Excalibur Dehydrator Operations Instructions download pdf (Page 9)

STORAGE & RECONSTITUTION

Containers for dried foods should be safe from moisture and insects. Glass jars with tightly

fitted lids, plastic zip-lock and vacuum/heat-sealable bags are recommended storage

containers. Food-safe metal cans, such as coffee cans or cookie tins, may be used to store

individual bags for extra protection.

Your dried foods should be stored in a cool, dark and dry area. The ideal temperature for food

storage is 50º - 60ºF/10º - 16ºC. Storing foods in this manner further protects the flavors and

colors of your dried products from fading.

Reconstitution

Dehydrated foods can easily be incorporated into your diet. Snacking on banana chips, dried

seasoned meats and pieces of dried vegetables is a typical habit formed by many owners of

Excalibur® Food Dehydrators. Reconstituting dried foods adds yet another dimension to the

versatility of daily food preparation.

Properly dried foods rehydrate well. They return practically to their original size, form and

appearance. If carefully handled, they will retain much of the aroma and flavor as well as

their minerals and an appreciable amount of the vitamins. There are several methods of

reconstituting dehydrated food, including soaking foods in water or juice, placing food in

boiling water, cooking, or using an electric steamer. It is important to remember not to add

salt, sugar or spices during the initial five minutes of reconstitution as these additives hinder

the absorption process.

• An Electric Steamer: is one of the most efficient and successful means of rehydrating

foods. The food is placed into the rice bowl, and covered with a liquid. The circulation of the steam

will aid in permeating the food and plumping it back to it original, fresh state. For best

rehydration results, follow the guidelines given in your electric steamer’s operating

manual.

• Soaking: place the pieces in a shallow pan, cover with the liquid, and allow 1 to 2 hours for the

rehydration process to occur. If rehydrating overnight, place the pan in the refrigerator.

• Boiling Water: To reconstitute vegetables, place 1 cup of dried vegetables into 1 cup boiling

water. Soak for 5 to 20 minutes. Prepare according to your recipe. To reconstitute fruits, place 1

cup of water and 1 cup dried fruit into a pan and simmer until tender.

• Cooking: For vegetable side dishes, fruit toppings or compotes, use 1 part liquid to 1 part dried

food. For foods used in soufflés, pies and quick breads, add 2 parts of liquid to 3 parts dried food.

When cooking fruits, place them into a saucepan with boiling water, turn heat to low and

simmer 1 to 15 minutes or until tender.

The following charts are guidelines for the preparation, timing and testing of various fruits and

vegetables. If the humidity level is low on the days you are drying, your drying times will be

closer to the first amount of hours listed. If the humidity is high, it will be closer to the second

amount of hours listed.

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Excalibur Dehydrator Operations Instructions Page 9