How to use a fruit and vegetable dehydrator

During the harvest period, the dryer is very helpful for housewives. This unit is especially in demand when apples or other fruits are ripening. If enough preparations are made, the remaining fruit can be dried and used throughout the year.

Design and principle of operation of a dryer for fruits and vegetables

The dryer consists of a motor unit, trays and a lid. Hot steam comes from below, which is evenly distributed among the baskets, drying the cut pieces. The control button is located at the bottom of the device. There are models with manual temperature settings and devices where there is only a power button. In this case, the steam has a certain temperature set by the manufacturer. Thanks to automatic temperature control and ventilation, food does not burn. Drying occurs without baking or cooking.

REFERENCE! The process allows you to preserve all the nutrients and vitamins contained in the products.

How to use a dryer correctly

The device for drying fruits and vegetables works simply. It is enough to include it in the food and the process will go on its own. Some models have built-in automatic shut-off. For example, after 72 hours of continuous operation, the device turns off on its own.

The rules of use are divided into three blocks:

• Preparation;
• drying;
• cleaning and storing the device.

The quality of drying and the durability of the device depend on the correct use of the device. The operating rules are the same for almost all models.

Preparing for drying

The device must be checked and tested upon first use. This procedure is carried out to ensure that the products do not absorb foreign odors that may remain after the production of the device. Before drying, you need to do the following:

• Remove the device from the box and rinse the trays. Remove all stickers.
• Place the baskets on top of each other. Properly placed pallets do not have through gaps. They are all tightly pressed together.
• Connect to the mains and turn on the empty dryer for half an hour by pressing the “ON/OFF” button.
• Turn off the device and let it cool. After work, there is hot steam inside, which can damage the skin of your hands and face.
• Disassemble and rinse the pallets.

After these manipulations, you can proceed to cutting and laying out fruits and vegetables on pallets. Lay out the same or different products together. However, it should be remembered that fruits and vegetables absorb neighboring odors.

Drying

Pre-cut fruits are laid out on pallets. The pieces should not be too thick - this can cause them to dry for a long time. It is also not allowed to cut food too finely - they will fall down through the basket.

The device must be placed on a flat, hard surface. Once the motor unit is installed, follow these steps:

1. Place the elements tightly on the lower control unit.
2. Place the lid on top.
3. Turn on the device and leave to dry.The cover must not be removed while the device is operating.
4. After completion of work, when the products have dried (after about 15 hours), the device should be turned off with the “On/Off” button. From time to time it is necessary to monitor the quality of drying so that vegetables and fruits do not dry out. If necessary, pallets can be swapped.

ATTENTION! Do not remove food immediately after switching off. There is hot steam inside!

Cleaning and storing the device

After drying, the device must be washed. Use soapy water for this. If pieces of food stick to the walls, the trays should be pre-soaked in soapy water. The elements of the device are washed by hand, avoiding the use of a dishwasher, since the substances in the powder and rinse aid can be absorbed into the composition of the tray. During the next drying process they will be absorbed into the food.

After washing, all elements are wiped dry and left to dry completely. The device must be stored in a box at room temperature when assembled.

A dryer is a convenient device that allows you to quickly process excess food. Dried fruits and vegetables take up much less space in the freezer or refrigerator. Nutrients are preserved better than in various preparations.