Deni 7100 User Manual

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 1

Food Dehydrator

Model 7100

IMPORTANT

Please keep these instructions

and your original box

packaging.

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR PROPER USE AND CARE

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 2

INDEX

Contents of package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Important Safeguards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Using the Food Dehydrator For The First Time. . . . . 4

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Drying And Selecting Foods To Dry . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Preparing Foods To Dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Drying Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Dryness Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Shelf Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

How To Clean The Dehydrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Rehydrating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Drying Fruits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Pretreatment (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Fruits That Dry Best . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Making Fruit Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Drying Vegetables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Pretreatment (optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Drying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Vegetables That Dry Best . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Drying Meat And Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Clean And Prepare Meat With Special Care. . . . . 13

Meat Jerky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Marinade Recipe For Jerky or Fish. . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Fish Jerky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Dried Cooked Meat or Fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Food Dehydrator Accessories

& other Deni Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 3

Food Dehydrator

CONTENTS

Ventable
See-Through Lid

5 Stackable,
Adjustable
Dehydrator Trays

1 Herb
Tray Liner

2 Fruit Leather
Tray Liners

Dehydrator
Base Unit

2

3

■ For indoor use only.

■ Do not place near hot gas or electric burner.

■ To disconnect, turn the control to “off” before removing

the plug from the outlet.

■ To reduce the hazards of potential shock, the

dehydrator has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other), which will fit only one way in a
polarized outlet. If the plug does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician for assistance. Do not attempt to
defeat this safety feature.

■ Do not clean with metal scrubbing pads. Pieces can

break off the pad and short-circuit electrical parts,
creating a possibility of an electrical shock and
damaging the unit.

■ To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse

plug, cord or motor base in water or any other liquid.

■ It is recommended that you do not use an extension

cord with this dehydrator. However, if one is used, it
must have a rating equal to or exceeding the rating of
this appliance.

■ This dehydrator is for household use only.

■ This dehydrator should not be used for other than its

intended use.

■ If you suspect your food is contaminated, do not eat it.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using this electrical appliance, safety
precautions should always be observed,
including the following:

■ Read all of the instructions before using, then save for

future reference.

■ Do not let the cord hang over the edge of the work

space or touch any hot surfaces.

■ Place the dehydrator securely in the center of the

counter or work space.

■ Close adult supervision must be provided when this

appliance is used by or near children.

■ Using attachments not recommended or sold by

Deni/Keystone Manufacturing Co., Inc. may be
hazardous.

■ Do not operate the dehydrator on a non-heat resis-

tant glass, or wood cooking surface or any tablecloth.

It is imperative that a heat resistant cooking surface
with heat resistant finish be placed beneath this unit.

■ Do not operate with a damaged cord. Return the

dehydrator to the repair center or have it repaired by a
licensed electrician.

■ Always unplug before cleaning and removing parts.

Allow unit to cool before putting on or taking off parts.

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 4

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 5

Food Dehydrator

BEFORE FIRST USE

1. Remove the base unit, 5 food trays, 2 tray liners (for
making fruit leather), and 1 mesh tray (for drying
finely chopped foods and herbs).

2. Wash trays, liners and cover in warm soapy water.
Rinse well. (They can also be washed in the top rack
of the dishwasher.)

3. Wash the outside of the base unit with a moist sponge
and mild detergent. Do not spill water or other liquids
in openings. Do not immerse the base unit in water or
any other liquid.

DRYING/SELECTING FOODS TO DRY

Foods to dry should be in prime condition. Because sugar
is not added, as it is to canned foods, dried unripe fruits
may have a flat, often bitter taste. Tree-ripened fruits have
the highest natural sugar and best flavor for drying.
Vegetables should be fresh and tender when dried. Avoid
overripe fruits and vegetables, and cut away any bruised
or spoiled portions. Remember that if it’s perfect for
eating, it will be best for drying.

4

HOW TO OPERATE THE
DENI FOOD DEHYDRATOR

1. Place the base unit on a counter top or other suitable
firm surface. Plug the unit into a proper wall outlet.
Be certain that the outlet voltage corresponds with the
voltage marked on the base unit.

2. Prepare the food, according to its type, as indicated in
the drying charts on the following pages.

3. Preheat the dehydrator by turning it on 5-10 minutes
before loading the first tray.

4. Arrange food to dry on each of the trays. Remember
that it is the hot air circulation that dries the food, so
do not overload the trays and never overlap the food.
Stack trays with prepared food and place on the base
pan. Place the cover in position.

5. Dry for the time period suggested on the charts.
Check food frequently (every 1/2 hour) near the end
of the drying time and remove individual pieces as
they become dry. When foods are all the same size
and thickness, they will dry evenly and at the same
rate.

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 6

PREPARING FOODS TO DRY

Apples, pears, peaches and apricots are frequently
pretreated to slow the loss of vitamins A and C and also to
prevent browning. All fruits and vegetables should be
thoroughly washed to remove dirt, bacteria and insect
larvae. Fruits and vegetables may be peeled. If the peels
are left on the fruit, they will add extra nutrition, however,
the peels may be tough and grainy when dried. Try both
ways and then decide for yourself. Remove any stems or
pits and core when necessary. Vegetables should be steam­blanched to retard “enzyme action” which will result in
undesirable flavor changes in stored dried vegetables.
Blanching also dries more quickly and reconstitutes better.
Remove as much excess water as possible before starting.

Note: The ventable lid can be adjusted by opening the vent
on the lid allowing good air circulation and moisture evacu­ation. The closed position causes faster drying. We recom­mend that the vent remain fully open. If you prefer the
closed position during the dehydration process, it is suggest­ed to open the vent during the beginning of the dehydration
process to allow moisture to escape and then close the vent.
Afterwards, open the vent 10 minutes, every 4 hours.

DRYING TIME

There are so many variables that it is difficult to estimate
exact times for drying. Variables include the outside tem­peratures and humidity, how full the dehydrator is loaded,
and the type and thickness of foods to be dried. Here are
some guidelines:

Fruits & vegetables, sliced 1/4” to 3/8” . . . . .6-10 hrs

Fruit halves, dried skin side down . . . . . . .12-20 hrs

Fruits with skins, dried whole or pitted

(cherries, or raisins) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 hrs

Fruit Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 to 8 hrs

DRYNESS TEST

Fruits should be pliable and leathery with no pockets of
moisture. There is a tendency to over dry fruits until they
are tough and hard. Over dried fruits do not store as well
as properly dried fruits, do not taste as good and have less
nutritional value. Properly dried fruits should contain about
15-18% moisture, and feel soft but not squishy. Vegetables
should be tough or brittle. They store best when they con­tain about 5% moisture.

5

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 7

Food Dehydrator

STORAGE

Packaging

DRIED FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY PACKAGED IN ORDER
TO KEEP WELL. Package your dried foods in freezer plastic
bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. We recom­mend using one of the several models of Deni Freshlock®
vacuum sealers or vacuum canisters. Store the plastic bags
inside of airtight metal, plastic or glass containers. Storing
foods in rigid containers without first putting them into
freezer bags exposes the dried foods to air. Call
1-800-DENI-VAC for more information about vacuum
packaging. Vacuum sealing will greatly extend shelf life

2-3 times longer than conventional methods.

Storage Containers

Store properly packaged dried foods in a cool, dark place.
The cooler the food is kept, the longer the optimal quality
will be maintained. For every 18°F drop in temperature, the
shelf life increases 2-3 times. If you have room in a
refrigerator or freezer, keep your dried foods there.
Otherwise, find the coolest place in your home to store
dried foods. Light also causes the quality and nutritive value
to deteriorate. Keep dried foods in the dark or in opaque

6

containers.

SHELF LIFE

Fruits have a naturally high sugar and acid content, which
will allow them to dry well and store for longer periods of
time than vegetables. When properly packaged and stored
at room temperature or below (70°F or less), most fruits will
maintain a high quality and nutritional value for up to a
year. Most vegetables are best when consumed within six
months.

Note: Fruits and vegetables kept beyond the recommended
time may not be as nutritious or taste as good, but will not
spoil unless the packaging is no longer intact.

HOW TO CLEAN THE DEHYDRATOR

1. Prior to any operation, always unplug the unit from the
wall outlet.

2. To clean the trays and cover, wash them in warm water
and soap. Do not use scouring pad or any abrasive
cleaners. The trays and cover, but not the tray liners,
can be safely washed in the top rack of the
dishwasher.

3. Wipe the base clean with a damp cloth. Do not
immerse in water.

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 8

REHYDRATING

Foods which have been dehydrated can be rehydrated in
water. It can be done in one of three ways: (1) Fruits and
vegetables may be soaked in cold water for 2-6 hours in
the refrigerator; (2) they may be soaked in hot water or
immersed in boiling water for 5-10 minutes until reaching
desired consistency; or (3) they may be rehydrated while
cooking. NO seasonings, salt or sugar should be added
during this process. Generally, 1 cup of water should be
used for each cup of dehydrated food. To stew dehydrated
fruits, use 2 cups of water and simmer until the fruit is ten­der. After rehydration, foods can be cooked normally. To
avoid bacteria, rehydrated foods should be eaten as soon
as possible and uneaten portions refrigerated.

DRYING FRUITS

Preparation

■ Wash fruits well and remove any bruised or overripe

portions. Peel if desired. Large fruits may be halved.
If pieces of fruit vary in size, they may be sliced 1/4” to

3

/8” thick for more even drying. Smaller fruits such as
grapes and cherries may be dried whole. Remove pits
from fruits such as prunes, cherries, apricots, etc.

■ Fruits that have been artificially waxed to prevent mois-

ture loss should always be peeled. Peeling is optional
with other fruits. Dried pear skins tend to be grainy
and peach peels are a little fuzzy.

■ Most fruits can be placed directly on the drying trays as

they are prepared (such as pineapples, grapes, straw­berries, prunes, etc). However, apples, apricots, pears
and peaches turn brown when the cut surfaces are
exposed to the air due to oxidation and the continuous
reaction of enzymes. These fruits may be pretreated to
slow this browning and prevent loss of Vitamins A and
C, but your attention is called to the cautions set forth
below which are for your protection. If you are drying
these fruits, and you intend to pretreat them, cut pieces
can be prevented from browning while they are being
prepared by keeping them in a holding solution until
you have sufficient fruit to pretreat or by vacuum sealing
them.

7

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 9

Food Dehydrator

Pretreatment (optional)

Below are listed several optional methods of pretreatment.
You need not pretreat food in order to dry it. However, pre­treatment often makes food look better, increases the shelf
life and can even enhance the nutritional value of some
foods. Experiment with both treated and untreated food in
your storage to see which will best suit your needs.
Remember, proper storage is critical to the quality of the
stored product whether treated or untreated.

■ Natural Predips: Use pineapple or lemon juice to

reduce browning. Slice fruit directly into juice. Remove
promptly (about 2 minutes) and place on trays. Fruits
may also be placed in honey, spices, lime or orange
juice, jello powders or sprinkled with coconut to give
them a snappy dried flavor. Use your imagination and
make your own flavor dip.

■ Sodium Bisulfite: Ask for food safe, (USP) grade only.

Dissolve 1tsp. of sodium bisulfite in 1qt. water. Prepare
small amounts of fruit and dip for 2 minutes in the solu­tion. This helps prevent loss of Vitamin C and maintains
a bright color.

■ Popping Backs: When drying fruit halves, especially

apricots, it has been suggested that popping the back
(“inside out”) will speed the drying time. This is true,
but it also results in the loss of the nutritional juices to
the bottom of the dehydrator. Instead, cut each half in
half again to give the end product more nutritional
value, brighter color, & faster reconstitution capabilities.

■ Ascorbic Acid (powdered vitamin C): use 3 tablespoons

per quart of water. Slice the fruit into the solution for 2
minutes, drain and place on trays to dry.

■ Checking: Some fruits have a natural protective wax

coating, such as figs, prunes, grapes, blueberries, cran­berries, etc. To speed drying, it is necessary to pretreat
these fruits by dipping them into boiling water for 1 to 2
minutes, depending on the size and toughness of the
skin. This makes the skin more porous by removing the
natural wax coating and thereby speeds up the drying
time. Fast drying helps reduce natural loss. This
process is called checking because small lines appear
on the fruit skin and allow the moisture to escape. The
lines are too fine to be visible.

8

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 10

FRUITS THAT DRY BEST

Fruit Preparation Uses Suitability

For Leather

Apples Core and slice in

ring. cookies, fritters combines with

Apricots Halve & pit. meat dishes, Excellent: a

Bananas Slice lengthwise or baking, snacks Best in

crosswise
Barely ripe bananas color turns dark
hold color & flavor best.

Berries Only strawberries dry snacks, in Excellent

well. Berries with seeds cereal
do not dry well. Slice

3

/8” thick.

Cherries Remove stems & pits. snacks, use Excellent:

Dry whole or halve. as raisins almond extract

1

/4” snacks, granolas Excellent:

most other fruits

salads, desserts, pinch of sodium
baking bisulfite per

quart of puree
holds color

1

/4” thick. combination,

is a nice flavor

Fruit Preparation Uses Suitability

and Pretreatment For Leather

Coconut Drain the milk, crack snacks, baking Use grated as

& remove meat, slice agarnish for

1

/4” thick. other fruit

leathers

Figs Remove stems; halve snacks, baking Only in

or quarter, dry skin combination
side down.

Grapes Seedless varieties only, snacks, baking Fair to good,

dry as is, or skins may depending on

be cracked by steaming. type of grape.
Papayas Peel and slice
Peaches Peel, pit, cut in

3

/8” thick.snacks Poor

3

/8” breads, Excellent: nice

rings. cookies sweetened with

cobblers honey, a pinch

of bisulfite per
quart holds
color*

Pears Peel and slice

1

/2” snacks, baking Better in

thick. combination

Pineapple Peel and slice

1

/2” snacks, baking Better in

thick in rounds. combination

Prunes Halve & pit, dry skin snacks, baking Excellent

side down.

9

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 11

Food Dehydrator

MAKING FRUIT LEATHER

3

/8” free near the center and around the outer edge.

Fruit leathers, also called fruit taffies or fruit rolls, are easy
to make in your Deni Food Dehydrator. Fruit leather is a
perfect “take along” snack, high in energy and nutrition.
Because fruit leather is made from a fresh fruit puree, a
solid surface must be used for drying. If poured directly on
the trays it would seep through the openings. The solid
lining fits into the regular trays. Alternately you may cover
the regular trays with a food grade heavy plastic cut to fit
the circular trays.

Fruit leathers are best made from fully ripe fruits. Wash
fruits carefully; cut away any bruised or spoiled portions of
the fruit; remove the pits or stones and blend in a blender.
Peeling is not necessary unless the peels will detract from the
finished product, as in pears or peaches. Fruit leather from
very seedy berries is best when at least some of the seeds
are removed with a sieve. If the fruit will not begin blending
by itself, add a little fruit juice to begin the blending process.
Add a small amount of honey or corn syrup if sweetening is
needed. Remember that the sweetness will concentrate as
the leather dries. Honey or corn syrup does not crystallize
in the finished leather during storage. Sugar sweetened
leather gets brittle during storage.

Pour puree 1/4” thick in a circle on the fruit roll trays. When
using food grade plastic instead of the fruit roll tray, leave

10

Lemon juice, orange juice, fresh pineapple or slightly
cooked apple mix well with most fruits and add additional
flavor. Some fruits are best when used in combination with
other fruits, so experiment with different combinations.

It is fun to vary the flavor of fruit leather by adding spices or
flavorings (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, almond extract or
vanilla).

For a change in texture, try sprinkling the wet fruit leather
puree with grated fresh or flaked coconut, nuts, finely
chopped dried fruit, sesame or sunflower seeds. Remember
to store garnished fruit leather in the refrigerator or freezer
as it has a shorter shelf life than plain fruit leather when
stored at room temperature.

Fruit leather is dry when it is no longer sticky to touch yet
still pliable. Remove from the dehydrator while still warm,
cut into quarters and roll. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
designed for the microwave or freezer (it is airtight and
moisture proof), then store in an airtight container. We
recommend the Deni Freshlock® vacuum canisters.

Fruit leather will usually maintain a good quality up to a
year when properly packaged and stored at room
temperature. To keep them fresher, or for longer storage,
vacuum seal in plastic bags and refrigerate or freeze.

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 12

DRYING VEGETABLES

Vegetables dried at home require a little more effort in
processing and storage than do fruits because they are low
in acid and have little sugar. Some vegetables such as
broccoli or asparagus have a poor quality when
rehydrated, and are better frozen than dried. Others, such
as potatoes, are available at reasonable prices all year
round and may not be worth your time to dry them unless
they are used for lightweight camping. Be selective in the
vegetables you choose to dry, following the recommended
guidelines. Vegetables that are not listed do not dry
satisfactorily.

Preparation

Select only the highest quality, fresh, crisp and tender
vegetables for drying. Wash vegetables carefully just before
processing to remove dirt and bacteria. Most vegetables
should be peeled, trimmed, cut, or shredded prior to drying.

PreTreatment

Steam blanching vegetables prior to drying destroys the
enzymes that produce off-flavors during storage, resulting in
poor texture and poor rehydration. Steam blanching is
preferred over water blanching because there is less flavor
and vitamin loss. Microwave blanching is also excellent
and usually keeps a brighter color in the vegetables.

Steam Blanching

Layer prepared vegetables in the top portion of a steamer,
no more than 2 to 2-1/2 inches deep. Steam until the
vegetables are heated all the way through, but are not
cooked enough to eat (usually 2 to 3 minutes). Small pieces
may need occasional stirring to steam blanch evenly.
Transfer steamed vegetables directly to drying trays working
as quickly as possible.

Microwave blanching

Microwave ovens are convenient for blanching fresh
vegetables. Prepare vegetables as for steam blanching.
Place vegetables with small amount of water (refer to your
microwave oven cooking chart) in a covered casserole dish.
Cook for only 1/4 to 1/3 the time specified in the chart
stirring well after half of the blanching time. Microwave
blanched vegetables will be more brightly colored than
those that are steam blanched. Transfer blanched vegeta­bles directly to drying trays working as quickly as possible.

Drying

Dry vegetables until they are tough or brittle and package
according to directions under STORAGE.

11

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 13

Food Dehydrator

VEGETABLES THAT DRY BEST

Vegetables Preparation Uses

and Pretreatment

Beets Use small tender beets. Steam Flake in blender

until almost tender. Slice
thick. pickled beets

Carrots Peel, dice

or microwave blanch grated for carrot

Corn Husk and remove silk, steam or Fritters, chowders,

microwave blanch; cut from cob. soups, stews

Green Snip off ends; slice diagonally Soups, stews or
Beans in inch segments, steam or casseroles

microwave blanch, quick
freezing for 30-45 minutes
prior to placing in dehydrator
will tenderize the beans.

Garlic Separate and peel cloves; cut in Powder in blender

half lengthwise for seasoning

Mushrooms Remove any woody portions Use in eggs,

from stem, slice lengthwise spaghetti or

1

/2” thick, steam or creamed dishes

12

microwave blanch.

3

/8” thick and steam Dry soup mixes;

3

/8” for soups, salads,

cake.

Vegetables Preparation Uses

and Pretreatment

Onions Trim ends and remove paper Flake in blender;

shell. Dice

Peas Shell and steam or microwave Soups, stews, or

blanch. cream sauces

Peppers Remove core, dice or slice

thick. soups, stews

Potatoes Peel and slice

Steam or microwave blanch. potatoes, soups
Rinse well in cold water to remove
starch.

Tomatoes Core and slice in

slices. and use as salad

1

/4” to 1/2” thick. seasoning

3

/8” Seasonings,

1

/4” to 3/8” thick. Hash brown

1

/2” thick Powder in blender

sprinkles or in
place of tomato
sauce.

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 14

DRYING MEATS AND FISH

Your Deni Food Dehydrator makes two types of dried meats
or fish: JERKY- dried, marinated, raw meat or fish that is
consumed without added water-and DRIED COOKED MEAT
OR FISH that is cooked, cut into small pieces and dried.
Since most bacteria in raw meat and fish is destroyed dur­ing cooking, salting is unnecessary. Adding water reconsti­tutes dried cooked meat or fish.

CLEAN AND PREPARE MEAT WITH SPECIAL CARE

Meat products are more susceptible to harmful bacteria than
other foods. When handling any of these meats, dried or
fresh, take these precautions:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with a mild solution of detergent
bleach, and water.

2. Wash all utensils, bowls, dishes, counters and chopping
boards with this same solution.

3. Thoroughly wash food trays after drying meat, fish or
poultry.

4. After opening a sealed container of dried meat, fish or
poultry use it all as soon as possible.

MEAT JERKY

Fresh or frozen lean meat makes the best jerky. The lower the fat
content of the meat, the better jerky it will make. Lamb and cured
pork (ham) expire sooner because of their high fat content. Pork
must be well-cooked before using it for jerky - use only pre­cooked and processed ham.

Four pounds of lean, boneless meat makes about 1 pound of
jerky. Follow these steps:

1. Slice the meat evenly into 3/16” to 1/4” thick slices. (Meat is
easier to slice if partially frozen). Cut across the meat's grain
for more tender jerky and remove all excess marbled fat that
could spoil during storage.

2. Place the meat slices in a flat glass container and generously
sprinkle each layer with a seasoning mixture that contains at
least one teaspoon salt per pound of meat. Place the next
layers on top; season each layer. Tightly seal the container.
Soak in salt mixture in refrigerator for 6 to 12 hours. Stir
occasionally.

3. Place paper towel on drying trays to soak up excess oils.
Place meat strips on the paper towel without overlapping
strips. Dry until meat cracks when bent and no moisture
remains. Store in an air-tight container, Deni Freshlock®
vacuum canisters or Freshlock vacuum sealer plastic bags
and keep cool. Flavor will last longer if refrigerated. Eat
within 3 months.

13

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 15

Food Dehydrator

A marinade is an alternative to salt mixture in jerky.

MARINADE RECIPE FOR JERKY OR FISH

For 4 pounds of meat or fish, use;

1

/2 cup liquid smoke 1 cup soy sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1

/2 teaspoon pepper

2

/3 cup water

Mix and let stand while preparing meat or fish. Place
meat or fish in a bowl and cover with marinade, tossing to
coat all pieces equally. Let stand 6 to 12 hours. Drain in
sieve and dry.

FISH JERKY

Low-fat fish make good jerky since they are less oily and
have a longer shelf life. Four pounds of fish makes about 1
pound of fish jerky.

1. Keep fish cold to reduce risk of spoilage. Properly
clean them, remove bones, and cut into strips 1/4” to

3

/8” thick. Soak in a refrigerated brine of 1/2 cup salt

to 1 quart water for 30 minutes.

2. Remove from brine and pat dry with paper towel.
Layer fish in a glass container and generously sprinkle
each layer with a seasoning mixture. Use about
1 tbsp. salt mixture for two pounds of fish. Tightly
cover and refrigerate 4 to 8 hours.

14

3. Place paper towel on drying trays to soak up excess
oils. Place fish strips on paper towel without overlapping.
Dry until they are hard, dry, and tough, but do not crumble
and no moisture remains. Jerky made from fish with a high
oil content will have an oily texture that is not moisture.
Store in airtight containers, Deni Freshlock® canisters or
Freshlock vacuum sealed bags. The flavor remains longer
when refrigerated. Eat within 3 months.

DRIED COOKED MEAT OR FISH

Any type of fresh, lean meat, poultry or fish may be cooked
and dried. Dried cooked meat or fish will last about 2 weeks at
room temperature, therefore, it is better to dry small quantities.
Meat can also be ground for sandwich filling. Store dried,
cooked meat and fish in the freezer to maintain freshness until
you are ready to eat it.

1. Cook meat thoroughly, remove from cooking broth, drain
fat, and refrigerate. Cut into 1/2” cubes after removing fat.
Place paper towel on drying trays, then place meat on the
paper towel. Dry until meat appears hard or crisp and all
moisture is gone.

2. Store dried, cooked meat or fish in an airtight container,
Deni Freshlock® canisters or Freshlock vacuum sealed bags
and consume within 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep in
the freezer up to 2 months.

3. To reconstitute, soak in hot water or broth from 30 minutes
to one hour or until plump. Add to recipe and simmer 15 to
20 minutes.

7100 Instructions sgle pg 6/18/01 9:46 AM Page 16

Food Dehydrator

CUSTOMER SERVICE

If you have any questions or

problems regarding the
operation of your Deni Food
Dehydrator, call our customer
service department toll free:

1-800-DENI-VAC

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(Eastern Standard Time)

Deni by
Keystone Manufacturing
Company, Inc.

®

Your Deni Food Dehydrator is warranted for one year from date of
purchase or receipt against all defects in material and workmanship. Should
your appliance prove defective within one year from date of purchase or
receipt, return the unit, freight prepaid, along with an explanation of the
claim to: Keystone Manufacturing Company, Inc., 33 Norris Street, Buffalo,
NY 14207. (Please package your appliance carefully in its original box and
packing material to avoid damage in transit. Keystone is not responsible for
any damage caused to the appliance in return shipment.) Under this
warranty, Keystone Manufacturing Company, Inc. undertakes to repair or
replace any parts found to be defective.

This warranty is only valid if the appliance is used solely for household
purposes in accordance with the instructions. This warranty is invalid if the
unit is connected to an unsuitable electrical supply, or dismantled or
interfered with in any way or damaged through misuse.

We ask that you kindly fill in the details on your warranty card and return
it within one week from date of purchase or receipt.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.

ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

1997 © Keystone Manufacturing Company, Inc.