It’s that time of year again, when the garden is producing faster than I can keep up with it. And the sun is so hot, it definitely begs to be put to use in the process. And so, pillowcase food drying was a natural solution! Here’s how:
1. Wash your garden produce and spread it on a drying tray (or a window screen, etc.)
2. Slip the trays into a pillowcase to keep insects and the direct sun off. (If you are using big window screens, fold them into a tablecloth or sheet.)
3. Set them up on the clothesline and pin to secure from wind. The clothesline allows ventilation from both sides.
4. Keep the rain off.
5. Check daily for crisp, brittle veggies that snap in two, rather than bend. This is the perfect state for long-term storage. Herbs and leafy veggies may take just one day. Tomatoes, green beans and other vegetables may take a few days. I dry those beans too big for fresh eating, and make them into veggie powder.
6. Crumble herbs in a large bowl with your hands, removing stems. Other veggies may be stored whole or powdered in the blender to make a great addition to soups and casseroles. Store in a jar and label. Use all year long for that fresh garden taste!
Can food preservation get any easier than this?
Please leave a comment here. Thanks!!!
You might enjoy:
 Food Dehydrator |
 Fruit Roll Sheets |
 Add-A-Tray (2 Pack) |
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I'd sure love to hear your comment!
What a great idea! I wonder if it would work here with our humidity. It certainly has been hot enough
.
This is a great idea for those of us who are Drying Challenged. I have a dehydrator but have yet to have anything turn out well…I get chewy, or soggy or even…MOLDY! Any tips you have for how to use a dehydrator correctly would be much appreciated.
E.
Make sure you have the temperature set right. Leafy herbs and chard, kale, etc. need 95 degrees. Veggies like green beans, squash, tomato slices need 145 degrees. When it snaps it two, it's dry enough for storage. Leaves should be crisp and brittle. I wonder if you have a good dryer? I sell a great one if you need one. Nothing should ever turn out moldy or soggy. Chewy is okay if you aren't using it for long-term storage. Apples slices, raisins, etc. are good chewy. I just like things brittle so I can store them forever—I still have dried foods from a few years ago that I simply had in an old mayonnaise jar, and they are great! Best success!