. metal trays and plastic square mesh and plastic tray.I buy silicon sheets, the Teflon sheets go bad too quick if used often. I tend to dry on high temp for 2 hours to increase the drying process because it’s sooooo humid. Then I turn to lower temp.

[@EclectiquebyTerryLou]

Thanks to your instruction, I'm using my dehydrator for the first time since I bought it months ago, dehydrating frozen veggies I already had. 😁 I'll let you know how they turn out. 😁

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

YAY!!!!!!!!

[@OcalaBrew]

Our electric bill just more than doubled and so did the water bill. I have shut down all dehydrating for the summer. I guess I will set the AC at 80 now. This inflation is beginning to make us look like Venezuela. All meat has more than doubled. I am canning everything in my freezer and shutting it down, too. We seniors are getting hit so hard it’s very frightening. I hate to even think of what it will be like come winter. They aren’t even sending out income tax refunds - money they owe us. They say they will pay in October. Huh.

[@monicak100]

I dont believe a dehydrator draws anywhere near the amount of power as all those other appliances...low temos and just a fan

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

But collectively - higher air, more inside time when it's hot can run up energy costs and the dehydrator just adds to it, especially if you are in a small space and the heat from it adds to the immediate area heat you are in. I'm sorry @ocalabrew that you're in that position - I understand.

[@cinza6670]

@Grant Jones that’s how my grandmother did it. She would also string apples 🍎 and hang. Herbs 🌿 on screens. These dehydrating machines are a modern convenience. Use the summer heat to dehydrate . Good luck.

[@marygrott8095]

As someone who has never dehydrated anything and is expecting her dehydrator to be delivered today, this was very helpful! I really appreciate that you demonstrated with something simple, like frozen vegetables. That gives me an opportunity to try it out right away. I'm definitely going to check out your dehydrating series. Thanks so much, Darcy, and thank you also for responding so quickly to my email the other day. Very much appreciated!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@laurie9398]

Thank you. Learned several more tips for using my Cosori. Distinguishing between static electricity and moisture while conditioning concerns me.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Don't let it. If it shakes off easily - it's fine. If you have to work at it, dry some more.

[@iamaslavetonoman911]

Going to have a go at doing powders for long term use...iv kept everything basic up to now alot of trial and error got a few things right still need a little practice with others to get the textures right

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Powders are best for short-term as they begin to degrade faster than their whole-food counterparts. They clump, are exposed to more heat/light/moisture, and so are better stored whole and powdered as needed for 6-9 months.

[@iamaslavetonoman911]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you.for the directional information. Mushrooms and peppers I fail alot on

[@ask604]

Best investment for me was ordering your Dehydrating Temps Magnet. Excellent handy dandy temp. chart

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Awesome, thank you!

[@msdony308]

thats the one I got just last month. I bought the deal online 10 mesh sheets for $28. Cut to size & they worked great with no sticking so far. Not much in the manual, I watch you & others online. I'm also vacuum sealing but not luck yet using the optional bought jar sealer tops. . tried the double lid thing but still no luck vac sealing my jars.

[@madelinehall8944]

I invested in a vacuum chamber. It works on a lot of different jars.

[@charlenereed7813]

Thank you always wondered now I do not have too.

[@lindagordon9212]

I do WB and PC as well as dehydrating (have done fruits, veggies, jerky) but want to get into more dehydrating this year. What are your feelings on moisture absorbers in with the final storage containers? I usually put a 5 gram Dry Dry Silica Gel Desiccant pack in my pint or quart jars just as an extra safety measure.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's fine.

[@curtisep5885]

Just got my new one. Banana chips & mushrooms turned out great so far. Want to do peaches but am afraid. They are so juicy & sweet. Don't want a mess.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Don't be - they don't drip a lot if they aren't frozen, and you can always place a protective sheet on the bottom of your machine if you have a cabinet style.

[@yardenrice]

Thank you for all the information you freely share with us on KZbin. I really appreciate you and your channel! I have a question... I have dehydrated yellow squash in thin slices on my mandolin... 131 for almost 48 hours... The larger slices that have more seeds are papery but don't snap in half. The only ones that snap in half are the smaller pieces. All the larger ones bend like paper but seem completely dry. Are they done? I'm saving for winter usage in soups. I do live in a very humid environment so I want to be sure they're completely done ❤

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Did you allow them to cool before testing? They should break easily. I can't imagine them not being one in 48 hrs, but th seed center may change the texture if they are extremely large squash.

[@yardenrice]

@@ThePurposefulPantry yes ma'am, I allowed to cool before testing... I can tear them apart, they just bend like paper and do not "snap"

[@Elaine-hq8uu]

We’ll I did it. I invested in a dehydrator and followed your simple set up instructions I did a batch of zucchini chips. They are so good. Experimented with the seasonings. They took 9 hours in NJ humidity. I’m very excited for the tomatoes. Can I use Parmesan cheese in the tomatoes for 6 mos storage? Thank you so much.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I wouldn't use them for storage, no. Even hard cheese can begin to turn rancid over time because of the fat content. You can use the cheese in a can instead of real cheese if you want storage.

[@dianatennant4346]

Thanks for doing this Darcy for us newbies. You happen to hit on my favorite vegetable combo to use. How well does it do to just refreshing and or rehydrate and then boil up like the regular vegetable bag. I know you said most did better in a casserole or something is that texture looks all of the above? The other one I like to use is a mixed vegetable combo with lima beans but I do like to use that in vegetable soup primarily I was wondering it just looks like the lima beans would take longer than the rest of the vegetables is that true or would any of those vegetables anything to harm the drying time I can get them all separately. Just closed on the house yesterday need to be out by the 19th of September so I figure before we get settled and before things start happening it will be about Christmas time I will be dehydrating and plan to do it and teach my granddaughters while I'm learning. Off on a New journey at 68 should be an interesting one

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It will be a personal preference about if you like it rehydrated and cooked -you'll have to try it out. The beans won't take that much longer - just dry everything together - save the separating time - you can't over dry. Congrats!

[@JennyPK]

Hi, thank you. Do you have a video on dehydrating fruit, especially mandarin , apples, pears, those sorts of fruit pls, for snacks.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

kzbin.info/aero/PL6ygl2lNPriNyzvPpgeU6TwDdrzU7_giL

[@hs2oca]

Hi Darcy! I am loving your videos. I ordered a Cosori yesterday. It’s due to arrive tomorrow. I was planning on setting it up on a hard plastic foldable table, like the ones you buy from Walmart. Is this something you would do? Is it wise? I mean, how hot do these units get on the outside?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's fine.

[@djsecAUS]

Thanks for great videos Darcy! And I love my temperature magnets- thank-you! One question I have- does dehydrating fresh versus frozen fruit & Veges make any difference to the nutritional content of the dehydrated end product?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Not really - most frozen food are frozen as soon as they are picked vs the things sitting there for a while in a grocery store waiting for someone to buy (and had been shipped across the country). Frozen is really convenient if you're trying to stock up quickly!

[@bbtipsyt]

Nice video god bless you

[@estherg7153]

Thank you so much for the tips and lessons you put out for people to learn how to dehydrate. I have a question, can liquid smoke be dehydrated to make into a powder form?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm sure you can - but I've never done it, so I don't know how it will taste (too smokey from how concentrated it gets?)

[@susananderson9619]

Oops,I'm watching this ,now, several days after I used my new dehydrator to do orange slices I sliced on a cheap mandoline type thingy. I did get silicone trays covers with mesh

[@eykane1]

Thank you for your videos! I received the 6 tray Cosori for Christmas and I'm excited to get started. When checking food before the time is up, do you have to press stop or can you just open the door to check consistency?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I just open the door. It gives you a few moments, but may reset after a time. I don't use the timer feature anyway - so it never bothers me. You can just glance before you open and reset the time if you need it or use a kitchen timer that will keep going. Dry things until they are dry - not by the timer ;)

[@lilac2484]

I just bought your dehydrating basics journal and found something to try soon. I would like to know what olives you used to dehydrate. Where they green or black. Thanks

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmjPXqGQfKhjhcUsi=HhecrmXP3dvk56r7

[@monicak100]

Done a bunch of veggies, including caramelized onions. When i convert the dried onions to powder should they go back into dehydrator? Would adding a little corn starch help with "flow"?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I use my oven since other things are always going in to dry - and there's less chance of blowoff - and I use arrowroot powder if needed instead of cornstarch.

[@cinza6670]

What is flow?

[@JustCookIt813]

Crazy question, can you use the oven liners made in silicone as the fruit leather sheets if you cut them down? I realize they will not have the edges. Thank you! Do you need to keep the other trays in the dehydrator if you are.using 2 or 3 trays? Thanks!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It depends on the liner. If it contains fiberglass - no. If it's pure silicone - yes. They don't need edges .

[@JustCookIt813]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you!

[@susanmurdock6956]

I am so very thankful for all of your videos but at this moment this one in particular because I’ve had the issue of not being done before I went to bed and I didn’t know what to do. I ended up leaving mine to go in the dehydrator knowing it was going to stop overnight so it just sat there until morning and I dealt with it then but I felt like that was the wrong way to do, it was it wrong?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's not optimal ;) , but occasionally things happen. You can always reset the timer before you go to bed to let it go.

[@susanmurdock6956]

@@ThePurposefulPantry I do like the idea of the fridge over night

[@catherinefinken2294]

Darcy, this is the Cosori model I bought and used for the first time today. I still have frozen mixed veggies drying, trying to determine if they are all really dry. My question has to do with the outside of the unit. Brand new, stainless steel, no dirt which I wiped with a damp sponge with water, nothing else. Now I have rust spots. I have never owned stainless steel and I’m lost. Every time I even touch the unit with a clean towel it leaves a streak. But, the rust spots…..is this normal? Should I be sending this back?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I would call them and ask them. Streaks are normal. I can't speak on the spot. But if you take a photo and contact them - they'll have info.

[@robroy5273]

Thanks for great info!. For campers on the road , carrying glass jars not practical. Do you have any recc for storing dehydrated foods in vacuum sealed plastic bags and what types of bags/ sealer do you use?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Vacuum seal bags are fine - mylar is better. I use from foodvacbags.com

[@bluebirdgramma6317]

I know this is a yr later, but my thought is just put your glass jars in an old sock, then pack them in with other groceries you carry in your motor home etc

[@etheldaher6234]

In my dehydrator book I saw where you can dehydrate ham and cooked hamburger. Have you ever tried this? Thanks. I’m back to dehydrating as I’ve can up all my jars and run out of space. Thanks

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can dehydrate it - but optimal storage will be in the freezer so as not to risk rancidity in the mats from the fats turning. I prefer to invest in freeze dried for proteins to avert that issue.

[@justwannasay5454]

Not all frozen vegetables are blanched. Azure Standard says it fresh freezes. So those you would have to blanch? I am having trouble getting organic, precut, frozen celery btw. Either its super popular or there is a shortage?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I've never seen frozen organic celery - so I'm not sure if you'll have to go to places like Whole Foods, etc. to get them. But I'm sure it's market driven. I'm not sure what Azure does to its foods before it freezes - not ALL veg need to be blanched before freezing, but most commercial companies blanch the ones that need it beforehand. I'm not at all familiar with Azure's processes for frozen foods.

[@andreapike5265]

I have my excalibur on a wood table and don't want the finish to be ruined. I have some oilcloth I've placed underneath it? Is that okay? You said not to place a towel... This is a bit different. Thanks.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's fine.

[@teresalangford5766]

Hi Darcy! I never realized to condition you should not remove the air when sealing your jar. Is this standard? I have always used my vacuum sealer and then checked every day for a week. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

[@teresalangford5766]

I see you answered this a little ways down the comments. Thanks for your wonderful videos!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep - that's the standard - just in a jar alone..nothing else.

[@ericaharris6897]

I got my cosori dehydrator today!!! It is so so very quiet! I'm so excited to start!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Have fun!

[@musicandbandlover]

Hello! This is so helpful! I hope you see my comment because I have a few questions. I am making dehydrated meals for a backpacking trip in one month. I don't have a vacuum sealer. I was planning on storing them in airtight glass jars for about 4 weeks, and then a few days before my trip, transferring to zip lock bags and the meals will be eaten within the week. Would that work or is that not a good method? I can also store things in the freezer. Thank you so much!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You don't need a vacuum sealer, but you may want to invest in mylar bags if you plan on continuing the journey. But yes, you can use zipper top bags (use double bagged freezer varieties) for your trip. You can store in the freezer, but there's no need to unless it contains proteins/fats.

[@musicandbandlover]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thank you very much!

[@esemmanuel6603]

@@musicandbandlover Have you thought about buying a break breeder ? Works even with no electric. I was wondering about the switching from one can to another, I’ve never seen anyone can without a sealer. I personally have a little $30 handheld sealer and it works great sealing Mylar bags to freeze. Has anyone here ever owned a Foodsaver, or another vacuum sealer ? I here that Foodsaver machines can be problematic, but they do have a 5 year warranty…… which food probably won’t exist in 5 years but a couple years would suffice. Any advice on that ……. ?

[@mamaserbabisa]

Hai - I just started to dehydrate veggies I live in Bali it's quite humid here, my intention is mostly for making healthy snacks for my son and I feel that my veggies shrinking so much 😢that It's hard to consume as snacks, so far broccoli is really good as snacks, do you have a link where I can learn how to make better snacks with dehydrator? Thank you

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That's what they do - you're removing the water, so the cells collapse. Do veggie chips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amemk3eZeJl3h7c

[@sarahh7770]

Just found this video. I received a magic mill MFD-5000 for Christmas. I am having the hardest time finding “recipes” for it. I have never had a dehydrator or used one, so I have no idea what to do, so this video was a blessing for sure. Min has this weird plastic/metal mesh tray and idk if I can use it as is or have to custom cut parchment paper for it. Do you have any recommendations for this? I really appreciate it!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Watch my channel for 'recipes' and yes, use some parchment on the rack to help stop sticking. You can use the rack as is, but parchment will help (I prefer dehydrating mesh, but use the parchment until you get further along). Also find more ways to use it here: www.thepurposefulpantry.com/

[@sarahh7770]

@@ThePurposefulPantry holy cow! Thank you for replying so quickly! I will definitely check out your other videos!! Thank you!!

[@karens3670]

I would like to dehydrate various herbs but we do not have a low setting for herbs on a dehydrator that was gifted to us. Is there a way around it so the herbs do not burn or do we just need to buy a different dehydrator? Thank you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hang them or buy a different dehydrator.

[@karentaylor6262]

They only need to be dehydrated at 100°. Try putting them on trays in your garage or even in an oven on low, maybe with the door ajar. In the summer you could even dehydrate them on the dashboard of your car! I just finished oregano dried in my garage.

[@madelinehall8944]

I have a gas oven. I dehydrate light herbs by spreading them out on trays in my oven with just the light on. Rosemary took the lonest time. Most dry over night.