BEFORE FIRST USE
Before using this appliance for the first time, please ensure you complete the following
steps:
•
Carefully remove all packaging.
•
Wash the TRAYS and LID of the appliance in
warm soapy water with a soft sponge. Rinse and
dry thoroughly.
•
Wipe the base unit over with a slightly damp
cloth.
ABOUT THE VONSHEF FOOD DEHYDRATOR
Dehydration is one of the easiest and most efficient methods of food preservation. Food is exposed to heat
and air in order to remove moisture. Lacking moisture, bacteria and micro-organisms are inhibited. Dehydrated
foods can therefore be preserved for long periods without refrigeration and have far less weight and bulk,
making it ideal for health food enthusiasts, children’s lunch boxes and for camping.
SETTING FOOD TO DRY
To obtain a quality dried product, you must first ensure that the produce to be dried is of the highest quality
available, both fresh and fully ripe.
Inferior or spoiled produce will produce a poor dried product. Unripened fruits will lack the necessary sugar
content and can have a bitter taste when dried, whereas over-ripened fruits and vegetables will dry to become
either tough and fibrous, or soft and mushy.
As a general rule, employ: ‘If it’s good enough to eat, it’s good enough to dry’. Qualities to look for are listed
below:
FRUITS: Tree-ripened fruits will contain the most natural sugars and will produce the best dried product.
VEGETABLES: Vegetables should be fresh and tender.
MEAT & FISH: Fresh or frozen lean meat makes the best jerky. The lower the fat content, the better.
Meats with high fat content like lamb and cured meats will have a shorted shelf life.
Pork must be well-cooked before drying.
Only use pre-cooked and processed ham.
WARNING! Never submerge the BASE UNIT in
water or attempt to wash it.
•
Locate the Dehydrator on a flat, level, heat-
resistant surface away from any flammable
objects.
4
