substitute for raw honey?

[sionkali]

Hello everyone!!

I'm relatively new to the raw food world, so I was very excited when I found RawFoodTalk. Finally somewhere that I could ask questions!!!

So, without further ado, here goes:

I've noticed that some recipes call for raw honey. When I became vegan I decided that I would not ingest honey in any form. I know this is a huge debate among vegans, whether or not it is an actual "animal ingredient", but after reading a number of books I decided I would abstain from it. That being said, is there anything I can use in place of honey? I've heard that pure maple syrup can be used; would that work well enough?

Also, I seem to be having trouble finding some of the ingredients in my general area. Unfortunately, the closest Whole Foods store (one of my favorites) is a bit more than an hour away. I guess this would work out if I was shopping once a week, but in the winter time it might be a bit more difficult. And while I love Wegmans, it doesn't always have the kinds of specialized ingredients I need. Could anyone recommend a good, reliable webstore that carries the raw food staples?

Oh! and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good, but not extremley expensive dehydrator? I've never bought one before so I'm not sure what I should be looking for.

I'm sorry this was so long, but I don't have anyone to ask in my area (PA)!! Thanks so much!!

[rawpriestess]

Hi maple syrup is not raw, but agave nectar is and is about the same consistancy. I use date paste, which is just dates (pitted) and a little water, all smushed up in the food processor. Works great.

I use the excalibur dehydrator, and love it, but if $200 is too much to spend, then you can buy an American harvest nesco at Wallmart for around $40, make sure it has a temperature gauge, as you need to make sure you dehydrate at 115 degrees or below.

As far as your raw food items, which ones are you looking for specifically?

Alissa, who owns this site has many things available at www.alissacohen.com, you might wish to check out her store, before you go anywhere else, I'm sure she makes sure she has the best of the best to sell.

Welcome. :o)

[sionkali]

Thank you so much rawpriestess!!

I will definitely have to check out the Excalibur Dehydrator, especially since I've read so many good things about them in the different threads. They do seem a bit pricey, but if they're that good and last that long then its definitely worth it for me!!

I have seen some people mention an attachable timer for some of the models that don't already have timers on them. Would it be best to invest in the dehydrator with the timer already there (I would probably dry things overnight since I'm pretty busy during the day) or get a smaller dehydrator and purchase a seperate timer to attach to the machine?

[dragonfist70]

hey try yocon root dunno if the states have it im currently searching in the uk

[Revvell]

Hi sionkali,

I have the 9-tray Excalibur. I prefer the larger one because I can dry so many things at one time and not leave it running as long. I rarely use mine anymore yet, when I do, I'll make a batch of cookies, crackers, tomatoes, etc. all at the same time. Is it expensive? Well, you'll have to decide that. It is top of the line and if you are going to be dehydrating a lot, that's surely the way to go. Check the warranty.

For sweetner, agave is my main one w/ stevia as a back up.

:cool:

[WinterSun]

SionKali, where in PA are you from? I live in PA and while we have small natural foods stores 15 min. away, there is a great one an hour from our house,and we go every week, we have to watch the weather in the winter though :confused:
As far as dehydrators go I too have the Excaliber 9 tray it's pricey, but luckily my husband believes in spending money for top of the line. I had said "let's save some $ and I'll just get the 5 tray", and he said "no just get the 9 tray" I'm so glad he's natured that way because the 5 tray wouldn't have been enough.

[sionkali]

Hey WinterSun!

Right now I live in Northeast PA, specifically the area in the Poconos.

I think I may go with one of the 9 tray dehydrators, mainly because I think I would be doing a good amount of dehydrating, and because I like having the timer option. I just need to save up some money for it. Until then, I might focus on the recipes/foods that don't need to be dehydrated (once I get my book and DVD that is - it seems they're out of stock right now).

Would it be best to buy one from the manufacturers site?

[Sicilian Girl]

Good afternoon!
I just got my dehydrator today!!!! I bought the Excaliber 5 tray with teflex sheets for $120 plus shipping. That was the best price I found for the size.

I personally only got the 5 tray cause I don't know how much I will actually use it. I mean, I have owned an oven and a microwave for about 3 years and I think I have used them about 10 times. If I decided later that I need the larger model, I will probably sell the smaller one to someone on the board!

Good luck! :D

[WinterSun]

SionKali,
I'm from northeast PA, Lancaster County. I order my dehydrator from a website called Choice Nutritionals. There was another site, the food dehydrator store, but they never returned my phone calls (I don't order online I phone my orders in). It cost $209 but I had a choice of 10% off or 9 teflex sheets, I chose the teflex sheets, and I'm glad I did!

[RawTruth]

I bought my Excalibur 9-tray on eBay. It was barely used, in excellent condition, and around $180. I suggest you try there first. Or buy from rawfamily.com, the Boutenko's website. The shipping is free from them, and it's great to support one of the pillars in the contemporary raw & living food movement.