Preparation of Foods (Pre-Treatment), cont’d
Ascorbic acid mix, a form of vitamin C which is available at most health food stores,
comes in either tablet or powder form. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of powder or ground
tablets per quart of water. Stir to completely dissolve powder. Place fruit into the solution for
2-3 minutes. Remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.
Sodium Bisulte can be purchased at your local pharmacy. If you or anyone who will be
eating the food has any known chemical allergies, you should check with your
physician before using this chemical. Be certain to ask for food grade (safe) product only.
Mix 1 teaspoon of sodium bisulte in 1 quart of water. Dip the sliced fruit in the solution for
a few minutes. Remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.
Blanching is used primarily to prepare fruits and vegetables for dehydrating that have
skins that will toughen during drying. This process helps lock in the color and avor as well
as soften the skin of grapes, cherries, prunes and plums. There are two blanching methods:
water and steam.
Water blanching - Fill a large pan about half full of water. Bring water to a boil.
Use tongs to place food directly into the water, cover the pan and blanch for
about 3 minutes. Remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.
Steam blanching - Using a steamer pot such as one used in Chinese cooking,
put 2-3 inches of water in the pan and bring to a boil. Place food into the steamer
basket, place in pan and cover. Steam food for about 5 minutes. Remove and
place on the dehydrator shelf.
Operating Instructions
For the safest results, read all of the instructions rst.
1. Examine the carton and the unit for any damage that may have occurred during
shipping. Contact the manufacturer and the carrier to report any damage.
2. Fill out and return the product warranty card. The card must be on le for your
warranty to take effect.
3. Make sure the power switch is turned off. Place the unit on a clean, dry surface away
from children and pets. Plug into an undamaged electrical outlet. Warning: Do not use
an extension cord with your dehydrator.
4. Turn on the unit. The unit will begin to heat up. You may hear the heating element
cycle on and off depending on the temperature you have selected.
5. Lift the door up 2-3” and heat the unit at 90° F for 45 minutes to remove any moisture.
6. If the unit stops for any reason, turn off, unplug and then repeat Steps 3 and 4. If the
unit does not operate normally, turn off, unplug and call the manufacturer.
7. Follow your recipe to prepare the food that you wish to dehydrate. Place the prepared
food evenly on the shelves provided. We recommend using cooking spray on the
shelves to prevent sticking. Do not overlap the food.
8. Using oven mitts, remove the front panel by sliding it straight up. Set it aside on a heat
resistant surface.
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