substitute for solid dehydrator screen

[JustMe]

I want to buy extra fruit rollup trays and mesh sheets, but until then i wanted to substitute freezer paper. that was the only thing i could find solid. is this safe to use? hmm...it probably would have been smarter to ask first :o. I think someone on here posted an older thread about using parchment paper. is that the same thing? thanks!

[rawjojo]

i use parchment paper. I'm not sure what freezer paper is????? Hopefully, your not talking about wax paper?!?!?! Parchment is cheap and easy, works great too!

[vegankristen]

I use plastic wrap and a little olive oil if needed for non-stick.

[JustMe]

No, it's not wax. its a sort of thick a paper to wrap meats in. what section of the store do you find parchment paper?

[harmony]

I took a large needlepoint plastic thingy and cut it to fit my nesco dehydrator. It's a big rectangular sheet of plastic with holes I got at walmart. It works fine for not too much more than $1.00 I also use the round plastic needlepoint circles (and have to cut it some) to fit in the lid of my canning jar lids for sprouting.

[PixieGreen]

Harmony, great idea for a sprouting lid! I had tried a wire screen in the past and it was too cumbersome for me. What do you use the mesh in your dehydrator for? As an extra tray?

Christa

[JustMe]

GREAT idea harmony!!! I know exactly what you are talking about!!! Christa, you can find them in the craft section at a supermarket or craft store. some recipes in alissa's book calls for a screen mesh. this is so the food doesn't fall thru the bigger holes on the regular screen. they're basically smaller holes, but still allows air to flow under too.

[harmony]

http://hishealingways.com/tutorials.html

Here is where I got the idea for the lids among other things. Yep, I put my homemade screen on top of the mesh screen.

[RawTruth]

Parchment paper comes on a roll like plastic wrap and is sold in some supermarkets in either the baking section or the baggies/wax paper section.

[DotfromOz]

I'd be hesitant about using freezer paper as it's often coated with plastic on the side that goes next to the food. Parchment paper is designed for hi-temp use, so it should work great in a dehydrator. It could present air circulation problems though, so I'd poke some holes in it or cut segments that you could leave gaps between. Most of the major discount stores sell it if you can't find it at your regular grocery store.