FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DEHYDRATORS: What types are available? Which are the best?
A dehydrator is a device that removes moisture from fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat, fish, and mushrooms to preserve them for a long time and extend their shelf life. The dehydrator uses heat and air to remove moisture from the products while preserving their nutritional value and benefits.
Dehydrators can generally be categorized into several groups:
- Dehydrators with vertical airflow - older models (with the fan and heater located at the bottom, where warm air rises through the trays from bottom to top).
- Tunnel or horizontal dehydrators - modern dehydrators (with the heater and fan positioned next to the trays, so warm air heats all trays simultaneously and evenly).
- Dehydrators with a mechanical temperature regulator (dial control) - older models
- Dehydrators with a digital thermostat and timer - modern models (SUSHIMO)
Important characteristics of a dehydrator include:
- Total volume or combined tray surface area for dehydration.
- Material - metal or stainless steel dehydrator (ours are stainless steel!)
- Ability of the dehydrator to resume drying from the last program point in case of a power outage (SUSHIMO has this feature).
- Ability of the dehydrator to keep the product dry after the drying process is completed. This is important if the drying ends at night, as the product might absorb moisture or condensation (SUSHIMO has this feature).
What is a DEHYDRATOR? How to choose the right one?
- First of all, you should know that the larger the dehydrator, the lower the energy costs for drying 1 kg of produce. If possible, choose the maximum size that fits how much you plan to dry in one batch. We offer the following models:
- SUSHIMO FD500 Dehydrator - 0.5 m²
- SUSHIMO FD900 Dehydrator - 0.9 m²
- SUSHIMO FD1500 Dehydrator - 1.5 m²
- SUSHIMO FD2500 Dehydrator - 2.5 m²
- SUSHIMO FD5000 Dehydrator - 5.0 m²
- SUSHIMO FD8000 Dehydrator - 8.0 m²
- Larger models available upon request.
- Horizontal dehydrators dry more evenly because the warm air blows over the produce from the side, ensuring that the air doesn't cool as it moves from the bottom tray to the top, unlike vertical dehydrators.
- Digital thermostats offer more accurate temperature control for drying different types of produce.
- Digital timers prevent over-drying and ensure you don't forget to turn off the dehydrator in time.
- Stainless steel dehydrators last longer compared to other materials, and they can be washed without worry.
How to properly prepare products for drying in a dehydrator?
Preparing products for drying in a dehydrator may depend on the specific product, but the basic steps are as follows:
- Select fresh, ripe fruits and vegetables. They should be freshly purchased, with no signs of spoilage or damage.
- Wash the fruits and vegetables to remove any soil, dirt, dust, or chemicals that may be on the surface.
- If necessary, peel and core the fruits and vegetables, and remove any under-ripe or damaged parts.
- Slice fruits and vegetables into uniform pieces or rounds about 5 mm thick. If the pieces are uneven, they may dry inconsistently.
- Evenly distribute the pieces on the dehydrator trays, leaving enough space between each piece for air to circulate freely.
- Set the dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions and turn it on.
- Periodically check the fruits and vegetables, remove dried pieces, and rearrange the remaining pieces for more even drying.
- Store dried products in a tightly sealed container or bag.
Remember that drying time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fruit or vegetable slices.
What is the optimal temperature for drying different products in a dehydrator?
The optimal temperature for drying different products in a dehydrator can range from 35°C to 70°C. Here are some examples:
- Fruits like apples, bananas, apricots, and mangoes are usually dried at temperatures between 50°C and 60°C.
- Vegetables such as carrots, beets, zucchini, and mushrooms are typically dried at temperatures between 50°C and 65°C.
- Herbs and spices are usually dried at temperatures between 35°C and 45°C.
- Meat and fish can be dried at temperatures between 60°C and 70°C.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions after purchasing a dehydrator and use the optimal temperature for each specific product. Too high a temperature can cause over-drying and loss of nutrients, while too low a temperature may not provide the necessary sterilizing effect.
What can be dried in a dehydrator?
Products that can be dried in a dehydrator include:
- Fruits: apples, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, kiwi, apricots, red currants, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, as well as citrus fruits (lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit), and sour cherries.
- Vegetables: tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplants, carrots, onions, garlic, corn, peas, black pepper, pumpkin seeds.
- Meat and fish: veal, chicken, beef, bacon, ham, fish (salmon, tuna, shrimp, squid).
- Grains and nuts: walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, beans.
- Pet food: dried meat pieces for dogs, cats, and other pets.
Fruit Dehydrator
A fruit dehydrator is an essential tool for high-quality home drying!
Fruits for dehydration should be soft and firm. Effective fruit and vegetable dehydration occurs at 57°C.
A fruit dehydrator allows you to dry: Apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, grapes, kiwi, and other fruits!