Variables in Dehydrating Times

“I did what the book said, but it isn’t dry!” 

Testing for Dryness

It’s been difficult for me to explain how to know when foods are properly dried.  I guess I didn’t really know myself, but instinctively understood what works and what doesn’t.  As I have stated before, do not simply go by a time frame, because there are too many variables that affect drying time. However, I feel pretty confident that the following information from the Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State University is accurate and can be trusted.

You can determine when the product is dry

by feel or by calculation

of the amount of water remaining in the product.