If you think about it, food preservation is something humans have done for millennia. Remember Joseph in Egypt? Or consider the Chinese…they’re pros at fermentation and pickling, preserving foods such as soy and fish.
While there are many ways to help food last longer, in this blog, we’ll talk about how you can use the power of the sun to preserve your harvest.
What Is a Solar Dehydrator?
Put simply, a solar dehydrator is a box that uses heat from the sun to slowly remove moisture from food, preserving it for later use.
Why Bother with a Solar Dehydrator?
Good question! Here’s the benefits:
- ⬥ It’s eco-friendly (save on your electric bill)
- ⬥ Preserves food without nasty chemicals
- ⬥ Retains more nutrients than some other preservation methods
- ⬥ You’ll be one step closer to becoming more self-sufficient
Let’s Get Started Building
What You’ll Need:
- ⬥ Wood (plywood and some 2x4s should do the trick)
- ⬥ Clear plastic or glass for the top
- ⬥ Mesh screens for the drying racks
- ⬥ Black paint (food-safe, of course)
- ⬥ Screws, nails, and hinges
- ⬥ Basic tools (saw, drill, hammer, etc.)
Step-by-Step Construction:
1. Start with the base
Create a rectangular base using your 2 x 4 pieces of wood. This will be the foundation of the box that will hold – and preserve – your tasty harvest!
2. Build a box
Using plywood, build the sides and back of your dehydrator. We want the box angled towards the sun, so make the back higher than the front.
3. Paint the inside black
To absorb more heat, paint the inside of the box black using food-safe materials.
4. Add the drying racks
Create drying racks using mesh screens wrapped around square wood pieces (1×1 is a good option). Install horizontal supports inside the box and place your newly created drying racks on the supports.
5. Cover it
Add clear plastic or glass to the top of your box. This lets the sunlight in while keeping bugs and debris out.
6. Add ventilation
Don’t forget to add some small vents at the bottom and top. Airflow is what will carry that moisture away.
Test it first!
Now for the fun part – testing! Place your dehydrator in a sunny spot and throw in some sliced fruits or veggies.
Keep an eye on it and see how it performs. You might need to make some adjustments, like adding more vents or repositioning it for optimal sun exposure.
If you notice that the food is not drying evenly, try rotating the trays more frequently. If the temperature inside the dehydrator is not reaching the desired level, consider adjusting the angle towards the sun.
A general guideline for temperature is that the interior of your dehydrator can reach up to twice the temperature of the air as it absorbs heat.
Tips for Solar Dehydrator Success:
- ⬥ Slice your food evenly for consistent drying
- ⬥ Rotate the trays every so often for even dehydration
- ⬥ On cloudy days, your dehydrator might need a bit more time to work its magic
- ⬥ Experiment with different foods – herbs, fruits, veggies, even flowers!
- ⬥ Different foods need different drying times. For example, herbs need less time at a lower temperature compared to fruits or vegetables. Tomatoes, for instance, may take up to two days to fully sun-dry, depending on the conditions.
- ⬥ Before storing your food, be sure that it is completely dehydrated. One way to be sure is to use a mini-hygrometer. To use this device, place it in a bag with your food, wait 15 minutes, then check the moisture content. If it’s below 60%, it’s ready to store. If it’s above 60%, it needs more drying time.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those tools, soak up some sun, and start dehydrating. Your taste buds (and the planet) will thank you.
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