No Dehydrator

[DST_DIVA33]

If you have no dehydrator, is there a way to dehydrate using an oven at a low temperature? Has anyone had any success?

[annavon]

I have heard of a method where you heat the oven to the lowest temperture and then turn the oven off. You then put the food in a leave the door open. I haven't tried it. I would be fearful of the temperture control.

I also saw a cooking show with Alton Brown where he used a big box type fan to create a dehydrator (no heat!). This actually looked like it might preserve enzymes. Here is a link to a recipe for dehydrating fruit using this method.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/dried-fruit-recipe/index.html

[Ilse W.]

I have read somewhere a long time ago, that you can dehydrate in ovens with pilot lights. Also, you can use the sun to dehydrate. Put all your vegetables on a frame with window screen and put it out in the sun. You might only be able to do that in low humidity areas of the country. I don't really know, but do what I normally do: Google "solar food dehydrating".
Cheers,
Emma

[raw_dad]

you can use your oven like suggested above. don't be intimidated-- just do it! don't get to wrapped up about "precise" temperatures and enzyme loss, etc. congratulate yourself on the change in lifestyle that you're trying to make and use what resources you have. the awesome temperature controlled dehydrator will come with time..

[annavon]

Also, you can use the sun to dehydrate. Put all your vegetables on a frame with window screen and put it out in the sun. You might only be able to do that in low humidity areas of the country. I don't really know, but do what I normally do: Google "solar food dehydrating".
Cheers,
Emma

Emma: Thats a great tip!!! I should try it here in Arid-zona. It is definately hot and dry enough here.

[Bananna]

That is a great tip!

I have done the oven thing in the past...I figure if I can comfortably touch the food, then it's not too hot. Just put it on the lowest temp, put the food on the highest rack (away from the bottom element), and leave the door open a crack. I have found the the first 'crack' the door will sit open on it's own, to be too wide of a gap, and I just put a cup or something inbetween the door and the oven as a stopper.

Spend time to check on the temp untill you get a consistent average temp. And by checking I just mean feel your food to see if it's getting too hot.

[DST_DIVA33]

Thank you all for the help!