Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we're going to explore the wonderful world of dehydrating kale. Not only does this process preserve its nutrients, but it also creates a delicious and crispy snack.
Let's dive right into the steps of How to Dehydrate Kale.
Step 1: Preparation
Start by washing the kale leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to ensure they are completely dry. Moisture can prolong the dehydration process.
Step 2: Removing Stems and Cutting
Next, remove the tough stems from the kale leaves. You can do this by simply tearing the leaves away from the stem or by running a knife along the sides. Once the stems are removed, tear the kale into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Arranging on Dehydrator Trays
Now, evenly spread the kale pieces onto the trays of your food dehydrator.
Step 4: Dehydrating
Once your trays are loaded, it's time to start the dehydration process. Set your dehydrator to around 125°F to 135°F (about 52°C to 57°C) and let it run for about 4 to 6 hours. Check on the kale occasionally, and if you have a bottom fan on your dehydrator rotate the trays if necessary for even drying.
Step 5: Checking for Doneness
To check if the kale is done, simply take a piece and allow it to cool for a few seconds. It should be crispy and brittle. If it's still chewy, return it to the dehydrator for a bit longer.
Step 6: Storing
Once your kale leaves are perfectly crispy, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place.
And there you have it, folks! Delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make dehydrated kale, perfect for soups or snacking on. They also make a wonderful crunchy topping to your favorite dishes. Thanks for watching, and happy dehydrating!
