The Dehydrator Bible: Includes over 400 Recipes Paperback – Illustrated, March 7, 2025

THE DEHYDRATOR BIBLE is exactly what I hoped it would be when I ordered it: An excellent dehydrating reference and recipe book that supplements the brief "getting started" guide that came in the box with my Nesco FD-75PR 700-Watt Food Dehydrator.The book begins with a clear, easy-to-understand chapter that explains how drying works, how to tell when food is dry enough, how to store dried food properly, and when to rehydrate food. It also includes general troubleshooting tips.Next, the book has useful charts that tell you how to handle dehydration for specific herbs (e.g., cilantro, mint, parsley), fruits (e.g., cherries, citrus fruits, peaches, pineapple), and vegetables (e.g., asparagus, radishes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes). For each type of produce, the authors discuss preparation (peel, cut into quarters, etc.), drying (how to arrange on trays, what temperature to use), time (hours required for drying), doneness test (e.g., plums should feel dry and leathery), and tips (e.g., blue or Italian plums give the nicest texture). The book has similar charts for beans, tofu, grains, and dairy products. It also includes a chapter on methods for dehydrating meat, poultry, and fish.The bulk of the book has recipes for cooking "at home" and "on the trail" with dehydrated foods. These recipes are interesting to me, even though I intend to use my dehydrator mostly for fixing fruit snacks, beef jerky, and dried herbs. Should I end up with too many dried peach slices, for example, I can use them to make "Warm Peaches With Ginger". Also, there are a couple of sections of full-color photographs of selected prepared recipes--these, of course, are more or less obligatory in any food book that calls itself a "bible".The last part of the book briefly discusses other uses for a dehydrator, including making cat and dog treats, crafts items (e.g., Christmas ornaments), and gifts (e.g., soup mix, herb teas). I like this book a lot--it's a useful, encyclopedic kitchen reference to be kept right next to my dehydrator.

I love the book. It's very informative and in depth. The only Cins...most of the fruits run same temp and time. And things shoukd be discussed on what not to do or if u run into a issues what to do. I've watched alit of u tube videos that get way into how to make sure is dry... what works what doesn't. BUT fir the price it is a very good book. And yes..it has recipes like Jerky!!! I highly reccimend the CASORI 6 TRAY DEHYDRATOR. IN 2022 BIUGHT MINE AT BLACK FRUDAY..BEST DEAL. 299 ON SALE 199 THAN EXTRA 40% OFF THAN I GIT THE AMAZIN STIRE CARD..GAVE ME 60.00 MORE OFF FOR STIRE CARD! MY final cost fir a 299.00 Casori 6 tray...was 40.00!!! Get this book..2 extra silicone trays and the Dehydrator. Your golden! As we speak I'm dehydrating 4 lbs of blue berries. I washed well..dried..put on tray in freezer... tomorrow will blend in blender spread on fruit roll up tray. Dehydrate, than break it up put in blender I will have 1 to 2 jars of powdered blueberry to add to smoothies or put in muffins! 1 tblsp of powdered berries equals 1 cup berries. Strawberrues..dehydrate and jar. They are like amazing intense strawberry gummies! Beef jerky amazing! 4 lbs steak or ground beef equals 1 lb jerky. Have fun!

Anyone who spends an inordinate amount of time running dehydrators in their garage and more drying experiments in the backyard, only to spend more hours logging data into spreadsheets, as co-author Don Mercer woefully admits, has my sit up and take notice attention. However, the dehydrating particulars in the first section of the book seem to gloss over the "why" aspect of dehydration and concentrate on the "how", leaving me with unanswered questions, hence the 4 star rating. I wish Mr. Mercer could have had more input in the book, I think he gladly would have addressed the "why" of things.The recipe sections offer a delightful assortment of both home prepared and backpacking meals including Fisherman's Chowder and No Luck Chowder, for days when the fish aren't biting. One finds it hard to decide on the Fruit Bannock on a Stick or the Blueberry Cheesecake for trail goodies. The recipes span an eclectic variety of tastes from classic favorites to the more contemporary.The mix of dishes, some using all dried ingredients and others incorporating some fresh, provide a provocative view of recipe possibilities for utilizing shelf stable and dry store foods. The food storage enthusiast has much material here to become "absorbed" in.

Awesome book for cooking

I bought this book shortly after purchasing my 6-tray Excalibur dehydrator and it's been very helpful in learning the best ways to dehydrate various foods. I've used the recipes in here for apples, pineapples, strawberries, and beef jerky so far. As soon as I receive the dehydrator trays I ordered I'm planning to make some of the fruit leather recipes. I can't wait!

Perfect book for anyone who has a dehydrator and wants to learn new recipes.