After at least a year of thinking about food dehydrators, we've finally received one - went for the Stockli one in the organic gardening catalogue. It arrived today. Will probably post here/blog about it...
Do keep us informed - we have been thinking about buying/making one of them - would be most interested in how things go.
I have been reading the manual, and then searched on here for the thread I started last year! http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,20417.0.html
Good job I did, as I forgot about one of the books I ordered last year and had to look at my order history on Amazon!
I intend to start tonight drying apples - not sure yet if I'm going to slice or wedge em. One book suggested dipping in pineapple juice as a change from using lemon (for preventing discoloration). Also, bananas and strawberries (shop bought) as well. The drying time range for the 3 is 6-15 hours, though that would depend on size, and I suppose that the more things in for drying, the longer it would take.
Jennym - how are you getting on with your Ascott one?
Leonnie - did you add to wishlist and then acquire?
I'm really keen to know how you get on with it - might set OH a little challenge of making one. :)
Ok - things on! Halved strawberries, halved-lengthways bananas and wedged apples (still with peel on). I hope to give you an update in 9 hours or so. Something should be dry by then (they've been in 2 hours nearly, well, the strawberries have)...
Interesting...... Strawberries ready - wow, how they shrunk! Apples also still shrinking as I type. Bananas look funny.
What shall I do with the tray vacated by the strawberries? More bananas or apples? Perhaps even those picota cherries from the supermarket, though they could take 10-18 hours? Should I give the dehydrator a break when the apples and bananas are done, then start fresh batch after a couple of hours?
The bananas, strawberries and apples yesterday didn't last "stored"!!! very long. Yummy.
Tried carrot, cucumber and red pepper - the cucumber looks strange, not sure about that. Carrot and pepper look ok.
Last night, started more bananas and apples, as well as cherries.
OH wants extra trays....
did you see the friends episode, chandler's flat mate was drying stuff, the melon ended up being used for a football on the table football, sounds addictive ;D
I don't have a tv, but OH has purchased a melon..