29
18
DDEEHHYYDDRRA
ATTIINNGG GGUUIIDDEE
PREPARATION:
Peel, remove pit and cut into
¼
-inch slices.
PRETREATMENT:
Ascorbic acid. Soak in solution for about 5 minutes; drain.
DEHYDRATE:
Dry at 100
º
for approximately 60 hours, until brittle.
REHYDRATE:
Soak in hot water for 15 minutes; drain.
NOTE
•
Because of its high oil content, avocados take a long time to
dehydrate.
•
Even with the ascorbic acid bath, avocados will turn a little brown.
•
Use dehydrated avocados in recipes that call for mashed avocados,
such as baked goods.
Avocados
Bananas
PREPARATION:
Peel and cut into
¼
-inch slices. Avoid overripe bananas.
PRETREATMENT:
Ascorbic acid. Soak in solution for 2 to 3 minutes; drain.
DEHYDRATE:
Dry at 100
º
for approximately 55 hours, until crisp.
REHYDRATE:
Soak in hot water for 10 minutes; drain. About 1 cup of tightly
packed dried bananas will rehydrate to 2 cups.
LEATHER:
Excellent for leathers, but they can be a little too sweet. Add a little
ascorbic acid to prevent discoloration. Add bananas to less sweet fruit purees
to achieve a nice flavor balance.
NOTE
• Dried bananas are great as a snack or used in trail mixes or cereals.
• Rehydrated bananas
DDEEHHYYDDRRA
ATTIINNGG GGUUIIDDEE
Leeks
PREPARATION:
Remove the tough top part of leeks. Cut stalks in half length-
wise and rinse under running cold water to remove all dirt that is lodged
between the layers. Cut crosswise into
¼
-inch slices.
PRETREATMENT:
Not necessary.
DEHYDRATE:
Dry at 100
º
for approximately 18 hours, until crisp.
REHYDRATE:
Soak in hot water for 30 minutes; drain. Dried leeks do not need
to be rehydrated before adding to soups or stews.
NOTE
•
Dried leeks work well in cooked savory dishes like casseroles, soups,
and stews.
Mangoes
PREPARATION:
Peel, remove seed and cut into
¼
-inch slices.
PRETREATMENT:
Not necessary.
DEHYDRATE:
Dry at 100
º
for approximately 20 hours, until pliable.
REHYDRATE:
Soak in cold water for 1 hour; drain.
LEATHER:
Excellent for leathers.
NOTE
•
Mangoes taste great in their dried form. Add them to granola, cereal
or trail mix.
•
If rehydrated, mangoes are best used in baked goods, cordials, or
chutneys.
