Will dehydrating in the south bring bugs?

[soapgirlchris]

I just moved to Texas (the Houston area) and it is really hot and humid here most of the year. I am horrified at the bugs that we have here as I am from the Northeast and not used to that at all. :eek:

I am new to the Raw Food lifestyle and have purchased a Vitamix, spiralizer, and an Excaliber. I'm afraid to use my dehydrator though because I'm thinking that having any food out on the counter, uncovered will bring bugs in the house.

Can any of you from hot humid areas with lots of bugs tell me how you fare with this? I found some yummy sounding recipes for kale crackers here last night when I was poking around and I'd love to try some.

Thanks for the help.

[HolyGuacamole]

Hee, that's a good question coming from someone who's not experienced living with a healthy bug population. :D

Fortunately, the answer is no. Texas is pretty darn buggy indeed but it doesn't really affect any aspect of eating raw. Just don't let food sit out on the counter uncovered all day and you'll be fine, and even then you'd probably be safe from little buggies if you're in a newer home.
I'm in Houston and I dehydrate all the time. You're lucky, actually, if you dehydrate here in warmer months it will go faster here than it would elsewhere. It's actually not that humid here - try dehydrating in the Pacific Northwest!

You should definitely try kale chips ASAP. Couldn't be yummier!

Welcome to RFT - and to Houston! ;)

[WendyLouWho]

Thankfully, it doesn't attract bugs. I'm in south Texas, also and have no problem. We battle farro ants all the time in my kitchen and they have never bothered to go near the dehydrator (whew!).

[soapgirlchris]

Thanks guys, that is good news! I guess I'll unpack my dehydrator over the weekend and make some flax crackers and kale chips.

Thanks for the Houston welcome HolyGuacamole.

I'm off to the store to get some kale. Something I have never eaten before in my life. I can't wait to try the kale chips.

[natieya]

Yay! I'm glad to know that we won't have bug issues. Welcome to Houston. And, seriously, we should try to get together for a potluck or something. :o