The Green County Historical Museum has in its kitchen display an old drier used by the late Mrs. William Olson of Monroe.
Food dehydration is the oldest form of food preservation.
In 1908, people usually dried their fruit, such as apples, in the sun. Food dehydration is safe because when the water is removed from the food, mold and bacteria cannot form to spoil it.
The dehydrator shown here has a wood frame, screened shelves and a hinged tin door in the front. The drier measures 20 inches long, 12 inches wide, 16 inches tall and contains four removable screen shelves.
Properly dried fruit or vegetables have a very long shelf life; however, for the best quality and nutrient content, it is best to use within one year. The dried apples may be reconstituted and used in pies by soaking the fruit in liquid, such as fruit juices and fruit liquors or by boiling the fruit in water.
It is interesting to note that dehydrators still are sold today; however, the new models no longer rely on the sun to dry the fruit. The new models have computer-controlled heating elements and fans which make the process more reliable and quicker.
Food dehydration is the oldest form of food preservation.
In 1908, people usually dried their fruit, such as apples, in the sun. Food dehydration is safe because when the water is removed from the food, mold and bacteria cannot form to spoil it.
The dehydrator shown here has a wood frame, screened shelves and a hinged tin door in the front. The drier measures 20 inches long, 12 inches wide, 16 inches tall and contains four removable screen shelves.
Properly dried fruit or vegetables have a very long shelf life; however, for the best quality and nutrient content, it is best to use within one year. The dried apples may be reconstituted and used in pies by soaking the fruit in liquid, such as fruit juices and fruit liquors or by boiling the fruit in water.
It is interesting to note that dehydrators still are sold today; however, the new models no longer rely on the sun to dry the fruit. The new models have computer-controlled heating elements and fans which make the process more reliable and quicker.