Vegetables

Dehydrating Asparagus: How To Dehydrate Asparagus (Oven and Dehydrator)

dehydrating asparagus

Dehydrating asparagus is a great way to preserve its freshness and make it more convenient for later use. Whether you’re using an oven or a dehydrator, the process of dehydrating asparagus is simple and straightforward. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my personal experience on how to prepare asparagus for dehydration, how to dehydrate it in an oven or dehydrator, and how to store the dried asparagus to keep it fresh and delicious.

So, whether you’re a seasoned food preservationist or just starting out, this guide will help you get the most out of your asparagus and enjoy its delicious flavor and nutritious benefits all year round.



Dehydrating Asparagus at Home

How to prepare asparagus before drying it

Here’s how I prepare asparagus before drying it:

  • I rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Then I cut off the woody bottom ends, usually about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
  • To preserve its vibrant green color, I blanch the asparagus for 3 minutes in boiling water, then transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

How to blanch asparagus

Blanching asparagus is a simple process. This is how I do it:

  • I add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
  • As a next step, I remove asparagus from boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer it to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Drain and pat dry before using.

Here is a really nice video of blanching asparagus.



How to dehydrate asparagus with a dehydrator

In this paragraph, I’ll share my experience on dehydrating asparagus using a dehydrator.

Here are the steps that I follow to dehydrate asparagus:

  • First of all, I follow the steps described above for preparation and blanching.
  • Then I arrange the blanched asparagus in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring that the spears don’t touch each other.
  • I set my dehydrator to 145°F and dehydrate the asparagus for 8-12 hours or until fully dry and crispy. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your asparagus spears.

Let completely cool down before storing it.

Dehydrating asparagus in the oven

Here, I’ll be sharing my personal experience on how to dehydrate asparagus in an oven.

Here are the steps that I follow to dehydrate asparagus in an oven:

  • First of all, I follow the steps described above for preparation and blanching.
  • I arrange the blanched asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring that the spears don’t touch each other.
  • I place the baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 200°F and dehydrate the asparagus for 2-3 hours or until fully dry and crispy. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your asparagus spears.

And that’s it! Dehydrating asparagus in an oven is a quick and easy process that results in delicious and nutritious dried asparagus that can be used in a variety of dishes. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

SEE ALSO: How to dehydrate vegetables in the oven

How to store dried asparagus

Storing dried asparagus is crucial to maintaining its flavor, texture, and nutrients. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my personal experience on how to store dried asparagus to keep it fresh and delicious.

Here are the steps that I follow to store dried asparagus:

  • Cooling: I allow the dried asparagus to cool completely to room temperature before storing it.
  • Airtight Container or Vacuum-Sealed Bag: I store the dried asparagus in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to prevent air and moisture from entering.
  • Avoiding Light and Heat: I store the dried asparagus in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. This helps to prevent degradation of the flavor, texture, and nutrients.
  • Labeling: I label the container or bag with the date of dehydration, so I know how long it has been stored.

SEE ALSO: How to store dried vegetables

And that’s it! By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your dried asparagus stays fresh, flavorful, and nutritious for as long as possible. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of Dried Asparagus

Dried asparagus is a nutritious and flavorful food that offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the most common health benefits of dried asparagus:

High in nutrients

Dried asparagus is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, folate, iron, and potassium.

Antioxidant properties

Asparagus is a natural source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Supports digestive health

Asparagus is a good source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health and helps to promote regular bowel movements.

Promotes heart health

Asparagus is low in calories and high in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Supports bone health

Asparagus is a good source of vitamins K and D, which are essential for bone health and help to prevent osteoporosis.

Read also this great article about the health benefits of asparagus.

In conclusion, dried asparagus is a healthy and delicious food that can be enjoyed as a snack, added to soups, stews, and other dishes, or used as a seasoning. Its numerous health benefits make it a nutritious addition to any diet.

Watch also this video about growing asparagus at home.