When drying small food items like rice, grains, peas or berries, they may fall through a food dehydrator’s drying trays unless mesh screens, like Nesco's Clean–a–Screen or parchment paper is used to prevent this.

Parchment paper is coated paper that is safe to use as a lining in ovens or food dehydrators. To prevent dehydrating food from falling through drying racks, follow these tips:

• Line a lower drying tray, below the drying tray that contains the food, with parchment paper. This will catch any food that falls through the drying tray and prevent it from causing a mess at the bottom of the dehydrator. This is key for dehydrators that have their fan and heater located on the bottom of the dehydrator.
• Alternatively, dry the food directly on a rack that is lined with parchment paper. This, however, can slow the drying process down given that the air flow to the food will be slightly restricted.
• Whether drying directly on parchment paper or lining a lower tray, secure the paper to the drying tray with paper clips. Post drying, make sure you do not touch the hot paper clips!

Published 10/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Tags: Parchment Paper