Cool as a Dehydrated Cucumber
Dehydrated Cucumbers are so fun to make while also being nutritious and delicious.
I recently purchased a food dehydrator to make my own MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for backpacking and camping adventures. I have been having a blast making my MREs but also other food items like watermelon jerky, dried cherries (it’s cherry season), and now dehydrated cucumbers! So, is it time for you to dehydrate cucumbers?
Quick Question, Can I Put Cucumbers in a Dehydrator?
Yes! Dehydrated cucumbers are an excellent chip replacement, a fun new salad topper, or ground up into a healthy seasoning. The flavor of the cucumber is intensified with the use of the dehydrator.
Why I Made This Recipe
Jacob and I enjoy backpacking and camping and I love to make my own homemade MREs. While it is easy to find minute rice at the store, finding items like dehydrated vegetables, beans, and lentils are a bit harder to find and can be a bit pricy.
Not only is my dehydrator used for MRE making but I am also preserving fruits and veggies from my garden and the local foods purchased from nearby farms.
What to do with Dehydrated Cucumbers
- Serve as vegetable chips, a lovely potato chips replacement
- A Crunchy salad, grain bowl, salad topper
- Pulverize into cucumber powder and add to onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use this seasoning mix with meat or other proteins
- Whisk into a vinaigrette with citrus or vinegar and olive oil.
Ingredients
English Cucumbers (or really any other cucumber you might have)
Salt (optional)
Equipment
How to Make This Recipe
Prep The Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers. You may leave the skin on or peel it depending on your preference. Slice the cucumber into thin, even slices. You may use a mandolin or a sharp knife to achieve consistent thickness. Aim for slices 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. At this time, you have the option to add salt to the “chips” to season.
Dehydrate the Cucumbers
Arrange the cucumber slices in the dehydrator. Lay the cucumber out in a single layer so they are not overlapping.
Set the dehydrator temperature to around 130°F. Let the dehydrator run for 6 to 10 hours. The exact time depends on the thickness of the cucumber slices, humidity, and dehydrator model.
The cucumber chips are ready when they are completely dry and crisp. They should easily snap when bent. If they still feel pliable, dehydrate for longer.
Once fully dehydrated let the cucumber chips cool down to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for several weeks if properly stored.
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian?)
How long do dehydrated cucumbers last?
When stored in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in a cool, dry, and dark place. Dehydrated cucumbers can remain fresh and retain their quality for several months.
Are Dehydrated Cucumbers Good?
Dehydrated cucumbers are good. They have a crunchy texture, and intense flavor, and are a healthy snack. However, taste preferences are individualized and while some individuals enjoy them others may not.
How do you prep cucumbers for dehydration
To prepare cucumbers for dehydration you must keep three things in mind.
Choose: Choose fresh firm cucumbers with smooth skin. Avoid cucumbers that are overripe, bruised, or have soft spots.
Wash: Rinse the cucumbers under cool running water to remove dirt or residue. Option to use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the skin if planning on keeping the skin on.
Slice: Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers. Each slice should be about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. The uniform thickness of the slices ensures even dehydration.
Like This Dehydrated Cucumber Recipe? Try These Too!
Dehydrated Watermelon (AKA Watermelon Jerky)
Dehydrated Cucumbers
Equipment
- 1 dehydrator
Ingredients
- 2 large english cucumbers
- kosher salt optional for seasoning
Instructions
Prep The Cucumbers
- Wash the cucumbers. You may leave the skin on or peel it depending on your preference.
- Slice the cucumber into thin, even slices. You may use a mandolin or a sharp knife to achieve consistent thickness. Aim for slices 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Optional to add salt a this time to the "chips" to season.
Dehydrate the Cucumbers
- Arrange the cucumber slices in the dehydrator. Lay the cucumber out in a single layer so they are not overlapping.
- Set the dehydrator temperature to around 130°F. Let the dehydrator run for 6 to 10 hours. The exact time depends on the thickness of the cucumber slices, humidity, and dehydrator model.
- The cucumber chips are ready when they are completely dry and crisp. The should easily snap when bent. If they still feel pliable, dehydrate for longer.
- Once fully dehydrated let the cucumber chips cool down to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for several weeks if properly stored.
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
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