Choosing The Perfect Caterer

3 Tips For Using A Solar Food Storage Dehydrator During A New England Winter

13 November 2020 by Cathy Fields

A New England winter features extreme temperatures, snow, and lots of ice. For many, the winter is a time to put the gardening tools away, but if you enjoy dehydrating foods, then you can still go through the process during the cold months. A solar food storage dehydrator relies on the sun to dry out fruits and vegetables. Using a dehydrator during the winter includes several different steps to make the process effective. Learn some tips to make the most out of a dehydrator during the winter months.

1. Use a Sunroom

The sunlight you have during the winter is not as strong as in other months. To get the most out of the sun, you want to increase the heat without the addition of electrical costs. A sunroom provides the best way to increase the heat. As the sun shines through the windows, the heat will rise in the room and help speed up the dehydrating process. To help prevent the loss of heat, try not to use any entrance or exit points in the sunroom so the hot air remains. The same process works for an enclosed porch or deck where you can fit a dehydrator.

2. Add a Roller To the Dehydrator

If the dehydrator you purchase is ground-based, then you may want to consider adding a roller to the bottom. With a roller, you can move and rotate the dehydrator so the structure is constantly facing the sun. The winter months in New England features much shorter days, so you want to take advantage of the sun when you can. Every couple of hours, you can reposition the dehydrator so it has the most direct sunlight. You may add wheels directly to the bottom of the dehydrator or mount the whole thing on top of a rolling dolly. After a few days, you will notice a difference in the time it takes to properly dehydrate the fruit.

3. Snow Removal Tools

New England is known for heavy snow and you want to remove snow from a dehydrator as soon as possible. If you have a flat, window-based dehydrator, then consider using a car windshield scraper to clear off the snow. The tools will help clear off the panels without causing damage. You want to harness the maximum amount of heat, so the scraper will help with ice as well. A snow brush will help you quickly wipe off flurries and light snow. If possible, clear off the snow before it freezes so the glass remains open and exposed.

Use these tips to get the most out of your dried fruit all winter long with a solar food storage dehydrator. 

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