The water content of onions is about 89%, so its shelf life is relatively short. Dehydrated onions are a popular processing method. This method not only effectively extends the shelf life of onions, but also preserves the flavor and nutrients of onions. But how to dehydrate onions in dehydrator?
Dehydrated onion processing flow:
- Choose the right onions: Choose onions that are fresh and free of pests and diseases. Remove the skin and any damaged parts, and make sure there is no dirt or debris on the surface of the onions.
- Cut the onions: Cut the onions into the desired shapes as needed. Usually, you can cut the onions into thin slices or small pieces.
- Setting the dehydrator temperature and time: Adjust the dehydrator temperature and drying time according to the thickness and moisture content of the onions. Generally, the drying temperature should be set between 50°C and 60°C. The drying time usually takes 6 to 12 hours, depending on the moisture content of the onions.
- Drying process: Place the chopped onions evenly on the dehydrator tray, making sure there is enough air circulation between the onions. During the drying process, check the onions regularly to avoid over-drying and making the onions too brittle.
- Cooling and storage: After drying, remove the onions from the dehydrator and place them in a cool, ventilated place to cool. The cooled onions should be stored immediately to prevent moisture absorption.
Working principle of onion dehydrator:
The hot air flow and appropriate temperature are used to remove moisture from onions. Its working principle mainly includes the following steps:
- Heating: The heating element in the dehydrator heats the air to a set temperature, usually electrically or by other means.
- Air circulation: There is a fan or air circulation device in the dehydrator that evenly circulates the hot air over the surface of the onions to promote evaporation.
- Moisture emission: During the drying process, the moisture in the onions will be released into the air in the form of steam. The exhaust system in the dehydrator will discharge this moisture to keep the air dry.
- Temperature and humidity control: Modern onion dehydrators are usually equipped with temperature and humidity sensors that can accurately control temperature and humidity to ensure that the onions complete the dehydration process under optimal conditions.
Notes on dehydrated onion processing:
Avoid too high a temperature: Drying at too high a temperature may cause the onions to lose their original flavor. It is generally recommended to set the temperature between 50°C and 60°C, and not to exceed 70°C.
- Evenly spaced: Onions should be evenly spaced on the dehydrator tray, avoiding overlapping or piling up, to ensure that the hot air can evenly cover each onion.
- Regular inspection: During the drying process, the drying condition of the onions should be checked regularly to prevent over-drying or under-drying.