Storing dehydrated food

[juliebove]

My new dehydrator says I should store the dehydrated food in the refrigerator or freezer. Why? I thought the dehydrating process preserved the food. What purpose then does the dehydrating do? And wouldn't things like flax crackers get all soggy in the fridge?

[Sheryl]

If the food is 100% dehydrated, crisp right though, you can store it in a sealed jar at room temperature. Let them cool after dehydrating then store. You might also want to check them a day or so later that they are still crisp; sometimes I think something is done, but it's not.

If you are not 100% drying, then fridge or freezer is best so they last longer.

Cheers,
Sheryl

[rawpriestess]

I always put everything in the freezer, I don't take any chances.

I would double freezer ziplock them, now I have a food saver, so I suck and seal everything after dehydrating, then I freeze it, we'll see how much nicer things are.

I know I used to get some freezer burn, not alot, because most things don't last that long around our home. LOL

But, I'll keep you posted.

[juliebove]

Wow that's too bad. Guess I won't be using the dehydrator much then unless I eat the food right away. I have very little freezer space here.

[Sheryl]

Julie you don't need to freeze... if you do it just helps things last longer. Honestly though for most they dehydrate and consume within days (if not immediately). My favourites right now and curried broccoli and thai stir fry! There are just so many possibilities!

Enjoy your new toy!
Sheryl