Do you own a Dehydrator but only use it for drying fruits and vegetables? A De-hydrator is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances and can be used to make delicious snacks, preserve food, and even make arts and crafts. If you want to get creative with your De-hydrator, here are nine clever ways to use it beyond just drying fruits and vegetables. From making fruit leathers to pet treats, there are endless possibilities when it comes to using your De-hydrator.
Making beef jerky
If you love meat snacks and haven’t tried making your own beef jerky yet, you’re in for a treat! Using your De-hydrator to make beef jerky is not only a fun activity but also allows you to customize the flavours and ingredients to your liking. Plus, homemade jerky is healthier and free of preservatives and additives.
Here are the basic steps to make beef jerky using a De-hydrator:
- Start by selecting a lean cut of beef such as top round, sirloin, or flank steak. Trim any visible fat or connective tissue.
- Slice the beef into thin strips, against the grain, using a sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the faster the drying time.
- Prepare the marinade using your favourite combination of herbs, spices, and liquids. You can use soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, and more.
Dry herbs
If you are a fan of cooking and love to use fresh herbs in your recipes, then you’ll be happy to know that your De-hydrator can help preserve them for long-term use. Drying herbs is a simple and effective way to make sure they stay fresh and retain their flavour. All you need to do is spread out your freshly picked herbs on your De-hydrator tray and let it do its magic. Once the herbs are completely dry, store them in an airtight container and label them so that you know which herb is which. You can use dried herbs in your recipes, or make homemade spice blends by combining different herbs and spices. Dried herbs are also great for making your herbal teas, and can add a lovely fragrance to your home when used in potpourri.
Rehydrating beans
If you love to cook with dried beans but always forget to soak them overnight, a De-hydrator can be your new best friend. Using your De-hydrator to rehydrate beans is a quick and easy way to prepare them for your favourite recipes without the hassle of a long soaking time. Simply place your dried beans in a bowl and cover them with water, then set them in the De-hydrator at 125°F for six to eight hours. When you’re ready to use them, your beans will be plump and ready to cook in your soup, stew or chilli recipe. The technique is also perfect for emergency food storage or camping trips when you may not have access to a stovetop or microwave.
Make raw veggie chips
Who says chips have to be unhealthy? Using your De-hydrator, you can create crunchy and flavorful veggie chips that make a great snack or side dish. The key is to slice your vegetables thin and evenly, so they dry out uniformly. Zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes are great options for veggie chips, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other veggies as well. Kale, spinach, and even beets can all make tasty and colourful chips. Once sliced, season your chips with your favourite herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary, or paprika. You can also add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour. Dehydrate your veggie chips at around 135-145°F for 6-10 hours, or until they are crispy and dry. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Commercial Dehydrators Australia fruit leather
Commercial Dehydrators Australia fruit leather is a tasty and healthy snack that you can make in your De-hydrator. It’s a great way to use up ripe fruit before it goes bad and can be enjoyed as a snack or used as a topping for yoghurt or oatmeal. To make dehydrated fruit leather, simply blend your favourite fruits into a puree and pour it onto a lined De-hydrator tray. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, and then place the tray in the De-hydrator. Set your De-hydrator to the fruit leather setting (around 135°F) and let it dry for 6-8 hours. The time will vary depending on the moisture content of the fruit and the thickness of the puree.
Create a spice rub
Another great use for your De-hydrator is to create your homemade spice rubs. Not only will that save you money in the long run, but you’ll also have full control over the flavour and ingredients used. Plus, you’ll feel like a culinary genius when you impress your dinner guests with delicious homemade seasoning. To make your spice rub, start by selecting your favourite spices and herbs. You can experiment with different combinations until you find a mix that you love. Common ingredients used in spice rubs include smoked paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, cumin, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Commercial Dehydrator are completely dry and crumbly
Next, dry the herbs and spices in your Commercial Dehydrator until they’re completely dry and crumbly. They may take several hours, depending on the ingredients and your De-hydrator settings. Once everything is dried, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store the spice rub in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. Rub it on your favourite meats, seafood, or veggies for a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Not only is making your spice rub easy and affordable, but it’s also a healthier alternative to store-bought seasonings that may contain preservatives and additives.
Homemade tea blends
Do you love a good cup of tea? Well, why not use your De-hydrator to make your unique tea blends? You can use fresh herbs, fruits, and spices to create a delicious and aromatic cup of tea. Here are some tips on making homemade tea blends with your De-hydrator:
- Start by selecting your herbs, fruits, and spices. You can use a single ingredient or mix them up to create unique blends. Some great options include chamomile, lavender, mint, lemon balm, rose petals, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Wash your ingredients and dry them thoroughly. Use a salad spinner or pat them dry with a towel. Remove any stems or leaves that are damaged or yellowed.
- Lay out your ingredients on your De-hydrator trays. Make sure they are not too crowded, so they dry evenly. You can also use a mesh or fruit leather tray to prevent small pieces from falling through.
Set your Dehydrator Machine
Set your Dehydrator Machine to the appropriate temperature and time. Herbs typically dry faster than fruits or vegetables, so check them after a few hours. You want them to be crispy and crumble easily when rubbed between your fingers. Once your ingredients are dry, store them in airtight containers. You can use mason jars, ziplock bags, or tins. Label them with the name of your blend and the date. To make your tea, add a tablespoon or two of your blend to a cup of hot water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Making your tea blends is a fun and creative way to use your De-hydrator. Plus, you can customize your blends to suit your taste and health needs. So, start experimenting with different ingredients and enjoy a delicious cup of homemade tea!
Exfoliating facial scrubs
Your De-hydrator can even help with your beauty routine! Exfoliating facial scrubs can help to remove dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. With your De-hydrator, you can make your customized scrubs using natural ingredients like oats, sugar, and essential oils. To make an exfoliating facial scrub, start by dehydrating oats until they are dry and crunchy. Once dehydrated, grind them in a blender or food processor until they reach a fine powder consistency. Mix the powdered oats with sugar, and add in a few drops of your favourite essential oil to create a fragrant and invigorating scrub. Apply the scrub to your face in gentle circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and follow up with your favourite moisturizer for an added glow. With a De-hydrator, you can easily make multiple batches and customize your scrubs with different scents and ingredients.
Conclusion
As you can see, a De-hydrator is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for more than just drying fruits. From making beef jerky to creating homemade tea blends, the possibilities are endless. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can find even more unique ways to use your De-hydrator to enhance your cooking and self-care routines. So dust off your De-hydrator and try out some of these ideas, and who knows, you might just discover your new favourite De-hydrator recipe!
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