Vegetables

Easy Methods for Dehydrating Turnips (Oven, Dehydrator, Air Fryer, Microwave)

by Martha Piccolo
5 min read
dehydrating turnips oven dehydrator microwave

Are you looking for a new way to preserve your turnips and enjoy their delicious flavor all year round? Look no further than drying!

As someone who has tried drying turnips myself, I can tell you that it’s a great way to enjoy this versatile vegetable in soups, stews, salads, and more. In this article, I will share my personal tips and experiences on how to properly prepare, dry, and store turnips to ensure they retain their nutritional value and taste.



Whether you’re new to drying or an experienced pro, this guide will help you make the most out of your turnips. So, let’s get started!

In this article, I will cover the following topics. Click on the link to jump to the desired topic.

Easy Methods for Dehydrating Turnips at Home

Preparing turnips for drying

There are some steps you need to take before starting to dry turnips.

  • Clean the turnips thoroughly by washing them under running water.
  • Peel the turnips.
  • Cut the turnips into thin slices or small pieces, depending on the drying method you plan to use. The thinner the slices, the faster they will dry.
  • Blanch the turnips.
  • Rinse the turnips in cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

If you are unfamiliar with blanching, here is a great video about blanching vegetables, including turnips



Once the turnips are prepared, you can use any of the drying methods you prefer.

Note: If you prefer, you can also season the turnips before drying them with salt, pepper, or any other seasoning of your preference.

Dehydrating turnips in the oven

Dry them in an oven at low temperature for several hours, or until they are completely dehydrated.

  • Preheat the oven to the lowest setting, typically around 145 to 170°F (63 to 77°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the turnip slices on it in a single layer.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven and dry the turnips until they are completely dehydrated. Drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity of the oven. It can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, so it’s a good idea to check the turnips every hour or so and rotate the baking sheet to ensure even drying. Once the turnips are dry, remove them from the oven and let them cool down completely before storing them.

READ ALSO: How to Dry Vegetables in the Oven

Dehydrating turnips with a dehydrator

Dry them at a low temperature for several hours, or until they are completely dehydrated.

  • Arrange the turnip slices or pieces on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
  • Set the dehydrator to a low setting, typically around 145 to 170°F (63 to 77°C), and dry the turnips for about 4 – 6 hours, or until they are completely dehydrated.

Once the turnips are dry, remove them from the dehydrator and let them cool down completely.

Drying turnips in an air fryer

  • Place the turnip slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Set the temperature to the lowest setting, around 140-150°F (60-65°C), and the timer for 2-3 hours, depending on how dehydrated you want the turnips to be.
  • Check on the turnips every 30 minutes or so and flip them to ensure they dehydrate evenly.
  • Once the turnips are dry and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool.

Other methods for drying turnips

Here are some methods for drying turnips you can also try,m but these are less effective compared to oven and dehydrator.

  • Sun-drying: Cut turnips into thin slices or small pieces and place them in a sunny, well-ventilated area to dry. This method can take several days to complete.
  • Air-drying: Cut turnips into thin slices or small pieces and hang them in a well-ventilated area to dry. This method can take several days to complete.
  • Microwave: Cut turnips into thin slices and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Dry them in the microwave on the lowest setting for a few minutes, or until they are completely dehydrated.

SEE ALSO: Dehydrating Vegetables: Perks, Preparation, Methods, and Storage

How to store dried turnips

Once the turnips are completely dried and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. It is important to store them in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Dried turnips can be kept for several months if stored properly.

They are no longer safe to eat, if you see any signs of mold or discoloration, or if the turnips have a damp or musty smell.

Nutritional Value of Dried Turnips

Dried turnips are a nutritious and convenient food that can be a great addition to your diet. They are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including:

  • Vitamin C.
  • Fiber.
  • Potassium.
  • Vitamin K.
  • Folate.

Dried turnips are also a good alternative for those who are trying to avoid high-carbohydrate foods because they are low in calories and carbohydrates.

Keep in mind that while the nutritional value is preserved during the drying process, the calorie and carbohydrate content remains the same as fresh turnips.

 

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