FAQs on Food Drying and Food Dehydrator

Why should I Dehydrate?

Dehydrating is a natural, highly effective way to preserve food. With EZIDRI, the gentle process retains most of your food’s nutrients, far more than traditional preservation methods. No additives, sugars, salts, or preservatives are needed just pure, healthy food.

Dehydrated foods can last for months when stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place or even in the freezer. Because moisture is reduced to less than 2%, foods shrink by up to 90% in volume, making storage easy and efficient. And if you store them in the fridge or freezer, a power outage won’t affect their safety or quality.

✅ Retains nutrients naturally

✅ No preservatives, sugar, or salt

✅ Long shelf life months of storage

✅ Reduces volume for easy storage

✅ Safe even if electricity is lost

How do EZIDRI Dehydrators Work?

EZIDRI dehydrators use a unique smart airflow system to dehydrate your food evenly and safely. A fan in the base both draws in and circulates air. The air passes over a heating element, warming it to the temperature you’ve selected, then flows up the sides of the trays. With the lid on, this warm air is evenly forced across every tray and then up through the centre of the unit before exiting the top.

This design ensures each tray gets clean, fresh air, so flavours don’t mix between trays. All trays and sheets are made from ABS food safe plastic that emits no harmful fumes. Safety is also a priority. You can’t reach any moving parts, and the unit never gets too hot to touch.

✅ Even, consistent dehydrating on all trays

✅ Clean air circulation no flavour transfer

✅ Safe, food-grade materials

✅ Cool-to-touch, safe design

What Can I Dehydrate?

You can dehydrate a wide range of foods with EZIDRI:

  • Fruits & Vegetables: Apples, berries, tomatoes, carrots, leafy greens, and more
  • Meats & Fish: Beef, lamb, certain fish (for jerky and snacks)
  • Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs, flowers, and spices
  • Meals & Soups: For convenient, long-lasting portions

⚠️ Not recommended: avocado, raw pork, chicken, raw eggs, and shellfish.

✅ Easy, natural preservation

✅ Perfect for snacks, meals, and flavourings

✅ Safe & efficient with EZIDRI’s gentle dehydrating process

How Long Does Dehydrating Take?

Dehydrating times vary depending on the type of food, slice thickness, moisture content, and even the humidity in the air. Most fruits and vegetables take 10–14 hours. Some items, like apricot halves, grapes, or blueberries, may take longer.

✅ Plan ahead for best results

✅ Thinner slices dry faster

✅ EZIDRI’s even airflow ensures consistent drying every time

How Much Does It Cost to Operate and EZIDRI Dehydrator?

EZIDRI dehydrators are very energy efficient. Pricing will depend on current power prices but In New Zealand Approximate usage is:

✅ Low-cost, efficient operation

✅ Save energy without compromising drying performance

✅ Perfect for daily or weekly use

 What Is the Wattage of the Elements?

✅ Efficient, controlled heating

✅ Consistent, even drying

✅ Keeps energy use low without compromising performance

How do I clean the units?
  • Trays & Lid: Wash with warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush for stubborn spots.
  • Base Unit: Never immerse in water. Simply wipe with a soft, damp cloth.
  • Safety First: Always unplug the unit before cleaning.

✅ Easy to clean

✅ Safe for daily use

✅ Maintains hygienic, long-lasting performance

What Is the Storage Life of Dehydrated Goods?
  • Most dehydrated foods last around 12 months when stored in a cool, dark, dry place and in an airtight container.
  • Under ideal conditions, shelf life can extend to 2–3 years.
  • Storage life varies slightly depending on the type of produce.

✅ Long-lasting preservation

✅ Keeps flavours and nutrients

✅ Perfect for planning snacks, meals, and emergency supplies

How Much Produce Can I Fit on a Tray?
  • Each tray can hold approximately 500 g (½ kg) of produce.
  • Exact amount depends on the type of produce and how it’s prepared or sliced.

✅ Maximises drying efficiency

✅ Helps plan your batches

✅ Ideal for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more

How Do I Rehydrate or Reconstitute Dehydrated Foods?
  • Typically, use 1 cup of dried food to at least 1 cup of hot water.
  • Soak for 5–20 minutes depending on the type of produce.
  • Once rehydrated, cook or use the food as you normally would.
  • For full guidance, refer to your EZIDRI Instruction & Recipe Book.

✅ Simple and quick rehydration

✅ Perfect for cooking or snacking

✅ Maintains flavour and nutrients

How Thick Should I Cut Fruit or Vegetables?
  • Maximum 5 mm (¼ inch) per slice.
  • Thinner slices dry faster and more evenly.

✅ Speeds up dehydrating

✅ Ensures consistent results

✅ Perfect for fruits, vegetables, and herbs

How Do I Use the Mesh Sheets?
  • Mesh sheets are perfect for small items like peas, herbs, and flowers.
  • Use them for sticky or delicate foods such as bananas, kiwi, tomatoes, and beef jerky.
  • The pliable mesh prevents sticking while allowing even airflow for consistent drying.

✅ Ideal for tiny or sticky foods

✅ Ensures even drying

✅ Easy to use and clean

How Do I Use the Solid Sheet for Purees and Fruit Roll-Ups?
  • Use the solid sheet for fruit and vegetable purees, fruit roll-ups, or drying meals and soups.
  • Lightly coat with vegetable oil before use so roll-ups lift off easily.
  • After use, wipe with a paper towel or wash with warm water only – do not use detergent.

✅ Perfect for fruit roll-ups and purees

✅ Easy to remove and clean

✅ Maintains flavour and texture

What Is Pre-Dip Treatment?
  • Pre-dip treatment improves the appearance of fruit, extends shelf life, and prevents browning.
  • Common options include citrus juice, pineapple juice, or ascorbic/citric acid.
  • These are a natural alternative to chemical preservatives like sodium metabisulfite and help preserve vitamins A and C.

✅ Keeps fruit looking fresh

✅ Extends storage life

✅ Preserves nutrients naturally

How Do I Know When Food Is Dehydrated?
  • Different foods have different textures and pliability when dry.
  • A simple test: bend and gently squeeze the food at the fracture point. If moisture beads appear, it needs more drying.
  • With experience, you’ll quickly judge dryness by feel.
  • You can lift trays during the cycle to check progress, but don’t turn off the unit, partly dried food may rehydrate.

✅ Ensures perfectly dried food

✅ Easy to monitor progress

✅ Helps avoid over or under drying

What Do I Do When the Produce Is Dehydrated?
  • Let it cool completely before storing.
  • Pack in airtight, moisture proof containers old preserving jars or coffee jars work well.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place for best results.
  • Important: Improper storage can cause browning, especially with herbs.

✅ Keeps flavor, color, and nutrients

✅ Long lasting storage

✅ Easy to organize and access