Dehydrator, is it cooked?

[Rawhoney]

Every dehydrator I found stated it used heat.
What type of Dehydrator do you use/suggest?
To me if you're using any form of heat, then its not raw.
Tell me what's the deal.

Thanks.

[Rawkinlocs]

Most dehydrators use a heating element PLUS a fan so it's not direct heat. Also, as long as the temperatures don't go into the "danger zone" (usually above 112-115 degrees) the enzymes and nutrients in the food are still intact and available to be assimilated.

If the dehydrator has no temperature control, then more than likely it is pre-set to a temp. higher than what is "safe" and still consider living/raw. But there are dehydrators that have temp. controls that go as low as 95 degrees...the Excalibur is one and the one most commonly used by raw fooders....the Nesco American Harvest Snackmaster is another (they DO have more than one and one does NOT have a temp. control, so make sure it says that it has it if you were to get this one) and they are under $50 and available either at Walmart, walmart.com, nesco.com or everythingkitchens.com

Then there is also the L'Equip model dehydrator that can also be purchased online.

Some people also use the sun to sundry (location and weather permitting)...some use convection ovens because they go to a low enough temperature.

[Rawhoney]

Thanks Rawkin!!!! You know your stuff and sure appreciate the info!! :) I will check them out right now.

Rawkin, If I make beef jerky will I still be considered a raw foodist??
Also, what about Sushi?

[Frog]

Why bother dehydrating? just east fresh, juicy, crunchy, vital foods instantly when you want them. :)

[Judy]

Thanks Rawkin!!!! You know your stuff and sure appreciate the info!! :) I will check them out right now.

Rawkin, If I make beef jerky will I still be considered a raw foodist??
Also, what about Sushi?

Yes, there are raw foodists who eat raw food and fish, and/or also raw dairy and eggs. This is a raw vegan board though, meaning that most people on this board are striving for a diet without animal (derived) products.

I don't do the dehydrator thing myself, here in The Netherlands (Europe) it would cost like 400 or 500 bucks to buy an imported dehydrator and I couldn't find something cheaper like an oven with low heat.
Also, I noticed that I prefer fresh foods and as less hussle as possible... So I figured that I probably wouldn't use that dehydrator a lot.
I know of some raw foodists who bought a dehydrator and only used it once or twice, and that most raw foodists don't like dehydrated food anymore as time passes. If you think you're like me or them, you may want to take that in consideration before buying one. But if you'd like to buy one, of course buy one :)!

[DavidZaneMason]

-If you are not sure of your machines....use nature! Use a large, shallow
pan covered with pantyhose on a very sunny day! :)

-David Mason

[juliebove]

Why bother dehydrating? just east fresh, juicy, crunchy, vital foods instantly when you want them. :)

It's sometimes nice to have other things to eat like the onion bread, flax crackers and slices of nut cheese.