Welcome! Today we will delve into the process of drying cabbage – actually how to dehydrate cabbage with a dehydrator – an approach that not only preserves the vegetable but also provides opportunities for various culinary applications.
We’ll also show you different ways you can incorporate dehydrated cabbage into your future meals. Enjoy!
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In this article:
Key Points on How to Dehydrate Cabbage [TL; DR version]
- 🥘 The process of dehydrating cabbage is simple and can be done using a regular dehydrator, providing an easy way to preserve this vegetable.
- 🏬 Vacuum sealing dried cabbage and other goods is recommended to prevent them from becoming stale and to keep them fresh for longer periods of time.
- 🥬 Dried cabbage can be used to make kimchi, showcasing the versatility of dehydrated ingredients.
- 💦 Using a fermentation starter instead of brine can speed up the kimchi-making process, resulting in a fizzy and delicious end product.
- 🥬 Red cabbage adds an extra flavor to kimchi and is preferred over green cabbage or Napa cabbage.
- 🥣 Dehydrated vegetables, like cabbage, are a convenient and easy way to add flavor and nutrients to soups and stir-fries.
- 🌌 Adding red cabbage to dehydrated cabbage can add color and flavor to the dish, creating a visually appealing and tasty result.
The Process of Dehydrating Cabbage
Dehydrating cabbage is a straightforward task. You can cut it into any size you prefer, though smaller pieces might be easier to handle in certain recipes.
During my first attempt, I cut the cabbage into relatively small pieces, which dehydrated perfectly. However, for the next batches, I chose to cut larger pieces, some up to one inch in size.
During the dehydration process, it is useful to have cloth covers over the trays to prevent small pieces from falling through. These covers make handling the cabbage easier, especially when dehydrating a variety of food items like fruits, vegetables, eggs, or milk.
When using a dehydrator, make sure you never set the temperature above 125
degrees. For herbs, go even lower. For meats only, then consider a higher temperature.
Dehydrating Time
The total dehydration time may vary depending on your specific dehydrator. As a guideline, start checking the cabbage after 10 hours, then again at the 12-hour mark. If you forget about it overnight, don’t worry – the dehydrator’s automatic setting should handle it.
It’s essential to avoid letting dehydrated cabbage absorb moisture from the air, especially in high-humidity areas. Hence, it’s best to ensure the dehydrator runs until you are ready to handle the cabbage.
Once completely dry, let the cabbage cool down to room temperature. It’s easier to gauge whether it’s thoroughly dehydrated when it’s cool – it should feel crunchy, not flexible.
Storing Dehydrated Cabbage
When storing dehydrated cabbage, the best approach is to vacuum seal it. This prevents it from becoming stale or absorbing any moisture. You can use a set of FoodSaver or off-brand tops to accomplish this.
After vacuum sealing, remember to label your jars before storing them away. If stored properly, dehydrated foods can last indefinitely, although their nutrient value may diminish over time.
Note: Always be sure to check your dehydrated goods for complete dryness before storing. Any moisture can lead to spoilage. If in doubt, put it back in the dehydrator for a few more hours.
Using Dehydrated Cabbage
There are multiple ways to use dehydrated cabbage in your meals. Here are a few ideas:
- Kimchi: This fermented dish can be made with dehydrated cabbage. You can mix it with dried onions, dried garlic, cayenne pepper, and a fermentation starter before adding water and letting it ferment for three days. This results in a tangy, crunchy kimchi that closely resembles the texture of fresh cabbage.
- Food Coloring or Lip Balm: Red cabbage, when dehydrated and powdered, creates a beautiful purple color that can be used as a natural food coloring or added to homemade lip balm for a vibrant hue.
- Ramen: Adding dehydrated cabbage to a pot of ramen is a great way to incorporate extra flavor and nutrition into your meal. Simply add it with your other spices and noodles, then cook as usual.
- Soups: Just like with ramen, dehydrated cabbage (and other vegetables) are excellent additions to soups. They rehydrate during the cooking process and enhance the soup’s overall flavor.
- Stir-fry: If you wish to use dehydrated cabbage in a stir-fry, rehydrate it first by soaking in water, or for extra flavor, in a mix of Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (or coconut Aminos) and homemade wine. After soaking, strain the cabbage, and it’s ready to be added to your stir-fry.
Using Cabbage Powder
- Nutrition Booster: Powdered cabbage can easily be added to smoothies, soups, or sauces to give a nutritional boost. It’s a subtle way to include more veggies in your diet without changing the flavor of your dishes too much.
- Natural Food Coloring: Red cabbage, when dehydrated and ground into a fine powder, can serve as a raw food coloring. It imparts a vibrant purple color to foods and can even be used in homemade cosmetics such as lip balm. Make sure to grind it very fine for the best results.
- Adding Flavor to Dishes: The powder can be used as a flavor enhancer in various dishes, from casseroles to stir-fries.
FAQs
Does cabbage dehydrate well?
Yes, cabbage dehydrates very well. Its low moisture content and fibrous texture make it an ideal vegetable for dehydration.
What is the best way to dehydrate cabbage?
The best way to dehydrate cabbage is to first wash and dry it thoroughly, then thinly slice it. Place the slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, making sure they are not overlapping. Set the dehydrator to 125°F and dehydrate for about 4-10 hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your slices and the specific dehydrator being used.
How do you dehydrate cabbage in a dehydrator?
To dehydrate cabbage in a dehydrator, follow these steps: wash the cabbage and remove the outer leaves. Slice it thinly. Place the slices on your dehydrator trays in a single layer, not overlapping. Set the dehydrator to 125°F. The drying time will range between 4-10 hours, depending on the thickness of your slices.
Does cabbage need blanching before dehydrating?
Blanching is not necessary for dehydrating cabbage. However, it can help to retain the cabbage’s color and might also help in the rehydration process if you plan to use your dehydrated cabbage for dishes like soups or stews.
How do you rehydrate dehydrated cabbage?
To rehydrate dehydrated cabbage, soak it in a bowl of hot or boiling water or broth. Allow it to sit for at least 15-30 minutes until it has absorbed the liquid and become tender.
How do I store dehydrated cabbage?
Store your dehydrated cabbage in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place. Always ensure your dehydrated goods are completely dry before storing them, as any residual moisture can cause spoilage.
Conclusion
Dehydrating cabbage is an easy and convenient way to preserve this nutritious vegetable. Its uses are numerous: from soups and stews to fermentations and stir-fries.
Even in powdered form, it can be a useful ingredient to have on hand. It’s a perfect way to ensure you always have cabbage ready for whatever recipe you might be preparing.
Whether you’re new to food preservation or an experienced pro, dehydrating cabbage is a skill worth learning. As always, remember to label and store your dehydrated goods properly for the best longevity and taste. Happy dehydrating!
