Reconstitution
Dehydration is the process of removing moisture from food. Reconstitution is the replacement of
that moisture to bring the food back to its natural state. Although some dried foods such as fruit
are excellent in their dehydrated state, you will often want to reconstitute other dried foods before
eating them.
Here are some tips on reconstitution:
Just add water
For chopped or shredded vegetables, and for fruits to be used in cookies, no reconstitution is usu-
ally needed. If the pieces are quite crisp and dry you can try sprinkling with 1 Tbs. water per cup
of dried food.
For vegetables and fruits to be used in soufflés, pies, quick breads, doughs or batter, use 2 parts
water to 3 parts (by volume) dried food.
For vegetables and fruits which will be cooked in the liquid such as vegetables side dishes, fruit
toppings, and compotes, use 1 to 1 ½ parts water to 1 part dried food. Extra liquid may be requi-
red for proper cooking.
Time for reconstitution
•
Chopped and shredded foods reconstitute quickly. Generally, 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient.
•
Larger vegetable or fruit slices, and meat cubes can be reconstituted overnight in water, left
in the refrigerator. Alternately, you can also chose to place in boiling water, remove from stove,
and let stand 2 to 3 hours.
•
Whole pieces of fruit take longest to reconstitute, and are best left to soak overnight.
Other reconstitution hints
•
If you drain reconstituted foods, save liquid. This liquid has great nutritional value. Freeze this
liquid for later use in soups, leathers, pies or compotes.
•
There is no need to reconstitute ahead of time when making soups. Dried vegetables can be
added directly to the soup about one hour before serving.
•
Do not add spices, salt, bouillon cubes or tomato products until vegetables are reconstituted
and cooked. These items considerably hinder rehydration.
•
Some foods take longer to reconstitute than others. Carrots and beans require more time than
green peas or potatoes. A rule of thumb: those that take the longest to dehydrate will take the
longest to reconstitute.
•
Try not to use more liquid than necessary for reconstitution because nutrients will be drained
away with the excess water. Place dehydrated food in a container and use just enough water
to cover the food. Add more water later as needed to replace what the food absorbs.
Care and Maintenance
After each use, clean the drying trays and dehydrator lid with warm soapy water. Do not wash tra-
ys, lid or base in dishwasher. Stubborn particles may be removed by soaking and/or using a plastic
scrubber. Do not use abrasive materials or solvents to clean plastic. To clean the dehydrator´s
base (the bottom part with the motor and heating element), unplug and wipe clean with damp
sponge or cloth. Never immerse the base in water or allow liquid to flow into the area that contains
the electrical parts.
Storage
After the dehydrator is cleaned, dry all parts, stack drying trays on the base, and store in a clean
ad dry place.
Содержание Harmony Platinum
Страница 1: ...HEALTHY ...
Страница 2: ......
Страница 86: ......
Страница 87: ......
Страница 88: ......