When the temperature drops and the daylight hours start to dwindle, nothing feels more natural than coming home, cracking open a bottle of wine, and firing up the crockpot to make some delicious soups or stews. Any home with a garden knows that fresh produce doesn’t last long once it starts to get too cold out. However, there may come a time when you’re not feeling so adventurous and just need something quick and easy…and this is where a beef dehydrator can help you out! You see, beef isn’t the easiest meat to find in stores. Unless you have access to a farmer who raises cattle on your property, most grocery stores will likely only carry poultry or pork. So, what do you do when your local grocery store stocks chicken but not steaks? Luckily for everyone who has ever wanted to save money by eating more at home and less from fast-food chains, a beef dehydrator is an excellent investment that can help you preserve almost any cut of beef for much longer than normal! Let’s take-a-look at why you should consider investing in one today:
What Is a Beef Dehydrator?
Simply put, a beef dehydrator machine in the USA is an appliance that uses low-heat dehydrating to kill bacteria and fungi on the surface of beef, which then allows the beef to be stored without spoilage. While a beef dehydrator will not rehydrate beef that has been dried, it can help make other dishes that require beef, such as chili, casseroles, or soups. Some beef dehydrators come with a variety of racks and shelves to accommodate a variety of beef cuts, as well as a variety of accessories such as meat thermometers, timers, or meat grinders to help you prepare your beef for different dishes.
How to Use a Beef Dehydrator?
It is recommended to use a beef dehydrator with a temperature set between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to get the best results. You will need to slice your beef strips into very thin pieces to dry out evenly, then arrange the slices on the dehydrator screens. It is important to follow the instructions included with your dehydrator so that you do not over or under-dry the beef, which can ruin the product. It can take between 10 and 24 hours, depending on the temperature setting you choose, for the beef to dry out. Because the beef is sliced so thin, it will not be in large chunks when fully dehydrated. You will know the beef is ready when it is crisp and brittle when you break it apart.
Benefits of Using a Beef Dehydrator
Drying beef can be a very challenging task, but with the right beef dehydrator, it can be very simple. Dehydrating beef allows you to save money on your grocery bill and make delicious meals with less time and effort. Dehydrated beef retains more protein than fresh meat, and it is lower in cholesterol, sodium, fat, and calories, improving your health. Unlike fresh and not fully dried, beef that is dried does not need to be cooked before eating, making it an easy option for those who are on limited time or energy. Dehydrated beef also lasts longer than fresh beef because it is not damaged by bacteria, making it a much better option for storing than fresh beef.
What kinds of beef can be dehydrated with a beef dehydrator?
Most dehydrators can be used to dehydrate almost any type of beef. Common cuts include flank steak, skirt steak, round steak, stew meat, neck meat, and more. Beef with high-fat content, such as ribeye and sirloin, is best for dehydrating because it is the richest in fat and has the least flavor after drying. When purchasing beef for dehydrating, look for a high-quality grade with a fat content of less than 10%.
Should You Buy a Beef Dehydrator?
No. Beef dehydrators are a great way to save money on your grocery bill, and they can also be used to make some delicious meals. However, it is important to remember that not all beef is suitable for dehydrating with a dehydrator. To ensure you get the best results, find out if the store where you buy your beef sells beef specifically designed for dehydrating. If they do, you can rest assured that the beef is the best choice for your beef dehydrator. If you are purchasing a beef dehydrator for the first time, it is recommended that you shop around and see what different models are available in your area. You will want to find one that is durable and easy to use, as well as one that is affordable and offers a warranty should anything go wrong.
Beef is a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, and it can be a great source of energy when consumed frequently. However, it is important to remember that not all beef is created equal, which is why it is recommended that you always buy beef that is specifically designed for dehydrating.
