Have you wanted to learn how to store dehydrated foods? Here's a basic guide on all you need (which is very little, actually!)
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Storing dehydrated foods is always a question people worry about. It's a lot of work, and there are some websites out there that say dehydrated foods are only good for two weeks, or must be stored in the freezer.
Thankfully, that is misinformation that applies specifically to jerky that has been expanded to many foods.
With proper drying, conditioning, and using the correct storage containers, your food is going to be good for at least a year or two (and perhaps much longer).
How do you know if fruits and vegetables are dry?
What Containers to Use?
Airtight containers are what is needed for storing dehydrated foods. Here are a few you can choose from:
Canning / Mason Jars
These are the easiest and most flexible containers to use. They can be used as-is, as long as you are storing them in a jar that is equivalent in volume to the food you are storing.
In other words, don't use a giant jar for a small amount of dehydrated food.
Jars should be clean (hot soapy water is enough, but you can run through a sanitizing cycle on your dishwasher or boil them if you desire the extra clean), dry, and free of knicks and cracks.
A benefit of canning jars is that you can use them over and over again without waste.
They can also be vacuum sealed to help extend the life of your food on the shelf. Here's the handheld vacuum sealer that I use. You'll also need these jar attachments that go over the jar and lid and work with the vacuum sealer or brake bleeder to draw out the air.
How to Use a Brake Bleeder to Vacuum Seal Jars
Another option is using a brake bleeder to vacuum seal your jars. I've included it in my 4 ways to vacuum seal a canning jar video below.
What about reusable canning lids? Unfortunately, no! Watch the video here on using Harvest Guard reusable canning lids. There's no tested length of time on them since the company has not provided information on that.
You may successfully use a brake bleeder to seal your reusable canning lids, but because there is no safe, tested method with reliable results, use them for canning and regular dry storage.
Vacuum sealing bags
Vacuum bags are best for storage of items for the freezer, but can handle dehydrated goods that are not sharp or pointed.
Sharp and pointed edges can eventually puncture the plastic and ruin all of your hard work by allowing air to get in even the smallest of puncture holes. (These generic brand vacuum-seal bags work just as well as the name brand!)
You can see how to use a vacuum sealing bag with a vacuum sealer here.
To use with dehydrated foods, it's best to wrap the dried food in parchment paper, then insert into the vacuum seal bag for sealing. This helps protect the bags from punctures.
Also, be mindful that many dehydrated foods are easy to crumble, and vacuum sealing and storing can crush and break them down to small pieces.
A tip: Use a much bigger bag than you need the first time. Open, wash, and cut down to reuse so extend their life.
Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are perfect for long-term storage of dehydrated goods. They are easy to vacuum seal with an O² absorber (see more info on that below), or if they are the rough inside version, they can be vacuum-sealed. They are not easily punctured by dehydrated foods but are not rodent-proof, so store them in larger rodent-proof canisters if needed.
Expert Tip: Do not use mylar bags with clear windows or zipper tops for long-term storage. Both of these options are air permeable and will fail for your storage after a time. They are fine for gift-giving or for short-term storage.
Airtight Containers
Any airtight container will work - but test to make sure it's truly airtight. If you can squeeze the sides and hear air escaping, it's not airtight. Commercial glass jars with good lids, Tupperware, other plastic ware with good seals, and lids with silicone inserts.
Airtight does not equal vacuum sealed.
Airtight containers don't allow the transfer of air into and out of the jar. Think of a canning jar. This is all that is needed for food storage.
Vacuum sealed means the air has been drawn out of the jar, leaving just the food.
Zipper-top Bags
While these are not good for short to long-term storage, they are good for storing smaller quantities that will then store in a larger airtight container. Just be sure to use the thicker freezer versions.
EXPERT TIP: I often store things in container sizes in a zip-top bag, then store them in one larger container to make segmenting easier for me. They are also fine for items like fruit leathers that are going into the fridge for a few days, or for jerky going into the freezer for a month or two.
Where to store dried foods?
Dehydrated foods do best in a cool, dark space. As with all food, light, heat, oxygen, and moisture can degrade food’s potential for storage.
"Cool" place is ideally between 50°F-70°C (10°C-21°). The warmer the space, the less storage time you have. Too warm, and you may encourage mold growth in fruits that are not completely dry.
"Dark" A closet, a cabinet, a bookcase with a cover over it, a food-grade bucket, etc. are the best places to store your dehydrated foods. Direct sunlight is not recommended at all, and indirect sunlight will not spoil your food quickly, but may reduce storage time.
Storage Tips
- Condition first - nothing is worse than pulling dried fruit out of your machine, putting it into storage, and finding it molded two months later. Follow proper drying and conditioning, and you'll be fine.
- Package in smaller quantities - instead of storing in a large container exposed to air each time you open it, try a daily use container and one you store the excess in.
- Powder only as needed - dried foods last longer in their whole form than powder form, so powder only as much as you need for the next month or two.
- Label jars - Trust me - dried herbs all look the same; some may lose their initial smell (crumbling brings it back). Powders all begin to look alike when you have a lot of them. Label your jars with the food item and date dried.
How Long do Dehydrated Foods Last?
By the safety standards of the NCHFP if foods are properly prepared, dried, conditioned, and stored:
- Dehydrated foods for up to two years years
- Powders for 6-9 months
However, we know that practically, dehydrated foods can last up to five years or more. But some foods, such as tomatoes, will begin to lose taste, texture, and color faster than others, so keep an eye out. This is also another reason why blanching is important for dehydrating some foods!
Powders, on the other hand, like herbs and spices, have a shortened shelf-life because so much more of the surface area has been processed and exposed to light, heat, air, and moisture. So it's best to store whole, and powder on demand.
O² Absorbers VS Desiccant Packs - When, Why, and How to Use Them
As a note, neither are mandatory to use in everyday dehydrating. A moisture absorber is helpful and can give you peace of mind, but you don’t have to use them. O2 absorbers are only necessary if you have no means of vacuum sealing and want to store them long-term.
However, either can help give you some peace of mind if used correctly. And please NEVER use them together.
Moisture Absorbers or Desiccant packs
Moisture absorbers are also known as desiccant packs or silica gel sachets. They are all silica bead packets that absorb moisture.
They are the small pack of beads found in shoe boxes, vitamin bottles, and other sundry items.
But please don't use those in your food. They generally aren't food-safe or have residue of things you don't want in your food.
What size to use?
A 2-gram moisture absorber is generally all you need for up to a quart-sized jar.
Benefits
- Help control moisture levels in dried fruits from excess space in jar.
- Help control moisture in containers that you are in and out of all the time.
- Can be recharged by putting it into your oven at 250°F to dry for 2-3 hrs.
Can Moisture Absorbers Be Reused?
Yes - that's what makes them worth investing in. They aren't expensive in the first place, and can be reused!
- Place on a cookie sheet in a 250°F/120°C oven for a few hours
- Put into the dehydrator at 150°F/65°C for 4 or 5 hours to be completely dry
- Store in an airtight container.
DIY option: There is a DIY moisture absorber option to making your own desiccant packs if you'd like to try it.
TIP: DO NOT MIX moisture absorbers and oxygen absorbers in the same container. The O2 absorbers need moisture to work properly, so having a desiccant pack is counterproductive.
Oxygen Absorbers
O² absorbers are used to remove oxygen from a container. This does nothing to help control moisture, but it simply removes the oxygen.
Because an O² absorber is not reusable and is useless if left open to the environment, they are not meant for containers you get into constantly. They are for long-term storage.
Benefits:
- Help control oxygen in containers that you cannot vacuum seal such as food-grade buckets, mylar bags, or large jars that can’t be vacuum sealed.
- Help control oxygen in jars that have a lot of space and you want to ensure all oxygen has been removed.
Drawbacks:
- Ruined if exposed to air (so be prepared to use them quickly and store the rest when using them)
- Are not reusable or rechargeable
- No DIY option to make your own
- Not good for jars or containers that are not airtight.
- Not good with foods that are high in fat (nuts, granola) or partially dried foods (dried fruit or other foods you did not completely dry).
Expert Tips
- When purchasing oxygen absorbers, spend a little more and purchase in smaller quantities to help reduce the risk of exposure. Several small bags of 5 each are a little more expensive than one bag of 100, but you run much less risk of exposing them all when trying to deal with them.
- Fruits are generally dried to between 15-20% humidity and are not good for use with oxygen absorbers. There are conflicting studies on this (one by the Utah Extension service that says it's okay to use without any mention of percentage of moisture. But if you're drying your fruit properly for storage and not for snacking, you should be under 15%. However, BeReadyUtah.gov recommends "Only store dry foods that have 10% moisture content or less, otherwise there is a risk of botulism." This would be the case in an oxygen-free environment of vacuum sealing or using an oxygen absorber.
Alternatives to O² absorbers
The best alternative to purchasing and messing with oxygen absorbers is to use a vacuum sealer. While it doesn't remove 100% of the oxygen in your jar, it removes most, and for the year or two most dehydrated foods are good for, it's enough.
Plus, there are some foods that are high in fat that you don't want in a completely oxygen-free (anaerobic) environment (this is the reason storing tomatoes in oil isn't a great idea - moisture + bacteria - oxygen = botulism).
Use with vacuum seal bags or with the jar sealer attachments on mason jars.
How much to use?
General formula
- 100cc desiccant pack for quarts
- 2 Grams O² absorbers per quart.
I provide a printable chart for all of the sizes and uses for both packs.
Get a free printable chart by joining The Purposeful Pantry Newsletter.
Learn more: Repackaging Freeze-dried foods for long-term storage.
What Do I Personally Use?
I use simple airtight containers and/or vacuum seal. Moisture absorbers are saved for things like onion powder which can easily absorb a lot of moisture in daily use (as many powders, but it is a big culprit in clumping and desiccant packs are one of the better ways of keeping it dry and clump-free. If you want to see some other ways to keep dehydrated powders clump-free, check out these tips.
What should you use?
Ultimately, an airtight container is enough.
But vacuum sealing in whatever form you use, or moisture absorbers both act as insurance policies to help protect your food from going bad in storage.
Using either with the knowledge of how they work will help you create a food storage system to increase your food security and stock your pantry for years!
Generally, no. Dehydrated food is shelf-stable, and doesn't need refrigeration.
However, if you like to keep dehydrated fruits softer, they will need to be refrigerated because they still contain moisture which can mold over time.
Foods like jerky that have not been cured need to be stored in the freezer for optimal storage.
While dehydrated foods are optimally good for up to two years, you may get longer by including oxygen absorbers in airtight containers (either canning jars or mylar bags), to help ensure a longer shelf-life. Some items may last for many years.
Let Me Know if You Have Questions
Questions or want to share your favorite way of storing dehydrated foods? Let me know in the comments below!
Joan says
How soon after dehydrating and conditioning should I seal the jars. How much time between conditioning and sealing is to long? I dried and conditioned before obtaining an attachment for my jars. It's been over a month now. Are they safe to seal now?
Darcy Baldwin says
You never NEED to seal them. But after conditioning, it's safe. It's safe to do it 2 months later. If your food is still in an airtight container, seal it whenever you want.
Charissa says
Hi, I found you on youtube and love your content. I am complete dehydration newbie. I just happened upon a youtuber who says in video that you have to be very very careful in dehydrating fruits, veggies with oxygen absorber because you can grow BOTULISM! Now I am mildly freaked out! Can you please shed some light on this?
Darcy Baldwin says
None to shed. It's a lot of fear-mongering in my opinion. Not only are O2 absorbers not necessary as I mentioned in the post, just as with canning, if you dry properly, condition (to check you've dried properly) and store it properly - you're fine. Things with very high fat content like nuts and meats are best stored, long-term, in the freezer.
Marie says
Hi, my question is about using the dehydrated food after. For example onions and celery. Do you rehydrate in water or put them directly in recipes containing liquids? I dehydrated stuff but don't know what to do with it lol
Darcy Baldwin says
Here's info for you: https://www.thepurposefulpantry.com/ways-to-rehydrate-dehydrated-food/
Cindy says
I'm planning on storing food in mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Dried fruits, veggies, and mushrooms can dry with sharp bits that could potentially poke holes in the mylar bag. Is it OK to put dried food in an open ended paper or parchment bag inside the mylar bag with the O2 absorbers in the paper bag?
Darcy Baldwin says
Yes - but it isn't necessary as mylar isn't going to be punctured the way vacuum seal bags are.
Julie says
Hi Darcy, how do I know if my oxygen absorbers are still good. I haven't used them yet though they have been exposed to oxygen (packet of several opened)? Thank you, Julie
Darcy Baldwin says
If they are hard, they are not usable. If they've been exposed for more than a few minutes, they're likely not usable.
MrsTiggywinkle says
Hi Darcy, I watch your You Tube channel! I have a question about why my seals fail when using ball lids on mason jars after using the handheld brake bleeder. I'm storing flour or dried milk or nuts. I'm careful to keep the jar rim clean, free of powder and place a small piece of paper towel over the powdered ingredient in the jar. But after a few weeks or so, I'm finding lots of seals randomly broken. Not sure why. I do use canning lids that have been used, but I check them to ensure they aren't damaged. Does anyone else have this issue? Thanks for all the info and help with dehydrating!
Darcy Baldwin says
There's every chance that the brake bleeder draws enough vacuum (more than a foodsaver or handheld foodsaver) that some of the dried grains are pulling into your lid, even with paper covering. It isn't foolproof, just helpful. If your ring is on, don't sweat it. You're fine. Nuts should ultimately be stored in the freezer for long-term, and flour has a short-enough shelf life that vacuum sealing isn't required (helpful, but not required). If it fails, it could be from a used lid that doesn't seal properly, too big of a draw, or other things. Just keep your rings on and you're fine.
hortencia valentin says
hi Darcy,
i dehydrate mangos and was wondering what moister removing packets you recommend to use when i vacuum seal my mangos in food saver ziplock bags any information would be appreciated sometimes the syrup from the mangoes tends to make them stick together
Darcy Baldwin says
Moisture absorbers aren't going to stop the stick. It deals with moisture. In those ziplock bags, they are air permeable, meaning they do eventually allow air and moisture in because the zipper is not airtight. So dry them thoroughly to crisp if your intention is storage. THEN add a moisture absorber.I use the Dry and Dry brand, but any will work. Sometimes, folks will dredge them in powdered sugar to help stop the sticking.
Den says
Hi Darcy, as a newbie to all this, if I’m placing dehydrated fruit/veg in a mason jar. Should I use a moisture absorber if I’m looking it vacuum seal as well (looking to do long term storage -6mths to 1yr)?
Darcy Baldwin says
You don't have to, but you can - that's the whole idea of the post. They aren't necessary, but can be helpful. Vacuum sealing is not the same as using an O2 absorber, so you're fine to do both.
Cheryl says
Question : If I put my dehydrated vegetables and fruits in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are they still only good for 1 to 2 years?
Darcy Baldwin says
Optimally, yes. You may get longer, but it can't be guaranteed - and after a time, dehydrated foods begin to lose nutrients and texture, depending on the food.
Toni G says
I made home made egg noodles. They are air drying, but I want to store them long term. Should I put them in the dehydrator and then store in mason jar with o2? Thanks in advance!
Darcy Baldwin says
The best way is to cook them first, then dry them. They won't store forever, and an airtight container is all you need.
Meg says
I have of jars to store in my small apartment closet. Is it okay to stack vacuum sealed mason jars on top of one another? 3-4 jars? I just want to be careful and not ruin the seal by putting pressure on the jars below if they are stacked. Thank you for all your help! You've given me the courage to start dehydrating!
Darcy Baldwin says
I wouldn't. Ball doesn't recommend more than 2 - and you should at least have something between the layers like a box or thin wood to help shift. Vacuum sealing doesn't matter with the rings anyway - so as long as your ring is on and tight, that's all that will matter.
Tammy Davis says
What is the best resource for me to use when dehydration and using my new food saver for preserving foods. I'm really new to good preservation and I'm seeing a lot about jars, bags and o2 absorbers that is confusing me. Also, conditioning before and after. So confusing . Please send reliable resources for newbie. Thank you ?
Darcy Baldwin says
The information in this blog post gives you all that already - I'm not sure what specific question you might have wasn't answered. Can you ellaborate?
Mo says
So just to be certain I understood, we cannot use reusable canning lids (like Tattler)? I have been using them until now without a ring and checking them often, and they seem to be holding a seal well, but I will not do that if it is unsafe. Thanks.
Darcy Baldwin says
Do you mean vacuum sealing them? If you're getting a seal that's staying, great, but they aren't made for it and if it comes unsealed without the ring on, then you're exposing your food to moisture and air. I've tested them and the seals did not stay, and they have said they weren't made for vacuum sealing. So I'd put the ring on if it were me.
nancy says
I'm pretty comfortable storing and using dehydrated vegetables. I'm vacuum sealing some of my vegs in food saver bags but recently came across the statement that cruciferous vegs [broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc] should not be vacuum packed. Have you ever seen this info? It eluded to spoilage due to off-gassing. My products are completely dry and crunchy to the point that I have to double bag to avoid punctures. Any thoughts on this spoilage issue?
Darcy Baldwin says
I don't vacuum seal my vegetables in plastics, so I can't comment on it. I've never heard it before, and gasses would typically not be an issue as they've been blanched ahead of time (surely you are).
Adrienne says
Thanks for all the info!
If I'm using a mason jar and have vacuum sealed, is it appropriate to remove the bands, like I would for canning?
Darcy Baldwin says
Keep the lids on. If your seal fails, it's the only thing keeping the jar airtight. It isn't quite the same process as it is with canning - where the ring can make a false seal and you think the food is safe.
Adrienne says
Thank you!!
Brenda says
I am confused.....
We went to the Utz factory and got a huge box of broken large sourdough absorbers? Easily 8 to 10 gallon jars full. I don't want them to go stale in storage so should I use an oxygen absorber or a moisture absorber?
Darcy Baldwin says
Long-term food storage = O2 absorbers. Moisture control in things you are in and out of = Moisture Absorbers
Alma says
Hi!
Thank you for all the info.
Do you seal the container of dehydrated food immediately and then condition or condition in airtight jars x7 days, then seal.
Thanks.
alma
Darcy Baldwin says
Condition first, then store.
Lynn says
I am interested in more long term for dehydrated vegetables. Would vacuum sealing then storing in freezer extend the life? It takes up much less room this way but I don’t know if it extends the usefulness. Ghank you.
Darcy Baldwin says
What is long-term storage to you. Dehydrated foods get you 1-2 years conservatively, and many people have success with up to five. Oxygen absorbers can help, but don't guarantee. If you want longer-term than that, you need to look to freeze-dried foods.
Debbie says
I am trying to find out. If you can dehydrate precook frozen chicken? I get commodities every month. I get of pre frozen chicken. well I am running out of room in my freezer. I don't to throw it away. So wondering if can dehydrate it. I subscribe to your YouTube channel. I am learning a lot.
Darcy Baldwin says
You can, but ultimately, for safest storage, it should be in the freezer. Shred it well, dry it, and store it in the freezer.
Marlene H Dickerson says
After the jars are sealed, how do you take the lids back off without damaging them? I know they are reusable.
Darcy Baldwin says
With a tool that won't bend them - I use a rounded bottle opener.
Sue says
I place a nickel under my bottle opener so it doesn't damage the lid.
I don't have a can opener like Darcy. I love this site. So much info that I haven't found else where.
Anita says
Do you need to be concerned about botulism in a vacuum-sealed canning jar (of dehydrated foods) like you do if you use oxygen absorbers, or is there still enough oxygen in the jar to prevent it?
Darcy Baldwin says
Nope. There is false information floating around right now about it. And no, this is not like canning. If your food is dried properly, there is no risk of botulism.
J. says
Thank you!!!
Question - I only have 1 gram silica gel packets. Can I use 2 in a quart jar or do I have to buy the 2 gram packets?
Darcy Baldwin says
Use more - it's fine.
Darlene says
Thank you for always answering all my questions. You go above and beyond. I can't express how much l appreciate all the wisdom that you share!!
It means the world to me that my food is safe and that you care.
Darcy says
Glad you found it helpful!
Marianne Grey says
Super good content on your video! Easy to understand and follow. Thank you for providing this info. I still am wondering how to store popcorn, tho. I have it stored in Mason jars with plastic tight lids, not sealed. No packets either. Should I deal these jars?
Darcy says
Popcorn is fine in airtight containers just like all other dried goods. If you want it for long-term, using O2 absorbers to vacuum seal the jar is beneficial to keep the kernels from being exposed to more oxygen that will reduce their shelf-life.
Lisa says
Just made my first batch of dehydrated oranges. After I condition them I will move them into a mason jar. Can I just put the lid on it do u have to vacuum seal the cannon jar. I plan on using the oranges daily in my water and tea and to snack on. Thanks!
Darcy says
Just like I said above, an airtight container is enough - just make sure it is about the same size as what you're trying to store in it.
Pamela Leitman says
This info is very helpful. Thank you so much! Will I be able to store dried pineapple pieces in airtight lid having used my hand vaccum sealer? They are chewey not crunchy..but i dehydrated for 36 hrs.
Darcy says
The time you dry doesn't matter. The dryness of the fruit matters. If it is chewy - and soft, it is not done. It should be leathery, and will have some bite, but should not be chewy as if it were soft.
Ere says
I'm new in this and you are helping me a lot by publishing all this im information, thank you