Drying is a very simple process and dried food, if stored in a cool place in airtight containers, will last indefinitely. Domestic food driers like the Excalibur 3900 dries sliced fruit and fruit leathers.

A food drier removes water from food by circulating hot air in the temperature range 85 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit around the food. It does not cook the food, but preserves it from decay by drying it. Removal of the water content inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Benefits of drying food include:

1. Having on hand a variety of food, both in and out of season,

2. Buying food in season when at their best and preserving them for later use,

3. Saving on food at bulk prices when in season,

4. Avoiding preservatives and colorants in commercially dried food,

5. Reducing the household budget by spending less on tinned and frozen foods and

6. Preserving the nutritional value of foodstuffs as none are lost through cooking.

The drawbacks are:

1. The unit is noisy, but one gets used to it. Some users put it in an outside room, the garage, or use it only at night when no one is in the kitchen. The unit has a timer as well as a thermostat, so it can function without supervision.

2. It is bulky and takes up a lot of counter space.

What is suitable for drying?

The Excalibur can dry any food from meat and fish to fruit and vegetables.

It is also used for drying bread to make crumbs.

It is most often used for drying fruit.

General information

1. It performs best when the food is of even thickness and fits flat into nine trays.

2. If it is too thick, the drying time will be longer and some of the trays should be removed to provide head-space in the remaining trays.

3. There is even heat distribution in this dryer and, if all the food is of even size, it will all be done at the same time and will be easier to store.

4. The method of dehydration is always the same, but the variety of foods that could be dried is vast and it is best to consult a book on food dehydration for information this.

5. Information on drying times for would also be a good guide.

No nutrients are lost during the drying process. Drying is a process of evaporation of the water content in the food.only.

Amy M. Ling
http://www.blogger.com/profile/08712414500858974676

Amy Ling is a retired Internet Enthusiast whho loves to find excellent deals and writes to inform people about them. Amazon.com offers a good deal on the Axcalibur 3900 Food Dehydrator. Press here to find out more: excalibur 3900

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