New Dehydrator

[frustratedearthmother]

I've only used the new Excalibur once - so not a lot of experience to draw on. But - at this point I'm pleased with it. I had a Nesco round one - several of them over the years, lol. Mine had the heating element and fan on top. It did a great job it - I just got tired of replacing it every couple of years.

 

[Manda_Rae]

what brand/size dehydrator did you get?

I got it on Amazon.

VIVOHOME Electric 400W 8 Trays Food Dehydrator​

 

[Manda_Rae]

we use our dehydrator alot!

okra has been really great for soups and stews. i just throw it in while the pot is boiling.


we dehydrate alot of herbs as well and onions. once the onions are dehydrated i run them threw a blender and mince them down to a chunky powder of sorts. its great in everything. really sweet.


an 8oz jar if chicken, some rice, dehydrated vegetables and a little bouillon cube and you got "sketchy stew". my kids love it! i got the idea for an okra stew recipe i found in an old canning book.

That sounds good!

 

[Mini Horses]

I have an old Nesco....round, stacked trays, heat element on bottom. Ok, $8 at Habitat about 3 yr ago. 😁. Works fine. BUT there's the move trays, remove dried pieces, leave others to finish, etc, babysitting part.

Those with modern....does this become more uniform drying??? Of course, the higher wattages help. Fan circulate, etc. What say you before I spend precious $$....😊👍

 

[Trying2keepitReal]

I just got a New dehydrator!🥳
Does anyone have any tips?
Where should I start?
What's the easiest thing to start with? 😁

what brand/size dehydrator did you get?

 

[Manda_Rae]

Start with what you have available and what you like.
Dried fruits are easy, get some firm crunchy apples, kiwi, or strawberries are easy first attempts. And easy to taste test. 😀

Jerky is awesome, but can be intimidating to start with.

Stuff like onions, herbs, etc are easy too, just do them outside of the main living space, if possible. Lol.

Did your unit come with a recipe book? Sometimes I find something unique to attempt.

It came with a small recipe book I also got a book. I also joined a few FB groups.

I am really excited about making my own onion & garlic powder.

 

[Manda_Rae]

For me - the absolute easiest thing to start with is frozen veggies from the store. They don't have to be cut or blanched because it's already done. It saves me tons of time!

I recently bought 50# of onions and a lot of them were dehydrated.

I also do okra from the garden - it's delicious! Dehydrated corn is quite a tasty snack, lol.

Homemade jerky is delicious and rewarding, but like FJ said is a bit imtimidating the first time. Try it - if you don't like it the dog probably will, lol.

I do want to work my way to jerky and fruit leather stripes.

I would also like to figure out eggs too.

 

[Okiepan]

JERKY !!!!!!!

 

[Manda_Rae]

JERKY !!!!!!!

I have elk meat in the freezer.