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Food Dehydrating Made Easy

🍎Taught by Susan Gast — dehydrating since 2004, sharing online since 2010

Want to make your food last longer, waste less, and keep more of what you buy or grow? I'll show you how to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs, and more—including the right temperatures, how to tell when food is properly dried, and how to store it safely.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you dehydrate and store food?
Dehydrating removes moisture from food to help preserve it. Wash and prepare ingredients, slice evenly, and pretreat when needed. Most fruits dry at approximately 135°F, while many vegetables dry at 125–135°F, depending on the food. Meat and seafood require additional food-safety precautions, including appropriate heating to safe internal temperatures. Dry foods thoroughly, cool completely, and store in suitable airtight containers protected from moisture.

Susan from Easy Food Dehydrating

Step-by-step guides for fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and safe long-term storage—taught by Susan since 2010.

New to Dehydrating? Learn the Basics

Start building a healthier, longer-lasting pantry today—and be prepared for whatever life throws your way!

🍑 Get Started Here

Choosing the Right Dehydrator

  • Airflow + Heat: A rear fan = even drying; adjustable temps matter (95–165°F).
  • Tray Area: Square trays fit more than round. Add trays as you grow.
  • Timer: Convenient for tracking drying time, but always check food for proper dryness before storing it.
  • Accessories: Mesh screens for small items; nonstick sheets for leathers/sauces.
  • Starter Picks: Begin with an affordable model; upgrade as your pantry grows.

👉 See my full buyer's guide for a starter kit here.

What You Can Dehydrate

Bowls of dried bananas, apples, apricots, and mango slices in front of a round food dehydratorStep-by-step fruit drying guide
Bowls of dried carrots, peas, onions, and mixed vegetables in front of a round food dehydratorStep-by-step veggie drying guide
Trays of dried meats in a round food dehydrator, including shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, and turkey piecesStep-by-step meat drying guide
Bowls of dried bananas, apples, apricots, and mango slices in front of a round food dehydratorStep-by-step fruit drying guide
Bowls of dried carrots, peas, onions, and mixed vegetables in front of a round food dehydratorStep-by-step veggie drying guide
Trays of dried meats in a round food dehydrator, including shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, and turkey piecesStep-by-step meat drying guide
  • Fruits – Dried fruit bar snacks & fruit leathers with bright flavor
  • Vegetables – Dry carrots, peas, beans, and more for soups, stews, and casseroles
  • Meat & Seafood – Jerky, and Beef, Chicken, Pork, Turkey, & Seafood (safety first) 
  • Grains, Pasta & Legumes – Cooked grains, pasta, and legumes can be dehydrated for convenient meals. Follow food-specific preparation and drying instructions, and remember that larger beans and thicker pasta may take longer to rehydrate.
  • Sauces – Tomato sauce dries into leather (see more on my Tomatoes page); applesauce into fruit leathers or a side dish with pork.

👉 Quick Tip: Spread tomato sauce thinly on nonstick sheets to make tomato leather that rehydrates into pasta sauce. Applesauce dries into fruit leathers or a side dish—perfect with pork!

🍎 Fruit mini-recipe: Cinnamon Apple Chips

Core the apples and slice approximately 1/8″ thick. Toss with a little lemon juice and cinnamon. Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for approximately 8–12 hours, checking for your preferred texture. Thin slices may become crisp as they cool, while others remain pleasantly chewy. Cool completely before storing in an airtight jar.

🥦 Vegetable pro tip

Many vegetables benefit from blanching before dehydrating. This helps preserve quality and can improve drying and rehydration. However, not every vegetable needs blanching—tomatoes, onions, and peppers, for example, are generally dried without it. Always follow the preparation instructions for the particular vegetable.

🥩 Meat safety matters!

Use lean cuts and follow a tested preparation and drying method for the specific meat. Beef jerky must reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), while poultry must reach 165°F (74°C). These temperatures must be achieved through an appropriate heating step, not assumed from the dehydrator setting. Dry to the recommended texture, cool completely, and store according to the recipe.

Storing Dehydrated Food (Containers & Shelf Life)

Once your food is perfectly dehydrated, the next critical step is storing it properly.

We'll show you how to use vacuum-sealer bags, Mason jars, Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and desiccant packets to help protect properly dried foods from moisture, air, and quality loss.

Click the images below to dive deeper into each storage method.

Clear vacuum-sealer bags stacked on a kitchen counterVacuum-Sealer Bags
Mason jars filled with dehydrated vegetables and fruit on a countertopMason Jars
Shiny tough Mylar bags used for long-term dehydrated food storageMylar Bags
Clear vacuum-sealer bags stacked on a kitchen counterVacuum-Sealer Bags
Mason jars filled with dehydrated vegetables and fruit on a countertopMason Jars
Shiny tough Mylar bags used for long-term dehydrated food storageMylar Bags

Protect Your Dehydrated Foods with Vacuum-Sealer Bags

Vacuum-sealer bags can help protect properly dried foods by reducing exposure to air and moisture. They're especially useful for dried fruits and vegetables, but vacuum sealing does not make improperly dried foods safe or eliminate the need to refrigerate or freeze perishable foods such as dried meats.

👉 See why vacuum-sealer bags are a must-have for dehydrated food storage.

Store Your Dehydrated Foods in Mason Jars

Mason jars are simple, reusable, and excellent for storing thoroughly dried fruits and vegetables. Their airtight lids help protect against moisture, and the clear glass makes it easy to see what's inside. Food-safe desiccant packets may help manage moisture in suitable dry foods. Oxygen absorbers should only be used with foods that are sufficiently dry and appropriate for oxygen-reduced storage.

👉 See why Mason jars are a smart choice for dehydrated food storage.

Mylar Bags: Long-Term Storage 1 Gallon (10"x14")

Food-grade Mylar bags provide excellent protection against light, moisture, and oxygen when properly heat-sealed. They're particularly useful for storing thoroughly dried, low-moisture foods. Oxygen absorbers can be appropriate for certain dry foods, but they are not suitable for every dehydrated ingredient. Always make sure food is fully dried and appropriate for long-term airtight storage.

👉 Learn how Mylar bags keep your dehydrated foods fresh for years.

Keep Foods Fresh: Oxygen Absorbers & Desiccants

Oxygen absorber packets inside a clear plastic bag for food storageOxygen Absorbers
Several silica gel desiccant packets labeled “Do Not Eat” on a wooden surfaceDesiccant Packets

Oxygen absorbers and desiccant packets serve different purposes.

Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from sealed packaging. They're useful for certain thoroughly dried, low-moisture foods, helping reduce oxidation and insect activity. However, removing oxygen does not make improperly dried food safe and may create additional risks when moisture is present.

Desiccant packets help absorb small amounts of residual moisture inside suitable food-storage containers. They can help reduce clumping and moisture-related quality problems, but they cannot rescue food that wasn't dried properly.

Use only food-safe products suitable for the food and packaging involved. Be especially cautious with meats, seafood, oily foods, and mixed meals, which may require refrigeration or freezing rather than long-term pantry storage.

👉 Read all about oxygen absorbers.
👉 Check out how to use desiccant packets.

How to Rehydrate Dried Food

Rehydrating dried food is easy, but the amount of water and soaking time depend on what you're preparing. Thinly sliced vegetables may soften quickly, while thicker pieces, beans, and meats need considerably longer.

3 Easy Steps:

  1. Add water: Cover dried vegetables with enough water to submerge them. Some foods need more water as they absorb moisture and expand.
  2. Soak or simmer: Thin pieces may soften relatively quickly, while many vegetables require 30–90 minutes or longer. You can also add dried vegetables directly to soups and stews and allow them to rehydrate during cooking.
  3. Check for tenderness: Continue cooking until the food reaches the desired texture. Follow food-specific cooking instructions, especially for meats, seafood, and beans.

Quick Tips:

  • Vegetables: Proper blanching before drying can improve rehydration.
  • Meats and seafood: Follow food-specific rehydration and reheating instructions. Soaking alone doesn't make them ready to eat.
  • Cold soaking: Suitable for certain foods, but don't leave perishable ingredients soaking at room temperature for extended periods. Refrigerate when longer soaking is necessary.

👉 For more detailed instructions, see my full guide to rehydrating foods

See Food Dehydrating in Action

Watch fruits and vegetables transform as moisture is slowly removed—shrinking into lightweight, shelf-stable food that takes up far less storage space.

Dehydrated Food Recipes You’ll Love

Dehydrated food isn’t just for storage—it can be the star of your meals! From crunchy apple chips to hearty soups and stews, we’ll show you creative ways to turn dried ingredients into delicious, nutritious dishes.

Whether you're looking for easy snacks, long-lasting meal prep ideas, or ways to use up your dehydrated pantry staples, our growing collection of recipes will help you make the most of your preserved foods.

Colorful ratatouille with zucchini, peppers, onions, and eggplant in a skilletRatatouille Medley
Slice of homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on a plateCarrot Cake
Bowl of hearty vegetable soup with carrots, beans, and potatoesQuick Soup Mixes
beef-stew-hearty-meal.webpHearty Beef Stew
Shepherd’s pie in a white ramekin topped with golden mashed potatoesShepherd’s Pie
Bowl of chicken orzo soup with carrots, celery, and lemony brothLemony Chicken Orzo
Colorful ratatouille with zucchini, peppers, onions, and eggplant in a skilletRatatouille Medley
Slice of homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on a plateCarrot Cake
Bowl of hearty vegetable soup with carrots, beans, and potatoesQuick Soup Mixes
beef-stew-hearty-meal.webpHearty Beef Stew
Shepherd’s pie in a white ramekin topped with golden mashed potatoesShepherd’s Pie
Bowl of chicken orzo soup with carrots, celery, and lemony brothLemony Chicken Orzo

👉 Browse all the Recipes here.

Why Choose Dehydrating?

Dehydrating food isn’t just practical; it’s a rewarding way to embrace sustainable living. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Save Money: Stock up on seasonal produce and cut grocery costs.
  • Reduce Waste: Keep food fresh for months, reduce spoilage.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Build a nutritious pantry for any situation.

Ready to Begin Your Dehydrating Journey?

Thousands have already started preserving food the easy way. Ready to join them?

🍑 Get Started Here

What Our Readers Are Saying

💬 "I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for this wonderful site. I bought a dehydrator about 5 months ago and it's been such a blessing. It wasn't easy finding a comprehensive site to learn the ins and outs of preserving food this way. Thank you for the time it took to put this website together. Also thank you for informing people about the need to prepare in a caring way, one that doesn't scare people off :-)"
—Kerri

💬 "I love love my dehydrator and so happy to find your site, now I am super enthused to read and learn more so I can get to work! LOL. I currently have broccoli in my dehydrator, just finished fruit leathers, and tomorrow will try your potatoes suggestion! Thank you! Blessings :0)"
—Juliette Cagnolatti

💬 "Oh, I am so happy to have found this site, I started last year dehydrating and have become addicted. Your site makes it so easy to follow and understand. Thank YOU so much for taking the question out of doing many different things."
—MJ Jeroue

See more success stories from happy dehydrators (people, not gadgets!) 

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Dehydrating

Is dehydrating food safe?

Yes, when you follow reliable, food-specific preparation, drying, and storage instructions. Meat and poultry require additional safety precautions, including heating to safe internal temperatures. Always check that food is properly dried before packaging, and follow appropriate storage recommendations.

Do I need an expensive dehydrator?

No. Start with an affordable model that has a fan and adjustable temps; upgrade as you grow.

How long does dehydrated food last?

Properly dried fruits and vegetables can often maintain good quality for 6–12 months when stored in airtight containers in cool, dry, dark conditions. Homemade jerky generally has a much shorter pantry storage life and is best refrigerated or frozen for longer storage. Never taste food that shows signs of spoilage.

Can I dehydrate full meals?

Yes—stews, chili, and sauces dry well. Add cheeses/oils after rehydrating.

What shouldn’t I dehydrate?

High-fat and most dairy items don’t store well.

Start Your Dehydrating Journey Today!

Master the Art of Food Dehydrating with Our Udemy Course!

"Food Dehydrating Made Easy" on Udemy - 3 hr course

Become a Dehydrating Pro in Just 3 Hours! Enroll in Our Udemy Course Today
🎥 Step-by-Step Video Tutorials – Perfect for Beginners!
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Meet Susan — Your Dehydrating Guide

Susan Gast, founder Easy Food Dehydrating

I began dehydrating after the 2004 hurricanes and have taught thousands since 2010.

Real kitchen tests, real results—plus a 3-hour Udemy course for beginners.

Since 2010 • Real Reader Reviews • Udemy Instructor

Meet Susan — Your Dehydrating Guide

Susan Gast, founder Easy Food Dehydrating

I began dehydrating after the 2004 hurricanes and have taught thousands since 2010.

Real kitchen tests, real results—plus a 3-hour Udemy course for beginners.

Since 2010 • Real Reader Reviews • Udemy Instructor


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Save the Harvest food dehydrating game featuring jars of dried bananas, beets, mushrooms, peas, and corn.

Test Your Food-Dehydrating
Know-How

Choose a food, make the right preparation, drying, and storage decisions—and see how many stars you can earn!

Play “Save the Harvest”

Test Your Food-Dehydrating
Know-How

Save the Harvest food dehydrating game featuring jars of dried bananas, beets, mushrooms, peas, and corn.

Choose a food, make the right preparation, drying, and storage decisions—and see how many stars you can earn!

Play “Save the Harvest”