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Drying Time (continued)
Drying times may vary, depending on the type and amount of food, thickness and
evenness of the slices, percentage of water in the food, humidity, temperature of
air, altitude and the model of NESCO
using. Drying times may also vary greatly from one area to another and from day
to day, depending on the climatic conditions. Keep records to help you predict
drying times for specific foods.
Drying Temperature
Fruits, fruit rolls and vegetables should be dried at 130
By drying foods in this temperature range you will minimize the loss of
heat-sensitive vitamins A and C. All foods sweat when they begin to dry, the
temperature may be set higher than 140
hours of drying. The actual temperature of the food will remain 15
(6
o
to 8
o
C) lower than the air temperature for the first couple of hours.
Meats and fish should be dried on the highest temperature setting of your
dehydrator. These temperatures also keep bacteria and other spoilage
micro-organisms, common to meat and fish, to a minimum during the
first stages of drying.
Nuts and seeds are high in oil, and if higher temperatures are used, they will tend to
become rancid, developing off flavors. The best temperature is from 90
(30
o
to 40
o
C).
Herbs and spices are most flavorful when they first open and should be harvested
while very fresh, before they begin to blossom. Because the aromatic oils are very
sensitive, temperatures should be 90
not to load trays too heavily as this will prolong the drying time.
Dried flowers, herbs and spices used for potpourri should be dried at temperatures
ranging from 90
Packaging
Some pieces may dry in a shorter time than others. The dried food should be
removed and placed in an airtight container while allowing the rest of the pieces to
remain in the dehydrator until sufficiently dry.
Package all dried foods promptly to prevent contamination and to prevent
stickiness and re-hydration caused by humidity. Store dried foods in airtight,
moisture proof containers.
www.nesco.com
4/25/11
®
o
F to 100
o
F to 100
o
F (30
o
to 40
o
C) to maintain aroma and color.
6:31 AM
Page 9
/American Harvest
®
dehydrator you are
o
F to 140
o
F (60
o
C) during the first couple of
o
F (30
o
to 40
o
C) for drying. Take care
o
F (55
o
to 60
o
C).
o
F to 20
o
F
o
F to 100
o
F
9
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