Elevate your snacking game and amaze your taste buds with these extraordinary homemade delights.
Discover the perfect balance of crispy texture and natural sweetness, all while enjoying guilt-free snacking. Learn how to dehydrate sweet potatoes in your home the easy way!
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In this article:
Health Benefits of Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are known for being a healthy food option, but did you know that dehydrating them can make them even healthier? By removing the moisture content, dehydrated sweet potatoes are more concentrated with nutrients such as vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
They are also a great source of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body.
The Versatility of Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes in Cooking
Dehydrated sweet potatoes can be used in various ways when it comes to cooking. They make a great addition to rice blends or as a side dish to any meal.
Sweet potato chips or baked sweet potato treats are also popular snacks that can be made using dehydrated sweet potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
How to Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Dehydration
To start the process of dehydrating sweet potatoes, it’s important to first select the right type of sweet potato – choose ones that are firm and free from blemishes.
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them with a sharp knife or peeler. Once peeled, slice them into thin even pieces using either a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to ensure they have the same thickness.
Choosing Your Preferred Method for Dehydration
There are two main methods for dehydrating sweet potatoes: using an oven or a dehydrator.
- The oven method requires placing sliced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and sheets with olive oil before baking at low temperatures (around 140 degrees Fahrenheit) until they’re completely dry – this can take several hours depending on how thickly they’re sliced and how much moisture content they have.
- Alternatively, you can use a food dehydrator which has special dehydrator trays that are designed to dry out the sweet potatoes evenly. Dehydrator trays make it easier to rotate the sweet potatoes during dehydration, ensuring they dry out uniformly.
Storing Your Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes
It’s important to store your dehydrated sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Once they’re completely dry, let them cool down before placing them in an airtight container to ensure their shelf life is prolonged.
It’s recommended to use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids so that moisture and air can’t get in and spoil the dehydrated sweet potatoes.
Rehydrating Your Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes
To rehydrate your dehydrated sweet potatoes, you simply need to soak them in water or broth for a few minutes before cooking. They’ll absorb the liquid and become soft again so that you can use them in recipes just like fresh sweet potatoes. Rehydrate them before cooking as you typically would with regular sweet potatoes.
Dehydrating sweet potatoes is a very healthy alternative and delicious way of preserving this nutrient-packed vegetable for long-term storage while also opening up new culinary possibilities for cooking at home.
With just a little bit of prep time and some patience, you too can enjoy the benefits of using dehydrated sweet potatoes as an ingredient in your favorite dishes!
Preparing Sweet Potatoes for Dehydration
Selecting the Right Type of Sweet Potatoes
The first step in preparing sweet potatoes for dehydration is to choose the right type of sweet potato. There are many different varieties of sweet potatoes, but not all of them are suitable for dehydration.
You will want to choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from any bruises or soft spots. Try to select sweet potatoes that have a uniform shape and size so that they will dry evenly.
Washing and Peeling the Sweet Potatoes
Once you have selected your sweet potatoes, it’s time to wash and peel them. Use a vegetable brush or clean towel to scrub the skin thoroughly under running water.
This will ensure that any dirt or debris is removed from the surface of the potato. Next, use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove the skin from each potato.
Make sure you remove all of the skin, as it can become tough when dried. Take your time with this step, as you don’t want to waste any valuable flesh.
Slicing Them into Even Pieces
After you have peeled your sweet potatoes, it’s time to slice them into even pieces. You can do this using a box grater, mandolin slicer, or a sharp knife.
The key is to make sure that all of your slices are roughly the same thickness so that they will dry evenly. If you’re using a mandoline slicer or box grater, be careful not to cut yourself!
Always use the guard provided with these tools and watch out for your fingers.
Once you’ve sliced all of your sweet potatoes into thin slices (about 1/8 inch thick), lay them out on a clean baking tray in a single layer without overlapping them.
Avoid Thick Slices
Thick slices will take longer to dehydrate. If you’re in a rush, you might be tempted to slice your sweet potatoes thicker to save time.
However, this will result in uneven drying and may cause some slices to become too dry while others remain moist. Stick with thin slices for best results.
Adding Cinnamon
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your dehydrated sweet potatoes, try sprinkling some cinnamon on them before dehydrating them. This will give them a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Once you have sliced all of your sweet potatoes into even pieces, it’s time to begin the dehydration process.
How to Dehydrate Sweet Potatoes
Choosing a dehydrator or oven method
Before you start dehydrating sweet potatoes, you need to choose the right equipment. You can use either a food dehydrator or an oven.
Though both these methods work well, using a food dehydrator can be more efficient since it’s specifically designed for this purpose. When choosing a dehydrator, go for one with adjustable temperature settings to suit different fruit and vegetable needs.
If you’re short on space in your kitchen, choose a compact and portable one that’s easy to store away when not in use. However, if you do not have access to a food dehydrator or prefer using an oven, preheat your oven to 125-135°F or the lowest setting possible before starting the dehydration and cooking process.
Setting the temperature and time for dehydration
To achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful dehydrated sweet potato slices, it’s essential to get the temperature and time just right. Start by setting your food dehydrator at 125°F – 135°F (52°C – 57°C).
For oven users, set your oven with its door slightly open at around 140°F (60°C). Then place the sweet potato slices on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
It takes about six hours or longer for complete dehydration depending on how thickly sliced they are. The thickness of slices also affects drying time; thin slices will dry faster than thick slices.
Ensure constant heat throughout by checking every hour and flipping them over if necessary. The timing may vary based on humidity levels too; they might take longer than six hours in more humid areas.
Rotating the trays to ensure even dehydration
To make sure all of your sweet potato slices dry evenly while using a food dryer or an oven method, you must rotate the trays. This ensures that each slice gets an equal amount of heat exposure. The best time to rotate the trays depends on how quickly they are drying.
It’s advisable to check them every hour, starting at the three-hour mark. Flip over any slices that have not yet dried out and rotate the trays, so all sides get equal exposure.
If you’re using an oven, rotate your baking sheets halfway through their drying time to ensure uniform dehydration. By rotating your trays regularly, you can ensure that each dehydrated sweet potato slice has consistent nutritional value and desired crispiness level.
Dehydrating sweet potatoes is a great way to preserve their nutritional value and create a tasty ingredient for various recipes or as sweet potato dog treats.
Remember always to wash and peel your sweet potatoes, choose between food dehydrator or oven drying method, and set temperature and time accordingly for desired crispiness level, and long-term storage in a dark place with room temperature water.
Rotating your trays frequently is essential for even dehydration in both methods. With these steps put in place, you should have perfectly crispy dehydrated sweet potato slices ready for use!
Storing Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes
Letting them cool down before storing
Once you’ve finished dehydrating your sweet potatoes, the first thing you need to do is let them cool down completely. You can do this by leaving them in the dehydrator or oven until they’ve cooled off, or by placing them on a wire rack for a few hours.
If you try to store hot, shredded sweet potatoes as potato chips, the condensation inside the container can cause mold and bacterial growth.
Choosing an appropriate storage container
When it comes to storing your dehydrated sweet potatoes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you want to make sure that you choose an appropriate storage container.
Airtight containers like glass jars or plastic ziplock bags work well for short-term storage. However, if you’re planning on storing your sweet potato slices for long-term use, consider using vacuum-sealed bags or oxygen absorbers to prevent moisture from getting inside.
Keeping them in a dry, cool place
It’s important to store your dehydrated sweet potato slices in a dry and cool place. Moisture and heat can cause them to spoil quickly, so avoid storing them near radiators or other sources of heat.
Instead, opt for a dark place like a pantry or cupboard that’s away from direct sunlight. If stored properly in an air-tight container in a cool and dry location away from moisture and humidity these delicious treats will keep well for up six months without losing their texture or flavor.
A Quick Tip:
If you’re unsure about where to store your sweet potato chips at home try wrapping each slice individually with unbleached parchment paper before putting it into an air-tight container. This ensures that the individual chips don’t get stuck together, and also adds an extra layer of protection against moisture.
Another Quick Tip:
Dogs enjoy sweet potato slices as a healthy snack. To store them in bulk, use a vacuum-sealed container, which will keep them fresh for up to 6 months. Storing dehydrated sweet potatoes is easy as long as you follow these simple guidelines.
Remember to let them cool down completely before storing, choose an appropriate storage container that is air-tight but allows for circulation if possible, and store them in a cool and dry place like a pantry or cupboard.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy the sweet taste of dehydrated sweet potatoes all year round!
Rehydrating Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes
Soaking them in Water or Broth Before Cooking
Rehydrating dehydrated sweet potatoes is quite easy and can be done in two ways. The first way is to soak the dried sweet potato slices in water or broth. This method works best if you’re planning on using the dried sweet potatoes for soups, stews, or any other recipe where they will be cooked for an extended period.
For this method, place the dried sweet potato slices in a large bowl, and cover them with room-temperature water or broth. Make sure that all of the slices are submerged, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
If you’re short on time, you can also pour boiling water over the dried sweet potato slices. Let them soak in cold water for 15-20 minutes before using them in your recipe.
You might like: How to Dehydrate Bone Broth
Using Rehydrated Sweet Potatoes in Various Recipes
The second way to rehydrate dehydrated sweet potato skins and potatoes is to use fresh ingredients and rehydrate as you cook.
For example, if you’re making mashed sweet potatoes, boil fresh diced sweet potatoes until they are soft, and then add a handful of dehydrated sweet potato slices into the boiling water during the last five minutes of cooking time.
When rehydrating dehydrated sweet potatoes, keep in mind that they will absorb liquid quickly and may require more liquid than fresh ones would. If your recipe calls for fresh diced or sliced sweet potatoes but you want to use dehydrated ones instead, simply add a little extra liquid (water or broth) to compensate.
Dehydrated sweet potato chips can be rehydrated as well by soaking it first with warm water until it returns to its original state before frying it again until crispy which gives an interesting contrast between outer crispiness and a chewy inside.
Rehydrated sweet potatoes can be used in many different recipes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and side dishes.
They add a unique texture and flavor to any dish that they are used in. For dog lovers out there, dehydrated sweet potato slices can also be rehydrated and turned into sweet potato dog treats.
Simply soak the dried slices in water or broth until they soften. Then cut them into smaller pieces and allow them to dry out again before serving them to your furry friend.
Extend Shelf Life with Mason Jars
When it comes to storing the rehydrated sweet potatoes you can use an air-tight container like a mason jar which keeps them fresh for longer periods. Make sure when putting it inside the jar that it is not damp otherwise, it will shorten its shelf life.
Rehydrating dehydrated sweet potatoes is very simple and opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to cooking with this healthy ingredient. Whether you’re making soups, stews, or even dog treats, using rehydrated sweet potatoes is an excellent way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
Tips and Tricks for Dehydrating Sweet Potatoes
Adding spices or seasonings before dehydration
Dehydrated sweet potatoes can make a great addition to many dishes, and adding some spices or seasonings before dehydration can enhance their flavor even more.
Some popular options include cinnamon, garlic powder, and paprika. To add the seasoning, simply toss the sweet potato slices in a bowl with your desired spice blend before laying them out on the dehydrator trays.
Another option is to brush each slice with a mixture of olive oil and your desired seasoning before placing them in the dehydrator. This will create a delicious crispy coating on each slice that will be irresistible!
Keep in mind that adding salt may increase dehydration time as it draws out moisture from the sweet potato pieces. So go easy on the salt if you want your dehydrated sweet potatoes to dry quickly.
Using a mandoline slicer for even slices
When it comes to slicing your sweet potatoes for dehydration, using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended if you have one available. It creates even slices that will all dry at the same rate, ensuring consistent results throughout.
If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, try using a box grater instead – it may take a bit longer but produces equal-sized pieces which are critical when drying foodstuffs such as sweet potatoes. Whatever method you use: ensure that all of your sweet potato pieces are roughly the same thickness so they’ll dry evenly throughout.
Experimenting with different thicknesses for different textures
The thickness of your sweet potato slices can also affect their texture once they’re dehydrated. If you like crunchy chips-style snacks then thinner slices work better: aim for 1/8 inch thickness or less.
These thin slices will become crispy after several hours of drying. If you prefer something with more texture, try slicing your sweet potatoes a bit thicker, around 1/4 inch or so.
These thicker pieces will still get crunchy during the dehydration process, but they’ll also have a bit of chewiness left in them when they’re done. In general, the thinner the slice – the crispier and drier it will be; and conversely, thicker slices will retain some of their natural moisture and chewiness.
Preventing discoloration
One of the downsides to dehydrating sweet potatoes is that they can turn brown if not treated properly. To prevent discoloration in your dehydrated sweet potato pieces, there are a few things you can do:
Firstly – use fresh sweet potatoes as opposed to previously frozen ones which would still contain moisture and thus be prone to molding. Secondly – add lemon juice to water used for pre-soaking before dehydration.
After cutting the sweet potatoes into slices and washing them thoroughly; soak them briefly in very hot water for 2-3 minutes then immediately transfer them into cold clean water. Lay them out on clean towels to pat dry before placing them on dehydrator trays or in an oven.
Storing Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes
Once your sweet potatoes are completely dry and ready for storage, it’s important to keep them in an airtight container (vacuum sealing is highly recommended) that is stored in a cool dark place. If stored properly – they should last up to 6 months before losing quality or taste. With these tips and tricks for dehydrating sweet potatoes under your belt, you’ll be able to create healthy snacks such as chips or use rehydrated slices as an ingredient for dog treats!
Conclusion
Dehydrated sweet potatoes are a versatile and healthy addition to any kitchen. After selecting the right type of sweet potato, washing and peeling them, slicing them into even pieces, and dehydrating them in a food dehydrator or oven, you can enjoy this delicious snack in a variety of dishes.
Whether you enjoy them as a crispy snack on their own, add them to your favorite recipes for an extra crunch or sweetness, or rehydrate them for use in stews and soups; dehydrated sweet potatoes can be stored for years without losing their flavor or nutritional value.
It’s important to let the slices cool down before storing them and choose an appropriate storage container like glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags. If you want to experiment with different textures, try varying the thickness of the slices before dehydration.
One idea is to add cinnamon before drying to create tasty cinnamon chips that will bring back memories of the fall. Another option is using olive or coconut oil together to give your sweet potato slices an extra layer of flavor.
If you’re looking for something special for your furry friends, consider making baked sweet potato dog treats from your freshly prepared sweet potatoes. Dogs enjoy these treats as much as we do!
Dehydrating sweet potatoes takes some prep time but is well worth it once you see how versatile they are in various dishes. By following these simple steps and tips, you too can enjoy this healthy snack that has an impressive shelf life while adding nutrition to your meals!
