STORING
DRIED FOODS
LOCATION
Cool, dark and dry are the keys to
maintaining the quality of dried food.
Glass jars or plastic containers
should be placed in a paper bag or
in a closed cabinet to keep out light.
Cement walls and floors are often
damp. Dried food containers should
not be placed directly on the floor, or
touching a basement or cellar wall.
Do not store dried food near items
with a strong odor, such as varnish,
paint remover or kerosene.
CONTAINERS
Any container that is clean, airtight,
and moisture-proof is suitable for
storage. Fill each container as much
as possible.
Heavy, zippered plastic bags or
heat sealing bags make excellent
choices. Filled bags may be placed
in metal cans with lids (shortening or
coffee cans are good). This will keep
out insects and light. Glass jars with
tight-fitting lids can be used with or
without plastic bags.
LENGTH OF STORAGE
In most cases, dried fruits and
vegetables should not be stored
longer than one year. Plan to use all
dried meats, fish, poultry or jerky
within a month or two.
Rotate on a first-dried, first-to-
be-used basis. Check dried foods
periodically. If the food seems moister
than when packed, moisture may be
getting into the container. Spread food
on drying trays and dry again. Then
pack the food in an airtight container.
Mold indicates that food was not
properly dried the first time, or was
not properly stored. Discard or compost
moldy food. Do not try to use it.
Plastic containers with lids
are good, but should be used in
conjunction with locking plastic bags,
because plastic containers are not
airtight.
Do not use paper or cloth bags,
lightweight plastic bags, bread
wrappers, unlined metal containers or
any container without a tig
ht-fitting
lid.
When food is sufficiently dehydrated, cool thoroughly before storing(approximately
15-30minutes). If food is allowed to sit too long in the open air, it will begin to absorb
moisture. Select appropriate airtight storage containers and store at optimal
conditions. If moisture or condensation appears in storage container, food has not
completely dried. Return to appliance and continue to dehydrate until completely dry.
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