Food drying - Dehydrators (merged)

AlwaysHappy

tiff wrote: »

Did I not just say that? lol

Oops, yes, you did, I obviously didn't do the quote thing right - I was supposed to be quoting you, thanks for the information about the oxygen packs. Must get my dehydrator out this week.

tiff

I just wish I had the storage rack like that lady has. She must have thousands of pounds in weight, of food stored. Good luck with yours

AlwaysHappy

Afternoon, decided I would stop procrastinating and get out my dehydrator (westfalia) that was a must have buy last year and I used it once!!
The mushrooms are sliced and on the trays and I can't find the instructions -HELP!!!!! I seem to remember you had to fill the bottom with water - how much/how long & was it cold/boiling, I know it took hours and I rotated my trays but if someone could help getting the ball rolling that would be great - my mushrooms are going to be looking not so good soon. Knew I should have sat down in front of the tv instead. Many thanks.

skinnygirlnot

I have a westfalia dehydrator and like you have only used it occasionally (mushrooms,celery,apples and bananas) but have never put any water.

JayJay14

No water - just sliced mushrooms, lid on top, switch on!!

AlwaysHappy

Thanks for the replies, realised when I got downstairs that water not a good idea (trying to dry out the air) - must have been getting wires crossed with my steamer, I simply turned it on and am now hoping for the best!!

anguk

If it's any help Westfalia have the instruction manual to download here:
http://www2.westfalia.net/service/dat_down.php?datei_id=87079

debbym

Can't afford to buy a dehydrator but found these instructions to make one.

http://www.alpharubicon.com/prepinfo/dehydratorstryder.htm homemade food dehydrator
Hope it is of use to someone:)

vivw_2

Is anyone in the Ipswich area as I have one that I'm soon to put on freecycle with a book on using it......

D&DD

I froze my dried stuff last year as double insurance as I haven't get enough cupboard space for it all :rolleyes:
It takes up very little space in the freezer too.

I was going to invest in a food sealer but didn't see the point for now as I have the freezer space.

Tiff if you need to line the trays for stuff i.e yoghurt drops and fruit leathers use lakeland easy leave stuff its great.:D Doesn't wilt like clingfilm and everything peels off a treat, a reel lasts for ages too.Saves shelling out for the screened trays;)

Do try cherries they are gorgeous but sadly get eaten too fast to store