It is no longer a secret that modern agricultural methods, including the extensive use of pesticides on one hand and genetic modifications on the other, are responsible for soil depletion, which results in crops with increasingly lower levels of nutrients. If we add to this that processing food further reduces its nutritional content, what options are there left for anyone who is nutrient cautious? A food dehydrator is indeed one of the essential devices that anyone conscious about consuming nutrient-rich food should have in their house. This device helps extract moisture from food materials making it possible to store them for much longer. A food dehydrator, therefore, helps you save money, lead a greener lifestyle, and enjoy healthy meals whenever you want to. But what are some of the benefits of dehydrating your own foods? Let’s look at 5.
1. Healthy and nutritious foods for you
A food dehydrator works by extracting moisture from food materials leaving original minerals, vitamins and natural enzymes intact. This is unlike other cooking and food preservation methods that add or destroy some of the nutrients in the food. Studies also reveal that dried grapes, cranberries, plums, and apples have twice their antioxidant levels as compared to when eaten fresh.
With the modern world already flooded with chemically altered and packaged foods, you can never go wrong with a food dehydrator. The other reason you should consider investing in your own dehydrator is that most fresh healthy foods aren’t available all year round seasonal. Dehydrating them makes it possible for you and your family to enjoy these months after their season is over. But what foods particularly lend themselves to being dehydrated?
You might be glad to hear that there are a ton of food options you can use do dehydrate, including:
- Dried chips and fruit snacks from bananas, apples, pears, oranges, lemons or prunes
- Veggie Chips: Kale, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes and green beans
- Salmon, beef, lamb and chicken jerky
- Pureed fruits and other fruit leathers
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Seeds, crispy nuts, and granola
- Bread and crackers
- Dehydrated fresh meals
- Dried flowers and herbs
2. No Chemicals or Preservatives
The difference between packaged foods and what you prepare is that you get to choose what should be in the meal. Packaged foods contain preservatives and other chemicals that make them last much longer than they normally would. All you need to carry out a dehydration procedure is the food. When dried properly with the best food dehydrators, these foods can last for up to one year, without the use of harsh chemicals or preservatives.
3. Easy To Store and to prepare
Removing moisture from food inhibits bacterial growth, which gives it a much longer shelf life. In addition to this, removing moisture from the same makes the food materials shrink for easy storage of course. This means that you get to enjoy fresh and highly nutritious foods all year long. Here are some suggestions on how to dehydrate food.
4. Plant-based Diet 
The majority of foods that can be dehydrated are plants. This means you get to enjoy more veggies and fruits all year long. This is not only good for your body but also improves your immunity as well. The beauty of this is that dehydrated foods are very easy to prepare, be it fruit snacks, fresh bread, or even vegan jerky.
5. Little to no waste
Many are the times when you find yourself having more than you can have in a sitting. The sad thing is, most fresh veggies and fruits go bad within a day or two, hence cannot be stored for long. Dehydrating such foods gives them an extended shelf life, meaning you never have to toss these valuables into the rubbish can. This eliminates unnecessary waste, saves you some money, and gives you value for your money as well.
If you prefer preparing your own meals and love a nutritious meal, a food dehydrator will then come in handy in your kitchen. Just look for the best one you can afford.
