Excalibur Food Dehydrator

The Excalibur food dehydrator is one of the best around for dehydrating fresh herbs.

If you grow your own herbs for home remedies then you’ll find a dehydrator a BIG asset.

Basically, you pop the leaves/flowers/stems/berries on the trays, set the temperature, switch on and leave it to do it’s work?

There are many food dehydrators on the market and generally speaking, you get what you pay for.

I’ve tried the $30 kind, waste of money! You can also pay thousands, the Excalibur comes around the middle and is good value for home use.

Don’t forget, you can make fruit leathers, jerky, fish, in fact, you can pretty much dry any kind of food.

The Excalibur Food Dehydrator excels at turning fruits like apples into crispy chips, making jerky from lean meats, and turning mushrooms into flavorful additions for soups.

It’s not just about preserving food; it’s about enhancing your pantry with wholesome options you can enjoy anytime.

Whether you’re interested in reducing food waste or stocking up on nutrient-rich snacks, this gadget is a worthwhile investment.

Fnd out how dehydrating foods can redefine your approach to snacking and healthy eating.

Key Features

When it comes to food dehydration, the Excalibur Food Dehydrator doesn’t disappoint. Here are some of the key features that make it a popular choice:

Adjustable Temperature Settings: With a range of temperatures, you can ensure that your food retains its nutrients. This feature allows you to dry anything from delicate herbs to tougher meats like jerky, all while preserving their vital nutrients.
Multiple Trays: Equipped with up to nine trays, the Excalibur offers a large drying space that can handle big batches of fruits, veggies, or meats. This means you can dry more in one go, saving you both time and effort.
Fan Technology: The rear-mounted fan provides even and consistent drying without the need to rotate trays. Like a gentle breeze on a summer day, it ensures all your food gets the perfect amount of heat.

Specifications

Understanding the specifications of a dehydrator can help you determine how it fits your kitchen and lifestyle needs. Here are the essential specs of the Excalibur Food Dehydrator:

Dimensions: With a compact design, the typical Excalibur measures about 12.5 x 17 x 19 inches. It’s substantial enough to handle big jobs but small enough to fit in most kitchens.
Power Consumption: It consumes around 600 watts, balancing efficiency with performance. This is like having a small, dedicated tool that’s powerful but won’t send your power bill soaring.
Material Quality: Made from durable plastic, the Excalibur is built to last. Its robust construction promises longevity, making it a wise investment in your healthy lifestyle.

The Excalibur Food Dehydrator removes water from food by a continuous circulation of thermostatically-controlled warm air.

A variety of foods, from bright golden kernels of farm-fresh corn to rings of island-sweetened pineapple can be dehydrated.

Slices of beef, chicken, fish or even venison can be easily dried into homemade jerky. A fruit puree dries into a vividly colored, taffy-like snack or fruit roll.

Ease of Use

Navigating the Excalibur Food Dehydrator’s setup is straightforward. It’s designed to be welcoming, so you can get started without feeling overwhelmed:

Initial Setup: Plug in, adjust the thermostat, and load the trays. No complex assembly required—just simplicity at its best.
Operation: Using it feels intuitive. Set the temperature and timer, then let it do the magic. The clear controls are easy to understand, even for first-time users.
Cleaning: Post-drying cleanup doesn’t need to be daunting. The trays can be removed effortlessly and are dishwasher-safe, making the cleaning process as relaxing as a gentle breeze.

For those passionate about healthy living, this user-friendly design ensures that the focus remains on enjoying the creative process rather than struggling with equipment.

Whether you’re drying herbs collected during a foraging trip or making homemade snacks, the Excalibur Food Dehydrator’s ease of use turns ideas into reality.

Nutritional Preservation

When it comes to preserving nutrients, dehydration stands tall among other methods like canning or freezing. Why?

By removing moisture, dehydration keeps essential vitamins and minerals locked into your favorite foods.

While heat and extended cooking times can strip nutrients away, the gentle, warm air of a dehydrator ensures:

Vitamins like A and C remain intact.
Essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium are preserved.
Fiber retains its natural form, promoting digestive health.

The Excalibur Food Dehydrator holds your food’s nutritional value while enhancing flavors. This approach makes dehydrated snacks a smart choice for anyone focused on nutrient-rich, healthy living.

Versatility in Food Preparation

The versatility of dehydrated foods is undeniable. With an Excalibur Food Dehydrator, you can transform a wide variety of foods from your pantry or backyard harvest. Let’s explore some popular options:

Fruits: Apples, bananas, and strawberries are favorites. They transform into sweet, chewy snacks perfect for on-the-go.
Vegetables: Carrot and zucchini chips provide a crunchy alternative to traditional snacks.
Herbs: Mint and basil become long-lasting flavor enhancers for your cooking.

How to Dehydrate Popular Foods

I’ve written a more detailed guide on this but here are a few tips! Dehydrating foods is a great way to enjoy them year-round, but how do you get started? Here are some simple methods for dehydrating three popular foods using the Excalibur:

Apples: Slice apples evenly to about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange slices on trays without overlapping. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and let them dry for about 7-12 hours until they are leathery and crisp.
Herbs: Forage or gather your herbs and rinse them clean. Spread them in a single layer on the trays. Dehydrate them at 95°F (35°C) for about 3-5 hours. Once they crumble easily, they’re ready.
Beef Jerky: Slice beef against the grain to maintain tenderness. Marinate if desired, then lay strips on trays. Set temperature to 155°F (68°C) and dry for 4-6 hours or until it’s bendy but dry.
Carrots: Wash and slice. Blanch for a minute, then dehydrate at 125°F for 10–12 hours.
Mint: Harvest fresh leaves. Lay them evenly on your trays and dry at 95°F for 2–4 hours.

Each food type requires different techniques and temperatures, but the result is healthy, homemade snacks that are perfect for any forager or healthy living enthusiast.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

How do actual users feel about it?

Positive Feedback

Many users find a lot to love about the Excalibur Food Dehydrator. Here are some of the standout features that consistently earn praise:

Versatility: Users appreciate how the Excalibur can handle various foods. Whether it’s fruits, vegetables, or meat, this dehydrator delivers consistent results.
Ease of Use: The straightforward design and simple controls make it user-friendly. Even if you’re new to dehydrating, the learning curve is gentle.
Large Capacity: With multiple trays, users can dehydrate batches of food at once. This is perfect for foragers or anyone with a bountiful harvest.
Consistent Performance: The even airflow and steady temperature management are often highlighted in reviews. It ensures all trays dry evenly, without needing to rotate them.

Pretty good feedback!

Finally

The Excalibur Food Dehydrator is like having a personal pantry assistant, ensuring that your hard-earned foraged foods don’t go to waste.

With its straightforward operation and reliable performance, it keeps your food both fresh and flavorful.

In terms of using it for home remedies, it’s great. seasonal berries on one side for coughs and colds, herbs in the other, have fun!