WetAir recipes
Dried celery
Fragrant dry stem pieces for stocks and vegetable blends.
Celery stems become a useful aromatic addition after tough strings are removed and the pieces are blanched. Check one cooled piece for doneness.
For a first try, prepare a small batch: even pieces are easier to space well and check without rushing.
| Temperature | Dehydrator stage: 60 °C / 140 °F |
|---|---|
| Ready when | Once cooled, pieces should be dry, brittle or crisp as appropriate for the food, with no visible moisture inside. Elapsed time alone does not establish completion. |
| Compatible models | WetAir WFD-K1000S, WetAir WFD-K700BSS |
Ingredients
- celery stems 840 g
Method
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Prepare
Wash the celery stems, trim dry ends and remove tough strings.
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Cut the celery into even short pieces.
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Water-blanch the cut vegetables in small batches for three minutes, timed from when the water returns to the boil. Cool immediately in cold water and drain thoroughly.
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Arrange and dry
Arrange the prepared food in one layer with clear gaps for unrestricted airflow.
Leave space between pieces so air can move freely around them. -
Select the temperature shown in the table above and do not overload the trays.
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Near completion, cool a separate piece before testing; remove pieces individually as they reach the endpoint.
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Check and cool
Move the finished pieces to a clean rack and let them cool completely before packing.
Check the texture on a separate piece after it cools briefly.
After cooling
Store it airtight in a cool, dry and dark place, and check for condensation or mould.
How to enjoy it
Add to stocks, soups, stews or dried vegetable blends.
Sources and evidence
Compatible WetAir models
Sources
- Colorado State University Extension — preparing and drying vegetables
- University of Minnesota Extension — blanching and cooling vegetables
- National Center for Home Food Preservation — packaging and storing dried foods
- University of Minnesota Extension — home food drying fundamentals
- WetAir instructions for the large steel dehydrator
- WetAir instructions for the compact steel dehydrator
Frequently asked questions
Can I pack the whole batch after checking one piece?
No. Check several thicker pieces from different trays. Keep drying any that remain damp; remove and cool the finished pieces separately.