Safety features such as U.L. approved parts. Do not use solid wood or galvanized metal trays. Back to Top Testing for Dryness Remove one or two pieces of processed food from the dryer and allow them to cool before testing for dryness. Warm food will seem softer and more moist than food that has cooled. Shake the drying tray.
Vegetables usually rattle when they are dry.
They will feel tough and brittle. Food can be tested by weight. Commercially dried food has preservatives and they use special equipment and, as a result, the moisture content is higher. Back to Top Pasteurization After drying it is recommended that a final heat treatment be given in order to pasteurize food before storage. This treatment is necessary to destroy harmful bacteria.