Before first time use
Clean all parts of the appliance with a damp cloth.
Ensure that the appliance is dry before attempting to dehydrate food.
Make sure that all parts are fitted correctly and are in working condition.
Preparing the food
Unlike tinned fruit there is no extra sugar added during the de-hydrating process
(unless the user adds sugar as an optional extra, this can sometimes produce a
bitter taste) it is important to follow these basic guide lines to produce the best
quality food:
Always ensure that the food is in date and of good quality.
It is best to use tree-ripened fruits as they contain the highest natural sugar content.
Do not use over-ripe or rotting fruits and vegetables, if the food has bruised or discoloured parts,
please remove the discoloured section before dehydrating.
Some fruits such as apples, pears and apricots are pre-treated to slow the loss of vitamins and
also to prevent discolouring. Always thoroughly wash food to ensure it does not contain dirt,
bacteria and other harmful substances.
It's optional to peel fruit and vegetables before drying them. The peel can become tough during the
drying process; however it is down to your personal preference.
It may be necessary to steam/ blanch vegetables before drying them, this is due to the different
textures of the vegetables.
Assembling the dehydrator
1. Place the appliance on a smooth, level table. Ensure that the power cord is
only a short distance away from the electrical supply.
2. Prepare and cut ingredients as instructed. Place on the dehydrating trays or
onto the dehydrator sheets as required..
3. Turn the main switch of the electrical power supply on.
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Dryness Test
Fruits, if dried properly, should have a pliable and leathery texture with little moisture (less than
20%). It is a frequent problem that people over dry fruit, this can lead to a poor taste and the fruit
having less nutritional value.
Therefore to achieve the best possible taste from dehydrated food ensure the correct drying time is
followed.
Vegetables should be chewy and brittle however different vegetables can vary in texture.
Storage of foods
It is vital to store de-hydrated food correctly in order to maintain the quality and taste of the
product. Ensure that all dried foods are stored in a cool dark place; the cooler the food is kept the
longer the optimal quality will be maintained.
If it is possible please store the food in a refrigerator or freezer, alternatively you can store dried
foods in a cool place in your home.
Be aware that light causes the quality and nutritional value of the food to deteriorate.
When storing the food it is recommended to store it in a sealed bag or a darkened container.
Storing foods
The naturally high sugar and acid content contained in many fruits allows them to be stored for
longer periods of time.
When packaged and stored correctly most fruit can last for about a year whilst vegetables can be
stored for up to about 6 months.
Do not consume fruits and vegetables that show any signs of deterioration.
Re-hydrating foods
Foods that have been dehydrated can be re-hydrated in water, this can be performed in 3 ways:
Fruits and vegetables can be soaked in water for 2-6 hours, ensure that they are refrigerated
during this process.
They can be soaked in boiling water for 5-10 minutes until they have reached the desired
consistency.
You can also re-hydrate fruits and vegetables by cooking them. Do not add seasoning or sugar
during this process. A good general rule is to use 2 cups of water to the fruit and allow it to stew.
Cleaning and maintenance
The dehydrator trays are dishwasher safe.
Do not for any reason immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid.
Clean with a slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly before storage.
Store the appliance in a clean, damp free environment preferably in its original packaging.
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