Good Grape Wine Company

After I read it almost entirely in one night, I find it a great reference to go back to, whenever I'm considering dehydrating something new. I couldn't compare this with other titles on dehydrating food since I haven't read them, but I'm quite satisfied with this one. Addition of dehydrated pictures would be a great addition however.


VERY detailed   April 27, 2002
 21 out of 24 found this review helpful

Very easy to understand literature - However, not to many pictures but lots of recipes and gives great ideas for other than fruits, etc...


Best Dehydrator book   January 7, 2002
 32 out of 35 found this review helpful

If you own a dehydrator, buy this book.
It tells you everything you need to know (except jerky). For Jerky, you need her other book.


I'd pay three times this amount for this book   September 29, 1999
 86 out of 86 found this review helpful

I've had my dehydrator for 5 years and thought I'd dried everything in every conceivable way but Mary Bell has some fantastic ideas. Easy read and easier recipes. Especially liked the section on backpacker food. My dehydrator has been running 24hrs/day since I got this book. Thank you, Mary Bell, for this great book.


Well-written, valuable food drying resource!   April 2, 1999
 47 out of 48 found this review helpful

Mary Bell's years of experience dehydrating food really shows up in this comprehensive book. The book is interesting reading as well as practical. Mary tells you how to dry the different kinds of foods then continues the discussion with recipes and other ways to use your dried produce.

I had been hoping to find out how to dry dairy products such as cheddar cheese and eggs. I will say I was disappointed to find out that there is not much you can do at home to dry dairy products. I tried drying Cheddar cheese shreds, anyway. Seemed like a good idea at the time. What a mistake! I was peeling that greesy, clumpy stuff from my trays for 45 minutes. Thank goodness I only 'tested' 2 trays worth!! I guess if Mary says "Don't do it", from now on I won't.

There are many, many items which will dry successfully and just as many variations which you can try out. This book leads you through the process and offers helpful tips and hints along the way. I feel I received very good value for the modest price.