HERBS
Most herbs dry overnight. You will have one pound of dry herbs for every eight pounds
of fresh herbs. Dried herbs retain their flavor best if they are crushed just before using.
Home dehydration saves a lot of money. Dry chives, oregano, basil, dill, rosemary,
thyme, parsley, mint, peppers and almost any herb you can find.
HERB TEAS
Many of your garden herbs can be dried in your Food Dehydrator and stored in air-tight
containers for use throughout the year to make delicious, healthful herb teas. Use the
leaves and flowers (but not the course stems) of most herbs like chamomile, mint,
strawberry, sage, blackberry, blueberry and others. It is simple and economical with the
Food Dehydrator. Just steep the dried leaves in a teapot and strain.
SACHETS AND POTPOURRI
Now you can save the beauty of spring and summer and enjoy the sweet-smelling plants
you have in your flower and herb garden with the Food Dehydrator. Select petals or small
pieces of the flower and place them loosely on the fine mesh tray and place them in your
Food Dehydrator. When perfectly dried (about five hours) store the petals in decorative
containers or sachet bags that close with a ribbon. You can sprinkle the petals with spices
such as powdered cinnamon, whole cloves, a bit of dried rosemary or mint for variety. It
is best to keep the container closed until all of the fragrances have blended. Then during
the winter months the room can have the smell of fresh springtime. A small bag made of
sheer material, tied with a ribbon, and placed in your drawers, will provide a nice
lingering fragrance for years.
BABY FOOD
Make nutritious baby food without preservative, stabilizers or additives by using any
vegetables or fruits you have previously dehydrated. Simply soak any amount of the
produce in an equal amount of warm water. Steam for a few minutes and mash with a
fork or puree in blender or processor.
FRUIT ROLL UPS OR FRUIT LEATHER
Select fruits such as peaches, strawberries, bananas, apples, etc. Puree with a kitchen
blender or food processor and add a little fruit juice. Sweeten to taste with sugar, honey
or fruit juice.
Pour the puree onto the Ronco Fruit Roll Up & Liquid Tray Insert (sold separately) or
cover an entire tray with plastic food wrap. Be sure to cut out the middle hole to allow the
hot air to circulate up through the center of the trays.
Although you can use 3 trays for making 3 giant roll ups, we recommend you use only 1
or 2 trays at a time. Rotation of the trays is necessary for the fruit roll up to cure properly.
Dehydrate for 1-2 days with the standard models or about 10 hours with the deluxe
motorized-fan unit. Drying times will vary with moisture content and humidity.