Raw foods and food dehydrators

Why raw food

Raw food, as part of a raw food diet, is typically unprocessed vegan food that has not been heated above 115 F. The core idea of a raw food diet is that foods heated above this temperature lose important enzymes and nutritional value. In addition, a raw food diet typically contains a lot less calories. People who eat mostly raw foods consume about half the calories they would get eating cooked foods.

What is raw food

Raw food hasn’t been cooked or processed, and is generally organic and in a whole natural state. Typical raw foods include nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, berries, roots, sprouts, herbs, and spices

How are raw foods prepared

Raw food can be prepared in a variety of different ways, however the focus is to prepare the food in a way that does not heat the food above 115 F. The classic appliances used by people following a raw food die at are the blender, juicer, and food processor. At the least, you'll probably want a blender and food processor. However, a dehydrator can be an important and interesting addition to these tools.

Role of a dehydrator in a raw food diet

A dehydrator is a great way to preserve fruits and vegetables at low temperatures. A good dehydrator has an adjustable thermostat, and can easily maintain a stable temperature between 110 and 120 F. In contrast, canning, for example requires that foods be heated to temperatures over 200 F so that they can be stored safely. So, a dehydrator provides a new and interesting way to make raw foods that are healthy and convenient when on the run, and also have a good shelf life.

What kind of raw foods can be made with a dehydrator

With respect to fruits and vegetables, the list is almost endless. Of course, you can use a dehydrator to dry raw grapes, peaches, kiwi, cantaloupe, watermelon, apples, oranges, and a whole list of other fruits and vegetables. However, in addition, a food dehydrator can also be used to make raw crackers, breads, granolas, and cookies. You can even use a dehydrator to heat sauces at low temperatures.

What kind of dehydrator is best for a raw food diet

At minimum, you'll want a dehydrator with an accurate adjustable thermometer. If you plan to do a lot of dehydrating, you should get a dehydrator with at least 10 sq. ft. of shelf area. The Excalibur 3900, for example, has 9 trays and a total of about 15 sq ft of drying area. It seems like a lot, but you'll be surprised at how fast you can fill up the trays. If you plan to leave your dehydrator on the counter in your kitchen like other appliances, you may want to consider the Sedona SD 9000, which is styled more like a counter-top microwave and has a digital display and all controls at the front of the unit.