Dehydrator Questions

[GoneGreen]

Hi Folks,

I am making recipes from several cookbooks, and of course they all specify different temperatures for dehydration. One book I am reading almost always says "dehydrate at 145 for 2 hours and then turn to 110 for "x" amount of hours".

Another book assumes a dehydrator temperature of 118. And, well, etc, etc.

The problem is, I have various "trays" going in a different times so raising and lowering the temperatures is not an option. My general rule of thumb is to dehydrate everything at 105.

Does anyone have anyone have any tricks for "converting" dehydration times and temperatures?

So far it has just been experimental and taking lots of notes.

Mark

[Revvell]

I never pay attention to any of that. If something is wet and in danger of getting moldy, I "may" raise the temp for a couple of hours then turn it down. If not, I keep the same temp for all at all times.

Each author lives in different environments. If they live in a wet environment or a cold one, they may put a temp that works for them.

I say, do what works for you.

[Jstmee46]

I use my excalibur 24 /7 I keep it all at 105 . I freeze things like breads and my granola. every thing else , we eat as it is done. like kale chips 105 degrees
for about 14hrs and yum.. granola 36 hrs . just depends on what you are making . sunflower seeds after sprouting 24 hrs .. Mmm getting hungry ...I keep all in the refrigerator or ice box...
Jstmee46

[Revvell]

like kale chips 105 degrees for about 14hrs and yum..

Kale chips? 14 hours? Mine take 3-4!

[Jstmee46]

Kale chips? 14 hours? Mine take 3-4!

I play with this time .. I seem to make mine around 8pm and by 11 am they are just the way I like them . I just set the timer for 12 hrs and when I get to look at them they are perfect.. I am going to make them in the morning instead.. I am excited to come home to the kale chips for lunch. Thanks for the time on them..

jstmee46

[GoneGreen]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the input. Greatly appreciated.

Mark