11
Operation
Maintenance
RE-HYDRATING FOODS
WARNING! DO NOT soak food at room temperature. Soaking at room temperature allows harmful
bacteria to grow. Follow the “Food Safety” guidelines outlined in this manual.
•
Dehydrated food can be re-hydrated by soaking in cold water for 3-5 minutes or for 2-6 hours in the
refrigerator in water. Use 1 cup of water for 1 cup of dehydrated food. Once re-hydrated, the food can be
cooked normally. Soaking foods in warm water will speed up the process however; it may result in loss of
flavor.
• Do not add seasoning. Adding salt or sugar during re-hydration may change the flavor of the food.
•
To make stewed fruits or vegetables, add 2 cups of water and simmer until tender.
•
Consume dehydrated foods as soon as possible once the storage container is opened. Keep any unused
portions in the refrigerator to avoid contamination.
TIPS
• Use the best quality foods. Fruits and vegetables in peak season have more nutrients and more flavor. Do
not use food with bruises or blemishes. Bad fruits and vegetables may spoil the entire batch.
• Use the best quality meats. Meats, fish and poultry should be lean and fresh. Remove as much fat as
possible before dehydrating. Do not overlap foods. Lay foods flat on the Trays.
•
Check dryness after a few hours, then check every two hours until dehydrated. Open or cut down the
middle if a few samples to check internal dryness. If the food is still moist, dehydrate longer.
•
Use the Drying Guide on the Control Panel as reference for proper temperature settings. If the heat is set
too high, the food may case harden, meaning the food is dried at too high of a temperature and the food
was only dry on the outside, not the inside. If the temperature is too low, the drying time will increase.
Remember, foods will shrink approximately 1/4 to 1/2 their original size and weight during the dehydration
process, so pieces should not be kept too small. One pound of raw meat will yield approximately 0.2 kg of
jerky.
Do not place items to be dried on the Drip Tray, there will be no circulation of air on this Tray. Clean the Drip
Tray periodically during dehydration for easier clean-up.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
To clean, first remove the power cord’s plug from the wall outlet. Wait for the dehydrator to cool. Use a damp
cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the inside of the unit. Avoid soaking the inside of the dehydrator or
washing it in running water as this will cause serious damage to the unit.
