Drying food is an ancient method of preservation that allows food to be preserved for a long time without the need for freezing or the addition of chemical preservatives. 

For vegans, this method is a great way to prepare different types of fruit, vegetables, herbs or legumes. 

Drying food at home is not only economical, but also environmentally friendly, as it minimizes food waste. 

This article will guide you through the basic techniques, tips and benefits of drying vegan food at home.

1. Why dry food?

Drying food is one of the easiest ways to preserve its nutritional value and taste. 

When done correctly, vitamins and minerals are largely preserved, while water, which promotes the growth of bacteria and mold, is removed. 

Dried foods have a much longer shelf life, which you will especially appreciate in the winter months or during trips when you need light and storable food.

The main advantages of drying include:

Saving money 

– In season, you can buy more fresh fruits and vegetables at lower prices and dry them for later.

Less waste 

– Instead of throwing away overripe food, you can dry and preserve it.

Better consistency 

– Dried food takes up much less space than fresh food and does not need to be stored in the freezer.

Check the composition 

- Unlike store-bought dried foods, which may contain added sugars or preservatives, you can prepare exactly what you want at home.

2. What can you dry?

Many types of plant foods can be easily dried at home. Some of the most popular include:

Fruits: 

Apples, pears, plums, bananas, strawberries, apricots, blueberries, mangoes, pineapples.

Vegetables: 

Carrots, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, garlic.

Herbs: 

Basil, thyme, rosemary, mint, oregano.

Legumes: 

Chickpeas, lentils, beans (pre-cooked and then dried).

Nuts and seeds: 

Drying can extend the shelf life of many types of nuts and seeds, especially if stored in airtight containers.

3. How to dry food?

There are several methods of drying food at home. Choosing the right method depends on what food you are drying and what equipment you have available.

Drying in a food dryer

The easiest and most convenient way to dry food is to use a food dehydrator. This device allows for an even flow of warm air and ensures that the food is evenly dried.

Procedure:

1. Cut fruit or vegetables into thin slices (approx. 3-5 mm).

2. Spread them in one layer on drying trays.

3. Set the temperature of the dryer according to the type of food (usually between 50-70 °C).

4. Dry for several hours (time depends on the moisture content of the food and the thickness of the slices) until the food is completely dry.

The advantage of the dryer is precise control over the temperature, which prevents over-drying or insufficient drying. In addition, it is suitable for larger quantities of food, as it has several levels on which you can stack the ingredients.

Drying in the oven

If you don't have a dryer, you can use a regular oven. It's important to note that an oven doesn't allow for as precise temperature control as a dryer, so this process can be a bit more complicated.

Procedure:

1. Cut fruit or vegetables into thin slices.

2. Place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper in a single layer.

3. Set the oven to the lowest possible temperature (ideally around 50 °C).

4. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.

5. Dry the food for several hours until it is completely dry.

This method requires more supervision to avoid burning the food, but can be practical if you are drying a small amount.

Air drying

If you don't have access to electrical appliances, you can also dry food naturally in the air. This method is particularly suitable for herbs and some fruits such as apples or plums.

Procedure:

1. Hang the herbs in a dry and well-ventilated room with moderate air flow.

2. For fruits or vegetables, spread the slices on drying sieves or grids to allow air to flow from all sides.

3. Protect food from direct sunlight, which can damage its taste and nutritional value.

4. Drying may take several days to a week, depending on air humidity and temperature.

4. How to store dried food?

Once you have dried your food, it is important to store it properly so that it retains its taste and quality for as long as possible. 

It is best to use airtight containers, such as jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. 

You can also use vacuum packaging to extend the shelf life of dried foods.

Make sure that dried food is stored in a dry and dark place. Direct sunlight or excessive humidity can spoil food.

5. Inspiration for home drying

In addition to the classic drying of fruits and vegetables, you can experiment with different recipes and techniques. 

Here are some ideas:

Homemade Fruit Pancakes: 

Mix different types of fruit and blend them into a smooth puree. Spread the puree on a drying tray in the dryer and dry until elastic fruit cakes are formed.

Vegan Oatmeal and Fruit Cookies: 

You can make a simple mixture of oatmeal, dried fruit and nuts that you dry to make energy bars.

Dried Tomato Chips: 

Thinly slice tomatoes, sprinkle with dried herbs and dry until crispy chips are formed.

6. Conclusion

Dehydrating food at home is a great way to minimize waste, save money, and create healthy vegan treats that you can have on hand anytime. 

Whether you choose to dry fruits, vegetables, herbs or experiment with different dried products, this process gives you full control over what you consume while supporting your sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.