The value of food processing equipment in the United States is growing every year. The global market for food processing equipment is forecast to reach $98 billion by 2022, up from $84 billion in 2016. In particular, demand for dehydrators and vegetable drying machines continues to grow as consumers look to reduce the amount of processed foods they buy and increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables at home. Even though drying your own vegetables is not something everyone will do, it can be a great option for anyone who wants to save money without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Drying your own vegetables is one of the cheapest ways to preserve them – especially when you take into account that you don’t have to invest in expensive canning jars or spend hours sterilizing mason jars in boiling water. Moreover, if you live in an area where winters tend to be cold and wet, keeping a supply of dried vegetables at hand throughout the year can help prevent foodborne illnesses like listeriosis.
What is a Vegetable Drying Machine?
A vegetable drying machine is a device that accelerates the drying process, allowing you to preserve vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the minimum amount of time. Drying food with a vegetable drying machine in the USA helps remove excess moisture, kills bacteria, and prevents food spoilage. Dehydrators vary in size and function. They can be as small as a large coffee can or as large as a small refrigerator. The most common vegetable drying machine is a tray-style dehydrator with several trays stacked inside with space between each tray. This design maximizes airflow and allows the temperature to be distributed evenly throughout the machine. A vegetable drying machine has two different temperatures: one for the circulation fan and one for the heating element. Hot air is blown upward and over the food on the trays, and then it is exhausted through a mesh screen at the top of the unit. Some vegetable drying machines have a built-in thermometer and timer, which automatically shuts off the machine when the desired temperature and time settings have been reached.
How to Choose a Vegetable Drying Machine
If you’ve decided to purchase a vegetable drying machine to help you preserve your garden harvest, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping around for a dehydrator. Dehydrators are not all created equal! The best dehydrators come from brands that specialize in food drying and have been around for years. That’s because there are certain features to look for in a vegetable drying machine that will make the drying process faster, more efficient, and more reliable. – Drying trays – Drying trays should be made of a food-safe and non-toxic material. Make sure the trays are sturdy enough to withstand high temperatures and will not warp or bend with prolonged exposure to heat. – Fan speed – The fan speed will determine how quickly the dehydrator dries your food. The faster, the better – you want to be able to turn your vegetables into jerky in a matter of hours! Your best bet when shopping around is to find a dehydrator with at least 3 fan speed settings. – Exterior material – The exterior of the dehydrator should be easy to clean and durable. Look for a vegetable drying machine that is made of either stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic. – Size – If you’re going to be preserving a large amount of vegetables at one time, you’ll want to purchase a vegetable drying machine that has a large drying capacity. Dehydrators range in size from about 7 to 12 trays. – Temperature – Make sure the dehydrator has a wide range of adjustable temperatures, so you can dry a variety of vegetables and fruits. – Timer – A timer is essential for getting the most out of your dehydrating process. The timer will let you know when the drying time has been reached, so you can pull the vegetables from the trays and store them.
Five Tips for Using a Dehydrator to Dry Vegetables
– Time and temperature are everything when it comes to drying vegetables. It is important to follow the drying times and temperatures recommended on the machine’s instruction manual. The last thing you want is to introduce harmful bacteria into your food! – Use clean and non-toxic containers to store your dried vegetables. – Avoid opening the lid too often while the machine is in the drying process. Every time you open the lid you add 30 minutes to the drying time. – If you’re drying more than one type of vegetable, separate them on different trays. Fruits and vegetables give off different amounts of moisture, so you’ll want to avoid mixing the two in the same tray. – To prevent spoilage, dry only as much food as you can use within a few months.
Conclusion
The value of food processing equipment in the United States is growing every year. The global market for food processing equipment is forecast to reach $98 billion by 2022, up from $84 billion in 2016. In particular, demand for dehydrators and vegetable drying machines continues to grow as consumers look to reduce the amount of processed foods they buy and increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables at home. If you’re an avid gardener who craves fresh produce all year long, a vegetable drying machine can help you achieve this goal and save money in the process. Whether you plan on feeding your family or storing your harvest for long-term use, a vegetable drying machine is a great way to extend the life of your garden produce.
