Question regarding shelf life of dehydrated foods

[ksabe98]

Ok I need to ask a question. I am getting my dehydrator today as soon as UPS gets here and I have plans to make some things. I want to know for example how long do the flax crackers last? What about things like Butternut squash patties and mock turkey loaf and the carrot pecan burgers? Also the onion how long can you keep these things on hand after you have made them?Thanks for your help.

[Sheryl]

Congratulations on your dehydrator - you must be so excited!

I find that if something is completely dry it can last a long long time... months even!

Something that still has moisture in it lasts less time, and can spoil if left too long. I've found this with 'bread' if it's dehydrated only a bit with the centre moist, and burgers. However most of the raw meals we make in the dehydrator don't last very long, so it's not really an issue.

You can make very large batches of druit fruit, vegetables (great for raw vegetable stock), crackers etc.

Cheers,
Sheryl

[Stargazer2]

For the moist items, I have kept them for 7-10 days with no spoilage. Things that are very dry can be kept much longer.

Peace,
Valerie

[smasty]

Like everyone said: crackers: long time, but if things are a little moist (breads) then I keep them in the fridge after dehydrating them...they go fast though. You'll love having a dehydrator!!

[ksabe98]

Thank you I am currently dehydrating some persimmons. I sliced them and put them in there. So far so good. I wanted to make the spinach quiche and realized that by the time the crusts were done it would be 11:00 pm and then to put the stuff on top and dehydrate for another hour I would be eating dinner at midnight. Well I guess I have some planning to do now also. You really have to think ahead about what you want to eat for dinner say 2 or 3 days from now especially if you have soaking and sprouting to do. Do any of you have any suggestions about how you go about planning things? I work from home so that makes it easier for me. If I come up with some kind of brilliant game plan for dehydrating I will let you know.

[corky]

I just got my excalibur too and plan on making the carrot pecan burgers and the crepes-but i have to start the crepes at a certain time so i can check them as she says 2-3 hrs b4 the complete time--so yes, it takes some planning. I was going to ask the same question about how long things last. How about salad dressings?? almond milk? her mayonnaise recipe? this is all new to me. Thanks!!

[greengirl]

ksabe98,

Yes, planning your meals can be tricky. What I do is just plan on eating salads for dinner every night. However, when I find a recipe that I want to try, I get the ingredients I'll need the next time I'm at the co-op and begin soaking or dehydrating or whatever. Then, whenever the dish is ready, I have it for dinner that night instead of the salad. This method has relieved a lot of stress for me... :)

[ksabe98]

That is a good idea to have your mainstay and then if a dish is done eat that. I am happy to report that my crusts for the quiche are in the dehydrator and I expect to share this with my mom tomorrow night for dinner. But the recipe made 5 crusts. I don't know how thick they were supposed to be the recipe doesn't really specify so they are kinda thin. I am looking forward to seeing how it tastes.