dehydrators ...
4 years ago
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Tomatoes sticking to dehydrator trays
Comments (12)I have found that if wetter items are sticking badly when done, it helps if you flip everything over about an hour or two into the drying. So as soon as the top of the tomato is a little dry to the touch, flip them over, and then continue the drying, that is what works for me. The top (now the bottom) forms a bit of a skin this way that doesn't seem to stick. Some people do mist the trays with "pam" or something like that. I find only the lightest of sprays is acceptable, as it can make the product feel a little oily when done. I prefer not to oil the trays, although I wouldn't rule it out if I needed too....See MoreSunflower seeds and food dehydrator
Comments (4)Makes sure to dehydrate your beef jerky at a minimum of 155F and store it in the fridge. Also, try to remove any fat before dehydrating as it can cause the jerky to get rancid. I've used mine for dehydrating many things... tomatoes garlic onions herbs bananas apples apricots venison jerky beef jerky goose jerky peppers zucchini chips fruit rollups I'm sure I am missing a few things I can't recall. I've had three of the Nesco model over the years but eventually the fan motor goes out. I have 12 racks now so can do quite a lot at once....See MoreDehydrating basil....
Comments (6)It can depend a bit on what the humidity is when the dehydrator is set at 95. Like when it's 95 and humid outside, herbs dry sloooowwwwww, even with a good breeze. Same can go for your dehumidifier. I often start basil at 95, then finish at 105 for however long it takes when it's humid out....See MoreDehydrator: Non toxic, Plastic-free, Best?
Comments (14)Hi, Thanks, everyone, for their responses! So, not all plastics used are BPA free.. in the Excalibur, for instance... and even if the racks are BPA free, many of the interior housings have BPA. Moreover, from what I understand, even plastics that are BPA-free can potentially be toxic... they have tested BPA, and studies have found it harmful... but they haven't tested other components of plastic, which also might be harmful. True, typically the heat is set very low (BPA begins to leach at 158F), but I'd like the option to also make meat jerky, and the truth is I just don't want plastic at all. We don't know enough, I think, and I'd rather err on the side of caution. Great point about the fan being plastic. Something to explore with the manufacturers, but that might be unavoidable. As with all my purchases, I try to do my best to avoid the toxins, but there's only so much I can either control or afford. Yes, I am aware re the silicon mats, or the parchment paper (we use If You Care, which is unbleached.) The article Pillog sent was interesting, thank you. The items reviewed are not all plastic free, and some have stainless steel finishes, but are not fully stainless steel (magnet sticks to it), and the racks can't be put in the dishwasher. But the STX and the TSM show promise, I need to do a bit more research, though. Sorry if I sound neurotic... everyone has to find what they're comfortable with, exposure-wise, because none of us are getting through this world without absorbing a whole lot of toxins... I'm less concerned about myself, and more concerned about my kids. But, again, you could drive yourself crazy being to hyper-indexed on this stuff... I don't always find the right balance. Thanks!!...See More- 4 years ago
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