Dehydrating food is an effective way of preserving it while retaining its flavour, vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those who have a large surplus of fruits, vegetables or meats that need to be preserved. This method of preserving, however, can be time-consuming and require more effort than other preservation methods. But it doesn’t have to be! Dehydrating food with an oven can be faster and more efficient than other methods of dehydration.
What You Need to Dehydrate with an Oven
The great thing about dehydrating food with an oven is that you don’t need any special equipment. All you need is an oven, baking sheets, parchment paper and the food you want to dehydrate. If you’re planning on drying a lot of food, or if you’re making a large batch of jerky, then you may want to invest in a few additional tools such as a food dehydrator, a food slicer or an oven thermometer. But these items are not necessary if you’re just starting out.
Prepping the Food for Dehydration
Before you can begin dehydrating your food, you need to prepare it. Depending on the type of food you’re dehydrating, the preparation process will vary. For fruits and vegetables, you need to wash them and then slice them into thin pieces. For meats, you need to trim away any fat, season the meat and then slice it into thin strips. Once the food is prepped, you can begin the dehydration process.
Setting the Oven for Dehydration
The next step is to set your oven for dehydration. You want to set the temperature to the lowest setting, usually around 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 65 degrees Celsius). If your oven does not reach this temperature, you may need to invest in an oven thermometer to ensure that the temperature is accurate. You also need to set your oven to the “convection” setting if it has one. This will help the food dry evenly and quickly.
Arranging the Food on the Baking Sheets
Once your oven is preheated, you can begin arranging the food on the baking sheets. Make sure that the pieces of food are spaced out evenly and that there is enough room for air to circulate around them. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier. Place the baking sheets in the oven and set a timer for two hours. Check the food periodically to ensure that it is drying evenly.
Rotating the Baking Sheets
It is important to rotate the baking sheets every 30 minutes to ensure that the food is drying evenly. After two hours, check the food to see if it is done. It should be dry and leathery, but not brittle. If it is still moist, place it back in the oven for an additional 30 minutes. Once the food is done, turn off the oven and allow the food to cool completely before storing it.
Storing the Dehydrated Food
The last step is to store the dehydrated food in an airtight container. Make sure that the container is completely dry before storing the food. This will help to prevent mold and bacteria from forming. You can also store the food in the freezer if you plan on using it within a few weeks. Otherwise, store it in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Conclusion
Dehydrating food with an oven is a great way to preserve food and retain its flavour, vitamins and minerals. It is also a cost-effective option since you don’t need any special equipment. All you need is an oven, baking sheets, parchment paper and the food you want to dehydrate. With a bit of preparation and the right settings, you can have delicious dehydrated food in no time!