Nesco FD-28JX Use And Recipe Manual page 10

Rehydrating Dried Food ___________
Eat dehydrated foods dry or rehydrate for use in recipes. Rehydrate by
placing dried foods in a container (with enough water to cover food) and
soaking for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Boiling water rehydrates foods more
quickly than cold water or water at room temperature.
Fruits or vegetables may also be rehydrated in liquids other than water,
including fruit juices, cider, vegetable juices, milk, consomme, etc. Refrig-
erate these foods while they are soaking to reduce any risk of spoilage.
Do not add seasonings, especially salt or sugar, during rehydration because
they slow the rehydration process.
Cooking with Dried Food __________
After rehydrating food, cook it as you would normally. If foods are cooked
before they are fully rehydrated, they will cook in a shriveled state and will
not be plump. Most fruits and vegetables will rehydrate to about 80% of
their fresh state. Consequently, they are a little more chewy than a fresh
or frozen fruit or vegetable, even when rehydrated.
Dried food used in cooking will absorb additional liquid, so adjust the recipe
accordingly by adding more water.
• vegetables — add one additional cup of water for one cup dried food.
• stewed fruits — add 2 additional cups of water for each cup of fruit,
allow to stand for 1 hour and simmer until tender.
• pies or fillings — use 1 additional cup of water per 1 cup of fruit —
less, if you desire a thicker consistency.
Note: When using fruits in baking or for ice cream, they may be softened
by covering with boiling water and allowing them to stand for 5 minutes.
Then chop or blend, depending upon use.
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