With microwave ovens and juicers today everyone knows everything. And what is, for example, a dehydrator and what it is used for, not every one of us knows. Let's find out!
The dehydrator for vegetables and fruits is a device designed for the dehydration (dehumidification) of various products. At the same time, it is qualitatively different from a primitive dryer, although the goal of both types of these devices is the same - to get dried fruits and vegetables on the way out.
What is the difference between a dehydrator and a dryer?
The main difference between this device and the dryer is the principle of the dehydrator. Dehydrator, thanks to its design and built-in thermostat, not only dries, but evenly dehydrates the products.
A very important point is the temperature adjustment. If in the dryer it can be set only approximately, the dehydrator makes it possible to accurately adjust the temperature in the chamber. How important is it? The fact is that any raw foods contain in their composition so-called enzymes, which are necessary for better absorption by the human body. And to keep them when drying, you need to comply with the appropriate temperature regime. For example, the temperature for drying most vegetables and fruits should not be above 38 ° C, otherwise the enzymes contained in them are destroyed.
When heat-treating products with an ordinary dryer, you risk getting pieces that are dry outside but damp inside. If you want fruits and vegetables to be stored as long as possible, then nothing will come of your undertaking, since unevaporated moisture will inevitably lead to mold and food damage. Dehydrator, on the contrary, qualitatively and completely dries up the products, while retaining useful substances and in particular enzymes.
How to choose a good dehydrator for fruits and vegetables?
When buying a dehydrator, it is recommended that you pay attention to the following points:
- The presence of an adjustable thermostat is often the decisive factor when choosing a dehydrator. Think about what foods you will most often dry: for meat and fish, the recommended drying temperature is 68 ° C, for grasses - 34 ° C, for other plant products - no more than 38 ° C.
- Dehydrators are round and square, vertical and horizontal. In the vertical flow of air passes through special channels, drying well the pieces of food on the trays. In horizontal appliances, the food is dried even more evenly.
- On the principle of drying, dehydrators also differ - they can be convective (the heated air circulates through the chamber due to the fan) and infrared (the water molecules in the products are exposed to IR radiation).
- Quality of materials from which the device is made. It should not be a low-quality plastic, which under the influence of heat can release toxic substances. The ideal option is polypropylene.
- Dimensions of the device. They depend on the number of pallets for drying - the more of them, the larger the dehydrator will be.
- The power of the device and the amount of energy it consumes.
- Noise level. Some models have a choice of day or night mode.
- The timer is not the most important, but very convenient trifle.
Dehydrators are very "respected" by raw food and vegans, plant foods for which is of paramount importance. But even if you do not belong to vegetarians, by purchasing this device, you will be able to appreciate the quality of the products dried in it.
The dehydrators of the Russian production "Ladoga", "Summerman", "Sukhovei", "Veterok" are among the popular ones. As for the models of foreign manufacturers, the palm tree is in the dehydrators "Excalibur" and "Sedona".