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Dehydrating Food

two whole apples behind a small pile of dehydrated apple slices

Drying or dehydrating is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. Drying removes moisture from the food and slows enzyme activity. Dried foods take up less storage space and do not require refrigeration.

All Dehydrating Food Content

Canning supplies arranged on a kitchen counter.

Home Food Preservation Self-Study Course

This course provides research-based information on food preservation.

a variety of bright colored fruits and vegetables arranged on a table

A Guide to Drying Foods

Fact sheet about drying foods

Home canning supplies and canned vegetables arranged on a countertop.

Preservation

SDSU Extension provides established and trusted research-based food preservation information.

A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables displayed on a countertop.

Pick it! Try it! Like it! Preserve it!

Pick it! Try it! Like it! Preserve it! materials are filled with tips for selecting, preparing, and preserving a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Woman preparing fresh herbs for canning in glass jars.

General Kitchen Safety for Food Preservation

Kitchen safety during preservation is just as important as using a safe, evidence-based preservation method. Kitchen cleanliness can affect the safety of the preserved product.

Different types of jerky on a cutting board.

Home-Dried Jerky: Process and Tips

Making jerky is a great way to enjoy a variety of meats for months to come! It requires no refrigeration and can be made from any lean meat, such as beef, pork, bison and venison.

Cover of the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning

Importance of Evidence-based Food Preservation and Where To Find Information

The key to a safe and delicious product starts with the preservation recipe. View some recommended resources that offer safe, evidence-based recipes and step-by-step preservation method procedures.

Left: Fresh herbs preserved inside ice cubes. Right: Variety of fresh herbs hanging in bunches from a burlap string.

Preserving Herbs

Fresh herbs add amazing flavor to recipes during the summertime! Their great flavors can be carried over to cooler seasons through the preservation of the plants and leaves, and the two best ways to extend the life (and flavor) of herbs is through freezing or dehydrating.

Mother with child cooking homemade jam in a kitchen.

Preservation Station!

At the end of this lesson, participants will be able to list the most-common methods used to preserve fruits or vegetables.

two whole apples behind a small pile of dehydrated apple slices

Dehydrating Apples

A food dehydrator is a good choice for drying apples and can be used at any time. It is a small appliance that has an electric element for heat with a fan and vents for air circulation.