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Show Currently ru Speaking! 7 By Moon Lake Electric Asso. Inc. FOOD DRYING Plans for food dryers have become plentiful in the last few years, as have expensive commercial "dehydrators" for the kitchen. All use electricity, though considerably less than the electricity used in canning or freezing. A book is on the market containing plans for a solar-powered food dryer which would be even more energy efficient. Built at an estimated cost of $150 less if you are the type who collects spare parts this large plywood and plastic machine is designed to handle heavy harvests, taking two or three sunny days to dry a 12-pound load. For overcast days, an optional electric bulb heater and small fan can be attached. Since the dryer does most of the work, say the authors, there is far less labor to this method than by either canning or freezing; also, the food thus preserved is cheaper and more nutritious, and may be stored at room temperature. Good overall directons for preparation, drying and use of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish are given, as well as many useful hints on various aspects of food drying. The plans and instructions for building the dryer are very thorough, and written for the novice. Standard tools are required, the most expensive being a hand drill and circular saw. The finished and assembled dryer is quite large, but designed to fold up for transportation and storage. The gardner who has some time to devote to carpentry may find this a useful and money-saving project. If you are interested in this project, write for: Rodale Plans: Solar Food Dryer, ed. by Ray Wolf. Rodale Press, 33 E. Minor St., Emmaus, PA 18049. 80 pp., ringbound, illus., blueprints. $14.95. |
