- Thread starter
- #531
Britesea
Sustainability Master
I've found the best way to store dehydrated stuff is in mason jars that I've sealed with the Vacuum Sealer, and then stored in a dark cool-ish area. Some people say this isn't necessary, but I do it to make sure no bugs get in also (I lost a whole batch of carrots once because I had stored them in ziploc bags which do NOT protect long term).
As far as using the dried goodies- it depends on how you are using them. Take the onions you mentioned: if you are adding them to a soup or stew, just throw them in; there's enough liquid to rehydrate them just fine. On the other hand, if you are adding them to some scrambled eggs I would recommend soaking them in some warm water for a bit first (save the water for soup!).
I learned the hard way that the biggest mistake is using too much dehydrated veggies. We had some pretty weird dishes until I got wise and started doing some before-and-after measuring. The denser veggies end up almost the same volume both ways, but celery for instance... if 1 stalk yields about 1/2 cup of fresh dice, the same stalk dried will give you about a tablespoon.
Dehydrated tomatoes can be ground up into a powder and makes the most delicious tomato soup you ever had by just adding some boiling water to it.
As far as using the dried goodies- it depends on how you are using them. Take the onions you mentioned: if you are adding them to a soup or stew, just throw them in; there's enough liquid to rehydrate them just fine. On the other hand, if you are adding them to some scrambled eggs I would recommend soaking them in some warm water for a bit first (save the water for soup!).
I learned the hard way that the biggest mistake is using too much dehydrated veggies. We had some pretty weird dishes until I got wise and started doing some before-and-after measuring. The denser veggies end up almost the same volume both ways, but celery for instance... if 1 stalk yields about 1/2 cup of fresh dice, the same stalk dried will give you about a tablespoon.
Dehydrated tomatoes can be ground up into a powder and makes the most delicious tomato soup you ever had by just adding some boiling water to it.