What are you DEHYDRATING today?

[delia_peterson]

You are not to late, I was waiting till I got some replies and the kitchen empties out after we eat this after noon...lol. So would popping the skin dehydrate them better? Mmm, I never thought of sugar...

 

[Ldychef2k]

Yes, I think so. You are trying to dry the flesh, and it is surrounded by an impenetrable skin, so the moisture cannot get out. I am pretty sure I read that blanching them would split the skins.

 

[delia_peterson]

I am probably too late, but I was wondering if a quick dunk in boiling water (I would add sugar) would pop the skins? Is that what is done with grapes?

Would not adding sugar make a difference?

 

[Ldychef2k]

Not sure, as I have never done them myself, just postulating. But the ones in the store are sweetened, and when I think of eating a dried cranberry witout sugar, I think of concentrated flavor and concentrated tartness. They are already too tart for me. If you like them as they are, go for it ! Would love to hear how it all turns out, as I may do some myself.

 

[delia_peterson]

I may do two batches. I want some for snacking(trail mixes and such) so those I will do with sugar and another for baking. And one quart jar goes to DD's parrot for Christmas..his batch needs to be plain as he talks to much on his own.

 

[Ldychef2k]

I can relate to that parrot !!!

I just finished my last batch of celery. Got it on sale for 45 cents a stalk/bunch/head. I have a gallon of dehydrated celery, and no clue how to use it other than in soups !

 

[Farmfresh]

I throw dehydrated celery in soups, casseroles and even other dishes. Pretty much anywhere you would use regular celery. I run mine through the food processor before putting it into the dehydrator.

 

[Ldychef2k]

I sliced it with the cutting blade. Is that what you mean? Or do you make it finer ?

I really like to flavor of it, so much more concentrated....

 

[Farmfresh]

Yep that is what I do. I find I use the dehydrated celery in LOTS more recipes than I even used the regular celery. It is so handy to just open the jar and sprinkle some in.

 

[delia_peterson]

I am probably too late, but I was wondering if a quick dunk in boiling water (I would add sugar) would pop the skins? Is that what is done with grapes?

OK..A quick dunk in boiling, (sugar added)water till skins pop-then I let them cool and put in dehydrator? And for oranges,apples and bananas do ya'll use a lemon juice dip to prevent the frut from turning brown? and if you do is it mixed with anything? Thank you