top of page
Search

Dry Times Ahead: How a Drying Rack or Dehydrator can create abundance

Writer's picture: Nicole JavadiNicole Javadi

Adding a drying rack or dehydrator to your homestead is an excellent way to preserve herbs and food. Not only does it extend the shelf life of fresh produce, but it also adds to the sustainability and food sovereignty of your household.


By preserving herbs and food through drying, you can reduce the amount of waste that your household generates. Many fruits and vegetables have a relatively short shelf life and can spoil quickly, especially if not stored properly. With a drying rack or dehydrator, you can preserve excess produce before it spoils, thus reducing waste.


Drying also allows you to enjoy your garden's bounty year-round. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are abundant, fresh, and often more affordable. By preserving them through drying, you can enjoy them when they are out of season or no longer readily available in your area. This can save you money and reduce your dependence on grocery stores for your food supply.


In addition to saving money, preserving food through drying can also promote food sovereignty. Food sovereignty refers to the right of people to control their own food systems, including the production, distribution, and consumption of food. By preserving your own food, you are taking control of your household's food supply and reducing your dependence on outside sources. This can be especially important in areas where food insecurity is a concern.


Preserving herbs and food through drying is also a sustainable practice. When you preserve your own food, you reduce the need for packaging and transportation, which can have a significant environmental impact. By reducing waste and preserving excess produce, you can also reduce your household's carbon footprint. I love to fill glass mason jars and upcycled jars with herbs and foods I have dried and line my shelf with them so that they are easy to see and use in our every day cooking.


Here are some ideas for what you can dry on your homemade drying rack or with a dehydrator:

  1. Herbs: Fresh herbs are best for cooking, but they don't last very long. Drying them is an excellent way to extend their shelf life, so you can use them throughout the year. Some popular herbs for drying include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Dried herbs are wonderful for tea and culinary use.

  2. Nuts: Nuts are another food item that can benefit from drying. Roasting them in the oven or dehydrating them on a drying rack can help bring out their flavors and make them last longer. We dry our macnuts and Inca nuts for use throughout the year.

  3. Fruits: Drying fruit is a great way to preserve it for future use in snacks, desserts, and other recipes. Some popular fruits for drying include apples, bananas, mangoes, and strawberries. We love turning the abundant guava that grows on our farm into fruit leather.

  4. In conclusion, purbuilding your own drying rack can be a fun and rewarding DIY project that can help you preserve the bountiful harvest from your garden or homestead. With a little bit of creativity and some basic matern create a functional and beautiful drying rack that will serve you for years to come. Happy drying!ng!g!

Aside from the practical benefits of drying food, there are also many benefits to herbal preparations that can be made using dried herbs. Here are some examples:

  1. Herbal teas: Dried herbs can be used to make flavorful and healthful teas. Depending on the herbs you use, these teas can have a variety of health benefits, such as promoting relaxation, boosting immunity, and aiding digestion.

  2. Tinctures: Tinctures are a concentrated form of herbal medicine that are made by steeping dried herbs in alcohol or vinegar. Tinctures can be used to treat a variety of ailments, such as headaches, insomnia, and digestive issues.

  3. Salves: Dried herbs can also be used to make salves, which are used topically to soothe and heal the skin. Some common herbs used in salves include comfrey, calendula, and lavender.

In conclusion, acquiring a second hand dehydrator or building your own drying rack can be a fun and rewarding DIY project that can help you preserve the bountiful harvest from your garden or homestead. Here is a link to how we built our drying rack: With a little bit of creativity and some basic materials, you can create a functional and beautiful drying rack that will serve you for years to come. Happy drying!


11 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page