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UNL Food: Home Food Preservation

Drying

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Drying Foods (Dehydrating)

prepared drying trays of food

Photo source: National Center for Home Food Preservation

Drying is one of the oldest methods for preserving foods. Dried foods need little space for storage. Some dried foods, such as fruit leathers, are eaten as is; others must be rehydrated for use. Follow these directions carefully for preparation and storage, for the best quality of dried foods.

  • Food Dehydrators (Source: National Center for Home Food Preservation) Tips for selecting a food dehydrator.

Vegetables

  • Drying Vegetables (Source: Colorado State University Cooperative Extension) Step-by-step instructions for drying a variety of vegetables

Herbs

  • Drying Herbs (Source: National Center for Home Food Preservation) 

Fruits and Fruit Leathers, Jerkies

making fruit leather

Photo Source: National Center for Home Food Preservation
  • Drying Fruits (Source: Colorado State University Cooperative Extension)
    Step-by-step instructions for drying a variety of fruit
     
  • Fruit Leathers and Jerkies(  Source: Colorado State University Cooperative Extension)Directions for making fruit leathers plus directions and food safety recommendations when making jerky.