Dehydrator food = yuck?

[GreenSky]

Not to start a war or anything :) But is there something wrong with me for not liking dehydrated food? I'm sure there's others who don't but for myself I just can't get into the taste. I hate (yes a strong word) the taste of flax crackers or any dehydrated "bread/cracker" that I've made/tried. Dehydrated eggplant made me almost want to vomit, no matter how many different ways I tried making it/eating it. Cookies, I much prefer eating the dough raw as it is - tastes much better in my opinion.

I know dehydrated foods are a big part of the "transition" foods. I'm transitioning, shouldn't I like these? Am I weird? Am I just not making the right dehydrated recipes?

I think also, "simple raw" is more in line with who I am and what I want to accomplish. Not that food prep is the reason I don't like dehydrated food, it's definitely the tastes I don't like.

I'm not trying to be a jerk to those that love dehydrated foods, just trying to better understand what I might be missing? I'm of the assumption right now that it's just not right for me. This worries me however as I'm scared of getting bored of Raw without the dehydrated or complex meals.

Thoughts?

[puffysmom]

I am having a hard time with dehydrated foods also but I think it is our individual taste buds. I made the onion bread but it has to strong of an onion flavor so next time I will use leeks or less onion. I dont care for the kind of slimy texture that flax seeds dehydrated in crackers and breads is like but I plan on making more and just substituting. My sweet potatos did not turn out right but I know they were to thick. I love dehydrated zuccini. Yum. I made corn bread and dont care for it but I did not have a decent food processor at the time and next time will add more to it. I think seasonings would be a great start with a lot of them. I love garlic. Trying to get more of a garlic flavor in crackers and breads is hard but I am not ready to give up. NOt for a long long time.

I think if u try to figure out what it is u dont like about it and then substitute some other ground up seed for it u will find that it can be delishious. I have only been using mine a few weeks and have only had a few things come out the way i like it. I make the coconut macaroons and they were in to long so they r hard but very delicious.

I also find that some of the desserts that dont have to be dehydrated r great so make those instead.

[Veganforlife]

I don't think there's anything wrong with not liking dehydrated foods. It's a personal preference thing. I don't like the "dairy" type foods, like the alfredo type foods, reminds me of cheese and dairy too much and I can't eat it.
Just eat raw of what you do like. It's your body, it's your choice.

[Ama]

I think it's fine that you don't like dehydrated foods. Better for you in my opinion as the dehydration is taking out liquids that are beneficial. I would love to just live simply on fresh fruits, veggies and nuts but I LOVE dehydrated foods, too much! I say go with your gut and eat what you like. There are just as many recipes for fresh raw foods as there are for dehydrated, I don't think you'll get bored.

[Sharon in Colorado]

As well you should.

I've personally tried hundreds of dehydrated recipes, where only a few have passed the taste test of my family. I've compiled a few favorites, but all in all they prefer the taste of fresh fruits, smoothies and salads for the most part.

It's really not a natural way to eat, but some coming from the SAD find it comforting as a transitional tool.

No need to try and get used to it, if you don't care for it all the better, stick with the fresh stuff, it's easier on your body.

[RowanC]

You might try grinding your flax in a coffee mill and adding it that way. There are several great recipes that don't use much flax also.

Dehydrated foods are not a large part of my diet. I have found two or three various types of cracker/bread I like. It's also perfectly fine to "tweak" those bread and cracker recipes until you come up with something you like. The main goal is to find something you can use instead of bread for sandwiches and to dip with.

I don't like any of the dehydrated potato recipes. I use my dehydrator mainly for crackers and breads. Have you tried the medeterranean bread recipe? Try it without the herbs and maybe substitute something more bland for some of the tomatoes. I've grown to love it. Tastes a lot like a whole grain bread.

The first cracker I made had flax and lots of tomatoes and it was gross to me.
I didn't care for the onion bread either, but I hate wasting so I kept it and tried it with guacamole and actually liked it! I just used it to dip with.

Anyway.. the key is to experiment until you find what you like. Maybe you're just a salad person! :)

[GreenSky]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think rather than trying to learn to appreciate dehydrated foods I'll just proceed directly to fresh. I just feel like I'm missing out on some wonderful foods :rolleyes: I have to agree with Sharon in that eating dehydrated food just didn't feel like a natural way to eat (for me). It was almost the same experience as eating cooked food, which is why I understand people transitioning do it.

It's almost like when I was Vegan. I never ate those fake "meats", ect. I was trying to get away from eating meat why would I want to eat something that resembeled meat? Gross. I'm trying to get away from cooked food so I don't feel the desire to eat things that resemble cooked food, nor do I like the taste apparently.

Anyway, best wishes to everyone in the way they choose to eat that's right for their body. I think listening to your body and what it needs is the best piece of advice I've ever heard.

[Ariannah]

Another freshie here....
I own a big dehydrator and can count on one hand how many times I've used it in the year I've had it.

For me the whole point of raw is - natural, as-is, unaltered. I find raw to be the perfect diet for EVERYONE. It's as simple or as gourmet as people want. A person can simply pick from the vine and chow down, or make a fancy feast. I tend to be the former. I'm the ultimate food slacker. I like it low-maintenance. Also, the taste of fresh satisfies me more.

[Morn]

I have found very few dehydrated recipes I like. One exception is making raw grawnola. It has oatgroats, nuts, apples, cinnamon, etc. I love that. But I have failed at so many recipes that I get worn out of spending so much time soaking, sprouting, dehydrating just to find out I can't stand the recipe and then I end up throwing it out. I am with you on the flax issue. The first time I made flax crackers they were awful! I just bought some at Good Foods that were raw and they were passable (not wonderful). I just use them to dip for hummus. I know flax seeds are good for you so I am trying to eat them. Anyway I would say the majority of my diet is fresh smoothies, salads, fresh fruit, nuts, etc. I figure I will keep experimenting and maybe eventually I will change my mind. But overall I agree with you.

[Frog]

I've never used my dehydrator (someone gave it to me).

I just can't be bothered to make something now to eat tomorrow. If it turns out wrong, whole lot of stuff wasted too. I have enough trouble working out what to have now let alone tomorrow.

I keep kidding myself I'll try it but I don't think I really will.

[kaybee]

Im glad to see that Im not the only one that has gotten frustrated with so many dehydrator disasters and wasted time and ingredients :) The biggest reason why I wish the dehydrator was less hassle and that the recipes came out better is because it does have the potential to make dense food that is more transportable than it is when it is non-dehydrated...my job is physical and requires alot of calories, just carting fruit around is heavy and doesnt really do the job, and salads or "wet" foods dont travel well and tend to leak....

[Dj 247]

Great thread! I was wondering where I was going to come up with the money to buy a dehydrator. I think I will just pass on getting one! I have been doing fine eating fresh.

[Davylp25]

Hehe... Well to add balance. I LUV Dehydrated food. I ate nothing but raw fresh smoothies, salads, fruits etc for the first 1 1/2 years of 100% raw, I got so bored and so over just eating the same way. It added variety to my life. Love that!

But 2 each is own!

[tonytate42]

I have not gotten a dehydrator yet. There are some things I'm looking forward to some recipes. Not because I want to re-create the foods of the SAD, but because I need munchies. I like the dehydrated crackers an breads that I have tasted. But when it comes down to it, I prefer the whole food right from nature. It's easy and it taste good.

[Stina]

Well, my dehydrator is due tomorrow and I'm really optimistic I'll be able to make some good food with it. I eat smoothies for breakfast, salads for lunch, and whatever for dinner, and that whatever could get me into trouble if I don't fill that void if perhaps some dehydrated food.

[KatK]

Anyone want to sell their dehydrator? :)

[puffysmom]

I would never get rid of mine. I do love some of the foods that I have made. One is the coconut macaroon. I left it in to long so they r hard but u really enjoy them as u have to bit off small pieces. They r yummy. I also love zuccini. The sweet potatos did not turn out but I do not have anything....yet...to slice them thin enough.
I think one just has to learn to make the recipes the way they like them. I dont care for flax but found out when left in the frig for a week that u dont notice them as much. I did make two kinds of breads or crackers. The longer they sit the better they taste and I have them for when I get the craving for a bread type food.
I love dehydrated veggie snacks u can buy in the store that is loaded with salt and oils. I just have to figure out how to get that type of flavor without using so much of it. Carrots did not have any flavor but think the slices were to thick.
U just have to experiment. U also need to have the right food processing machines in the house to get all the ingredients right.
After monday I will have it all so then i can try again. :D

[hleva]

I have had my dehydrator now one month and love it. Everyone who tries the crackers I make, love them and want to buy them from me.:)

[ivorylodge]

i had my very first dehydrated stuff today made in my new dehydrator.

choc chip cookies. and corn chips.

i actually liked them both. i did the master cleanse before i started this. and i think it honestly was a good transition. just in terms of resetting your taste buds prior. cuz i haven't really had a difficult time. at all.

[Green Life]

I've had problems with dehydrator foods. Some of them taste rancid..yuck! and I mean YUCK!!
I just made the rye bread everyones been raving about and it turned out rancid and crumbly, yuck.

It seems with crackers it's ok, but with the pizza recipes and chicken fingers, ect. I can't tolerate them. Even the oatmeal cookies came out rancid and I have had to throw out so much food.

I ate some dehydrated bread and felt so sluggish for the next few days. I am thinking it's the lack of water in the food.

[Raw Creator]

[QUOTE=GreenSky;237623]...I think also, "simple raw" is more in line with who I am.....QUOTE]

Yup, this says it for me right now. Thanks for asking the question, GreenSky. I've been experiencing similar feelings to dehydrated fare. While the recipes come out looking like the photo, the satisfaction I expect just isn't there for me as it is with food less processed from its natural state. Now, maybe after I'm raw for a while, I'll run back to dehydrating to alleviate any boredom :D Then again, who knows? Perhaps it will never resonate for me either.

As a vegan, I also found it difficult to enjoy meat analogs and sauces that were dairy "kopies." That too may be why I prefer salads, green smoothies, avocado dips and simple, cut-up fruits and vegetables.

Thanks again - this thread has really highlighted some important preferences for me.

Thrive,
RC
ps: Left a comment on your blog; Pizza demons can be challenging! Good on you for staying the course.

[JGex]

As a vegan, I also found it difficult to enjoy meat analogs and sauces that were dairy "kopies." That too may be why I prefer salads, green smoothies, avocado dips and simple, cut-up fruits and vegetables.


Ya know, I can't figure out why in the Dickens anyone wants to name vegan foods after meat or dairy or any other food that it's not. Sorry, but the Salmon Pate does NOT taste like salmon.... why not just name it Nut/Pepper Pate in the first place?

I've enjoyed some of the dishes I've done in the dehydrator, but the recipes are always for waaaaay too much food. I always end up throwing some away. Most recipes don't have an indicator as to how many servings you'll be making, so there is a lot of waste if you're only fixing for 1 or 2.

I'm leaning towards a much simpler raw diet, too. Lots of fruit and smoothies with the occasional dehydrated meal. Most of the nut sauces and recipes I've made are just too rich for me.

[DiscoBlanch]

I thought I was the only person who could not get into dehydrated foods. They are just not for me. I like the fresh stuff, and who wants to wait 13 hours for a cracker. If I want a flax seed cracker I buy them from my whole food market. I went to a raw food restaurant the other day and bought the pizza and I hated it. I was so mad. I paid 12 bucks for food I didn't even finish. Never again. Hell if a raw food restaurant that specializes in raw food can't make dehydrated foods I like why should I bother. I'm all about the fresh food.

[JGex]

....if a raw food restaurant that specializes in raw food can't make dehydrated foods I like why should I bother.


That made me laugh!

Welcome abgoard, DiscoBlanch.... :D

[Veganforlife]

Ya know, I can't figure out why in the Dickens anyone wants to name vegan foods after meat or dairy or any other food that it's not. Sorry, but the Salmon Pate does NOT taste like salmon.... why not just name it Nut/Pepper Pate in the first place?

I've enjoyed some of the dishes I've done in the dehydrator, but the recipes are always for waaaaay too much food. I always end up throwing some away. Most recipes don't have an indicator as to how many servings you'll be making, so there is a lot of waste if you're only fixing for 1 or 2.

I'm leaning towards a much simpler raw diet, too. Lots of fruit and smoothies with the occasional dehydrated meal. Most of the nut sauces and recipes I've made are just too rich for me.

I thought that too about naming the foods, but you've got to realize there are a lot of folks transitioning FROM eating the Salmon that would need something similar. Even if it's just the name to psychologically fool them.
Also I have frozen a lot of the recipes and they freeze quite well. I have maybe one dehydrated meal a week.
I agree the nut sauces are very rich. The "cheeze" sauces mimic dairy too much and I can't stomach them.
But each of us are different and that's what makes this message board a great place to discuss all of this.

[puffysmom]

I make way to much food also but I refrig it or freeze and it is fine. The water is the only thing taken out of the dehydrated foods and it is also what makes it go bad. If it is dehydrated it should last a long long time.

As far as going to a local whole food market I would love it if we had one but living in a smaller town with only a couple hours drive to a town that MIGHT have one it is easier for me to make and learn to love the crackers that come out of the dehydrater. I dont eat many crackers as it is so a piece now and then with these larger recipes will make them last for a long time. No one else in my family eats them so i keep them all to myself. I also experiment. Just about any seed or nut can be made into a flour. Every time i make something i try to make changes. Come up with new ideas and I have only been doing this for less than a month but once u get the hang of it it is learning how to cook all over again.

I just wish i had a chef background so i could come up with more ideas. From what I understand after reading Alissas book she does not do all that much food preparation either. I think this is just to get us new people through the transition period. Eventually i prob will only make something once in a while for a treat.

[JustMe]

YES!!! I'm not alone about flax in dehydrated recipes!!!!!! I can't stand the slimy texture it lends, even if you rinse before adding them, or if you grind them first, then add them. it still the same to me. I thought i was a weirdo, LOL The ONLY recipe so far that i like is alissa's crepes and it's just the shells that are dehydrated which is just pureed bananas! it's hard not having a bread substitute or a cracker substitute for things that don't have flax. anyone try the mediterranean bread without the flax? or anyone have recipes for bread/crackers without the flax? That would be awesome!

[JGex]

I thought that too about naming the foods, but you've got to realize there are a lot of folks transitioning FROM eating the Salmon that would need something similar. Even if it's just the name to psychologically fool them.

Yes. but that's the point.... it's NOT similar. I like the taste, bgut it doesn't taste like salmon. I suppose if it works for some folks.... whatever gets 'em through the night!


Also I have frozen a lot of the recipes and they freeze quite well. I have maybe one dehydrated meal a week.
I agree the nut sauces are very rich. The "cheeze" sauces mimic dairy too much and I can't stomach them.
But each of us are different and that's what makes this message board a great place to discuss all of this.

Specifically, the chile rellenos made a huge batch... I didn't freeze them bgecause I didn't think the peppers would freeze well. I'm just cutting the recipes in half now where i am able.

Agreed that having a board to discuss our experiences is good. It's interesting to read other's reactions/issues/successes/disasters for some sort of measuring stick on what I'm doing here.

:D

[luckitri]

I laughed when I first read about dehydrated foods. I thought it was a big joke. I understand that it is correct about the enzymes and everything. I am totally not doing any dehydrating. I did enjoy someone elses flax crackers once and I will have to do that and onion bread eventually for my family to entice them to raw. Not for me.