A Beginner’s Guide to Dehydrating Food

By Greg Seaman

Dehydrating food is ideal for preserving the freshness of your food while extending its shelf life. It’s affordable, reduces waste, and lightens the weight of foods while camping or backpacking. There’s no simpler way to preserve your harvest.

Key takeaways

• Dehydrating naturally preserves food and extends shelf life, making it great for storage, camping or reducing waste.
• Many foods can be dehydrated using methods like electric dehydrators, ovens or sun-drying.
• Preparation and storage matter. Slicing, blanching, drying temperature and proper storage all affect safety and flavor.

There’s almost no easier way to preserve food than dehydrating. Used for thousands of years to help food last without refrigeration, drying is one of the fastest and least expensive ways to save your harvest. It can also lighten the weight of foods for camping and backpacking—saving your back and your wallet.

Callout:

Dehydrating dramatically reduces the moisture content of your food, allowing it to last longer and still taste delicious.

But what is food dehydration? It’s a process that reduces a food’s moisture content to between 5 and 20%. Within that range, the bacterium that causes food to decay can’t survive. By removing moisture from your favorite foods, you’re also extending their lifespan.

Why dehydrate food?

Dehydrating food has many benefits. These include:

1. Simplifies and quickens preserving
   Dehydrating is one of the fastest and least expensive ways to preserve your harvest. It requires minimal equipment and effort compared to other preservation methods like canning or freezing.
   
2. Extends shelf life
   Dehydrating reduces moisture content to between 5 and 20%. Dehydrated food can last anywhere from 4 months to a year or—in some cases longer—when stored properly.
3. Retains more nutrients than canning
   While canning destroys 60-80% of nutrients due to high heat exposure, dehydrating only loses an average of 3-8% of nutrients. This makes it one of the most nutritional preservation methods.
   
4. Lightens the load for camping and outdoor activities
   Dehydrating reduces the weight of food while maintaining its nutritional value and taste. It’s ideal for backpacking, hiking, and camping trips where every ounce makes a difference.
   
5. Requires no refrigeration or electricity
   Once properly dried and stored in airtight containers, dehydrated foods need no refrigeration or electricity to stay preserved. This makes it excellent for emergency preparedness and long-term storage.
   

An Excalibur food dehydrator is great for drying fruits, vegetables, fruit leathers, jerky, fish, herbs, and soaked grains or nuts.

What foods can you dehydrate at home?

You can dehydrate almost any fresh food, but some things dehydrate better than others. Here are some of the best things to put in a dehydrator:

• Fruits: Apples, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, cherries, blueberries for eating as snacks or chopped in granola and trail mixes, or dried as purees for fruit leather.
• Vegetables: Carrots, mushrooms, onions, peas, beans, tomatoes for adding to soups, stews, and backpacking meals.
• Meat and fish: Ground beef, chicken, or turkey; sliced meats; cured meats; fresh fish; beef jerky for adding to backpacking meals or storing for soup and stew ingredients.
• Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, macadamia after soaking or sprouting, to make them more digestible.
• Sprouted grains: Rice, buckwheat, barley, quinoa, amaranth to preserve nutrients and to store for flours, granolas, and baking.
• Herbs: Oregano, basil, parsley, dill, fennel, mint, lemon balm, hyssop for later use in teas, baking, and cooking.
• Prepared foods: Crackers, breads, and granolas for raw food diets.

Related: Extend Your Fall harvest by Dehydrating Fruits and Vegetables

Which dehydration methods work and when?

There are many ways to dry food, with some harkening back thousands of years. Modern tools have helped improve the rate of dehydration, however, reducing the chance your food will spoil.

Here are the most common methods used today:

Sun drying

It’s hard to think of an older or simpler way to preserve food than sun drying. According to Michigan State University people have sliced fruit and placed it on racks or lines in the sunshine about 12,000 years. Sun drying is very effective in places with long periods of hot sun. 

The ancient Romans commonly ate raisins and dried figs thanks to their Mediterranean climate. But anywhere with a minimum temperature of 86 F and a relative humidity of 60% will work. 

Just remember that fruit takes several days to dry thoroughly. Place on a mesh screen—avoiding anything galvanized—and cover with a second screen to deter flies and other insects. 

Air drying

Like sun drying, air drying is an ancient method of dehydrating food. The main difference is that air drying usually takes place in the shade. That’s because this method helps preserve anything that needs protection from the sun’s rays. It works well for delicate greens and herbs— especially those you’re saving for culinary mixes or herbal teas.

Solar dryer

A step up from sun drying, solar drying uses a dehydrator powered by the sun to passively dry your food. Since there’s no element to provide heat or fans to circulate the air, solar drying uses no electricity. Solar dryers work outdoors and are usually designed like a mini tabletop greenhouse. 

Related: Solar Food Dehydration: How to Sun Dry Your Food

Oven drying

Oven drying uses your home oven to slowly dry food at temperatures around 140 F. Because ovens are so large, they’re not the most energy efficient dryers on the block. Yet they can save you buying an extra appliance if quick drying is your goal. They can also warm up your house, since you’ll need to prop the door open to let the moisture escape. 

If you’re thinking of drying food in your oven, check to make sure your oven goes low enough. Anything over 140 F will cook your food instead of drying it. 

Electric dehydrator

Add modern technology to age-old drying techniques and presto: you have electric dehydrators. These little powerhouses come equipped with fans and elements to quickly and efficiently dry your food. That means virtually no spoilage and a tasty result. 

Most electric dehydrators also come with a temperature gauge and adjustment dial. This helps to speed or slow drying time depending on what you’re processing. 

If your food dehydrator does have a fan, consider using it in your garage or another area where noise won’t matter. This advice also applies if you’re using your food dehydrator in summer and you don’t want to heat up your living space. 

Microwave

If you are a devotee of microwave cooking and only have a small amount of food to dehydrate, you might consider using your microwave set on ‘defrost’ to dry fruits and herbs. In general, microwaved fruits will take 20 to 40 minutes to dry fully but keep checking on them so you don’t overdo it. Herbs placed in the microwave take 2 to 3 minutes. 

How to prepare food for dehydrating

The main goal in preparing food for dehydrating is to get an even thickness. That way things will dehydrate at the same rate, leaving you with a uniform result. One or two thicker pieces that don’t dry fully can result in spoilage during storage.

What tools do you need for dehydrating food?

To make sure you get the best result possible, use the right tool for the job:

• Apple slicing device: Slice, peel and core apples simultaneously. Look for one without plastic parts and a rubber suction cup on the bottom. 
• Paring knife: A sharp, short knife is useful for peeling and cutting fruit and vegetables.
• Hand peeler: Peel fruits and vegetables efficiently and without accidents.
• Food processor or grater: Handy for slicing, dicing and chopping ingredients for soups, stews and snacks.

How thick should you slice food for dehydration?

When slicing fruits and vegetables for dehydrating, trim to ¼ to ½ inch thick for best results. Slice meat thinner where possible. 

Should you peel fruits and vegetables first?

It’s not necessary to peel everything you dehydrate. The main reason to remove the skins from fruits and vegetables is to get rid of imperfections that might affect taste and appearance. You might also choose to remove the skins from non-organic produce to lessen exposure to pesticides. 

Related: Pesticides in Produce

If you do want to remove skins from fruits like peaches, apricots, or tomatoes, dip them in boiling water for up to 60 seconds. Next place in cold water for another 60 seconds, or until the skins start to crinkle and lift. The skins will now come off easily by hand.

Callout:

You can blanch vegetables that normally take longer to cook by steaming for 2 to 5 minutes. This will help preserve nutrients and prevent flavor loss before drying.

Do you need to blanch fruits and vegetables before dehydrating?

Blanching refers to pre-heating your vegetables, fruits and meats before preservation. People usually blanch vegetables—particularly those that take longer to cook—because it helps prevent flavor loss before drying. 

The easiest way to blanch is to place vegetables in the basket of your steamer and heat water beneath. Steam for 2 to 5 minutes until vegetables are heated to the center.

The most common vegetables to blanch include:

• Asparagus (3 to 5 minutes)
• Broccoli (3 to 5 minutes)
• Cabbage (2 to 3 minutes)
• Carrots (3 to 4 minutes)
• Corn (1 to 3 minutes)
• Green beans (4 to 5 minutes)
• Peas (3 minutes)
• Kale, spinach (just until wilted)

Blanching some vegetables before dehydrating can help preserve flavor and quality.

How do you keep dehydrated food from browning?

There’s a reason commercially prepared dried fruit retains its color and texture. Often it has been dipped in preservatives. When added to the fruit’s surface, these preservatives help save the look and taste of the fresh fruit. 

That doesn’t mean you have to dip your own food into a preservative before drying, but it is worth considering how to extend your food’s shelf life. Here are some options that are especially good at stopping light-colored fruits from darkening.

Ascorbic acid

• Dissolve 1 tablespoon of pure ascorbic acid into 1 quart of water. 
• Add sliced or chopped food to the solution and let sit for no longer than one hour. Remove, drain and rinse lightly before adding to dehydrator trays. 
• You can usually find ascorbic acid at your local health food or grocery store. 

Citric acid

• Dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid in crystalline form. Treat as above. 
• Citric acid is only 1/8 as effective as ascorbic acid and will give your fruits a tarter taste.
• Buy citric acid at your local health food or grocery store.

Fruit juice

• Stir 1 cup lemon juice into 1 quart of water. 
• Dip fruit for up to 10 minutes and then drain well. 
• Like citric acid above, fruit juice is not as effective as ascorbic acid (about 1/6 as much) and will leave a tart taste on fruit. 

Sodium bisulfite

• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sodium bisulfite powder in 1 quart of water. 
• Soak the sliced fruit for two minutes before removing, draining and rinsing. 
• Don’t reuse sodium bisulfite solution because it will be less effective. 
• Be cautious about sulfite allergies, which are common.

Step-by-step procedures for dehydrating by food type

How do you dehydrate fruits?

For the best dried fruit, choose high quality produce that was picked when ripe. Ripe fruit is at its peak sugar content, which means sweeter snacks. But watch for anything overripe or bruised: these may turn black while drying.

Steps for preparation

• Wash skins if you’re planning to leave them on.
• Core or pit (if required).
• Slice to an even thickness.
• Place on dehydrating trays and dry at 135 to 145 F until pliable.

How long does it take to dehydrate fruit? 

For fruits like apples, bananas, peaches, and nectarines, drying times will range from 6 to 16 hours. Apricots, grapes, figs, and pears can take anywhere between 20 to 36 hours. Check every 2 to 3 hours within those ranges, rotating trays if necessary.

Don’t add new fruit to your dehydrator if an old batch is still in the works: this will cause partially dried fruit to absorb moisture.

How do you dehydrate vegetables?

Vegetables dry more quickly than fruits, but they also spoil more quickly. Take care when preparing and do everything you can to preserve their freshness before drying. That includes storing in the fridge, only preparing as much as you can handle in one load and washing in cold water.

Steps for preparation

• Remove any tough pieces of skin or stem, cutting away bruises and spots.
• Slice to an even thickness using a food processor or spiralizer.
• Choose smaller lengths over larger ones to speed drying.
• Blanch where necessary (as noted above).
• Place on dehydrator trays without overlapping and dry at 125 F.

Tomatoes and onions are the exception and are best dried at 145 F. Drying times will range from 4 to 10 hours depending on the vegetable and size of your pieces.

If possible, don’t dry strong smelling vegetables at the same time as the milder smelling varieties. Brussels sprouts, onions, peppers, and garlic will leave their signature scent in other foods.

How do you safely dehydrate meat and fish?

Choose only fresh, lean meat and low-fat varieties of fish for drying, since fat will spoil quickly. Don’t dehydrate pork, unless you’re using sliced, cured ham.

Steps for preparation

• When dehydrating cooked meat, remove fat and cut into cubes no thicker than ½ inch. 
• Spread on trays and dry at 145 F. Most cooked meats will take between 6 and 12 hours to dry fully. 
• Pat dry if any oil surfaces during the dehydration process. You can also dehydrate (cooked) ground beef in the same way.
• To make jerkies for snacks and camping trips, you’ll need to cut meat into thin, uniform strips. 
• Next, marinate in brine or dry cure using a salty “rub” for 6 to 12 hours in the refrigerator.
• Once cured, brush off the strips and dehydrate at 160 F. 
• Reduce to 145 F until strips crack (but don’t break) when bent.

Food safety considerations

Given the risk involved with dehydrating certain foods, it's recommended to pre-cook for meats or fish. Ensure thin slices and avoid cross-contamination. Dry the meat or fish fully to safe moisture levels and store in airtight containers. 

Consult the following food safety resources for guidance on drying meats and bacteria risk:

• Jerky and Food Safety (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service)
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency Meat Hygiene Manual

How do you dehydrate nuts and seeds?

Some people with digestive issues find that soaking and dehydrating nuts and seeds make them easier to handle. That’s because raw nuts contain enzyme inhibitors. Soaking helps break down these inhibitors, making nuts and seeds more digestible.

Steps for preparation

• To prepare nuts for dehydrating, soak overnight in a solution of salt and water (about 1 tablespoon sea salt to 4 cups of nuts covered in water). 
• Drain and spread in a single layer on dehydrator trays. 
• Dry at 145 F for 12 to 24 hours. This recipe works well for cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.

How do you dehydrate herbs?

Herbs are one of the easiest and quickest foods to dry. There’s little preparation and they store for a long time without losing their flavor. 

Harvest your favorite herbs in the morning, preferably earlier in the year before flowers bloom. If it’s seeds you’re after, such as coriander and celery, gather on a dry day when the sun is out.

Steps for preparation

• Snip into single-stem lengths, gather in a bundle, and hang in the shade. 
• Or arrange on dehydrator trays in a single layer and dry at 95 to 105 F for 2 to 4 hours.
• Herbs that have finished drying will be brittle and crumble when touched.

Related: 10 Culinary Herbs to Grow and Dry

To process, hold single herb branches over a sheet pan or piece of beeswax cloth and remove by rubbing your fingers along the stem’s length. Gather and store in dry jars. 

Common questions about food dehydration

How long will dehydrated food last?

While dried food has been known to last five to ten years if prepared and stored correctly, it’s best to use yours between 4 months and one year.

Food type	Storage duration	Storage conditions
Fruits	6–12 months	Airtight container, cool and dark, low humidity
Herbs	12–24 months	Airtight container, cool and dark, low humidity
Nuts/Seeds	3–6 months	Airtight container, cool and dark, low humidity
Meat Jerky	6–12 months	Sealed container, cool and dark storage

How to make dehydrated food?

The easiest way to make dehydrated food is to use a multi-level dehydrator with a fan, temperature controls and a timer. Slice food evenly for consistent drying and follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Does dehydrating food remove (or preserve) nutrients?

Yes, dehydrating food can remove some nutrients, but no more than other preservation methods. It’s light and heat that cause vitamins to break down. That means preserving by canning destroys more nutrients than low heat, low humidity dehydrating. You can reduce the amount of thiamin and vitamins A and C that get lost from your vegetables by blanching some vegetables (see above). 

Does dehydrating food kill bacteria?

If you dry your fruits and vegetables until their moisture levels are somewhere between 5 and 20%, you’ll remove the bacteria that causes food to decay. If you’re worried about bacteria on meat, the USDA recommends first heating raw meat to 160 F and then dehydrating at a steady temperature of 145 F. 

Does dehydrating food increase sugar?

Dried fruit tastes extra sweet because dehydrating concentrates sugar while removing water vapor. There is more sugar per gram in dried fruit than fresh fruit, but dehydrating fruit does not increase sugar content overall. 

Does dehydrating food kill enzymes?

In some cases, yes. Dehydrating food at higher temperatures does lead to the death of enzymes. Denser foods can withstand higher temperatures without losing enzymes, but most enzymes will eventually become inactive when temperatures rise above 140 to 158 F. 

Can you dehydrate food in an Instant Pot?

Unfortunately, no. An Instant Pot may be an amazing multi-tool capable of slow cooking, pressure cooking, and making yogurt, but it’s too moist to dehydrate anything. Even with the lid off. Trust us on this.

Can you dehydrate cooked food?

Yes, you can. You can even dehydrate meals, though some cooked foods dehydrate better than others, but if you’re dehydrating for backpacking, camping, or long-term food storage, you can pre-make stews, rice dishes, and even desserts and dehydrate them by applying to a non-stick sheet and laying on dehydrator trays. After they’ve reached a moist, crumbly consistency, remove non-stick sheets and dry the rest of the way. 

Can I dehydrate meat at home safely?

Yes, you can. Choose only fresh, lean meat and low-fat varieties of fish for drying, since fat will spoil quickly. Don’t dehydrate pork, unless you’re using sliced, cured ham. 

Do I need to blanch vegetables?

People usually blanch vegetables—particularly those that take longer to cook—because it helps prevent flavor loss before drying. The easiest way to blanch is to place vegetables in the basket of your steamer and heat water beneath. Steam for 2 to 5 minutes until vegetables are heated to the center.

What if my food still feels soft after drying?

If your food still feels soft after drying, it likely needs more time. Dried food should be crispy or leathery depending what food you’re drying. Soft texture means there's still too much moisture, which can lead to spoilage or mold. Keep in mind that food often feels softer when warm and will firm up as it cools to room temperature.

Related: Tips for Dehydrating Your Own Backpacking Meals

How should I store dried food?

Store your food in clean, dry jars (home canning jars or mason jars work well) or pack into silicone bags or freezer containers with tight-fitting lids.

How do you use a food dehydrator?

The best way to use a food dehydrator is according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Some dehydrators have fans, which speed drying times. Others need to be in use longer for desired outcomes.

Compare dehydrating to other preservation methods 

Is dehydrating better than canning?

Canning food exposes whatever you’re preserving to high temperatures. This leads to 60 to 80% nutrient loss depending on the food. In contrast, the average nutrients lost through dehydration is about 3 to 5 %.

Callout:

Canned food is exposed to high temperatures, leading to 60-80% nutrient loss. Dehydrated food loses an average of 5-8% nutrients.

Canning is usually more labor intensive than dehydrating. That’s because it involves preparing your food and sterilizing jars, along with making brines and syrups for processing. Canned food is already moist and can often be eaten raw. Some dehydrated foods need to be soaked or reconstituted before eating, which can lengthen meal preparation times. 

What's the difference between dehydrated and freeze-dried food?

Dehydrating removes 85 to 95% of the moisture in your food. Freeze drying removes up to 99%. That means freeze-dried food will last longer and be lighter than dehydrated food, but it’s also costlier to produce.

Freeze drying works by lowering the temperature inside a vacuum-sealed chamber and then raising the temperature until the water in the food changes from a liquid to a gas. A freeze-dryer typically costs anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. 

How to get started with food preservation

Drying fruits and veggies is a great way to make your harvest last and reduce food packaging. Preparing your own dehydrated food for outdoor adventures and long- or short-term emergency storage can help you feel prepared and secure. 

Are you ready to start preserving your own food? Visit our product page for more information on food preservation methods of all kinds.