Professional Dehydrators: The Best Method for Preserving Food While Retaining Nutritional Properties
In ancient times, preserving food for long periods was always a priority. Since the appliances we consider indispensable today did not exist, food was naturally dried in the sun. Fortunately, nowadays we have professional dehydrators, a solution that allows us to achieve the same results in a short time.
Professional Dehydrators: What They Are For and How They Work
Many foods, such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, herbs, and mushrooms, are often used in the kitchen to season, flavor, or decorate recipes. Dried fruits are often seen garnishing desserts and drinks, while mushrooms are used as a condiment for risottos and pasta dishes. Dried products can indeed be used in the preparation of various recipes and beverages and are undoubtedly healthy and beneficial.
Dehydrators are the most suitable tools for guaranteeing excellent results. Compared to other appliances like refrigerators and freezers, these maintain the nutritional properties of foods. The benefits obtained with a dehydrator are numerous:
- Reduces food waste
- Has a low environmental impact
- Preserves nutritional properties
- Does not burn food
There are both professional and home models on the market, but the principle of operation is the same. The machines are generally made of plastic or stainless steel (the latter being of higher quality and more hygienic) and equipped with trays on which to place sliced foods.
Drying occurs at low temperatures depending on the food, ranging from 40°C to 90°C in professional models, and the foods are gradually deprived of moisture naturally, without burning them. Some dehydrators have automatic programs suitable for different types of food and different airflows, which can be vertical or horizontal.
Among the two types, a dehydrator with horizontal airflow is preferable for three reasons:
- It is more spacious
- It heats food evenly
- It prevents the odors of various foods from mixing
Thanks to this system, foods will not be wasted and can be used later for preparing dishes, desserts, herbal teas, and aromatic beverages.
Foods That Can Be Dried
The dehydrator proves to be a very simple, practical, and functional tool to use in the kitchen and reduces food waste. Dried products do not need to be frozen and can be stored in the pantry for many months, but to ensure they maintain their qualities, it is advisable to consume them within a year of drying.
Many products can be dried, specifically:
- Fruits and vegetables of all kinds
- Mushrooms
- Fresh pasta
- Flowers and herbs
- Meat and fish
Not only for the restaurant industry but also for other activities, there are various uses for a dehydrator. For example, in cosmetics, dried foods can be used to prepare creams and natural products.
How to Choose Professional Food Dehydrators
Assuming that the electrical consumption of a dehydrator is low, before making a choice, it is important to know the features and intended use. There is a significant difference between domestic and professional models in terms of the quality of construction materials, power, capacity, and the ability to adjust programs and temperature.
A good professional dehydrator is made of stainless steel, which is more durable and of better quality, and has superior insulation systems that prevent heat loss.
The choice of a professional food dehydrator largely depends on our needs, whether we use it frequently or occasionally. In the first case, the choice will certainly lean towards a product with higher wattage, capacity, and energy savings, such as those with infrared and horizontal airflow. Otherwise, even a more economical model can be useful.
If you want to purchase a dehydrator, contact the Cook-In team. We are always available to advise you on the most suitable custom solutions for your needs.
