Lettuce, although low in calories, has nutritional components essential for good nutrition. Lettuce contains a number of vitamins and minerals and so is well worth dehydrating.
There are many different lettuce varieties to choose from.
Method
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Plastic bowls
- Colander/ Salad spinner
- Cutting Board
- Food Wash
Preparation
Discard any external leaves that are damaged or wilted. Wash the remaining leaves in a fruit and vegetable wash.
Drying time will depend on the thickness of the ribs and the initial dryness of the leaves. To cut down on the time required, dry well with paper towel after washing. If you have a salad spinner this can get rid of most of the moisture.
Tip 1: Place leaves in a cotton pillowcase and swing this around outside – this works as well as a salad spinner!
Tip 2: Cut out the thick ribs of the leaves and dry separately
Caution: If you’re tempted by the “pre-washed” or “triple-washed” claims on bagged lettuce, know that in a 2005 test done in Minnesota the lettuce variety with the least bacteria was the plain, unwashed head of lettuce. Bagged lettuce is often rinsed in a chlorine wash
Dehydrating
You can either chop the leaves into strips or dry them whole. Spread the lettuce out on the trays and dry at 135 Fahrenheit/ 60 Celsius for between 4 to 8 hours. The leaves are ready when they feel like thin paper and crumble easily between your fingers.
Conditioning
Conditioning is a process of making sure that whatever you have dried has as little moisture as possible in it. It’s a simple process and involves mixing or shaking to redistribute the lettuce and make sure it is completely dry. do this over a few days.
If I am making lettuce powder I usually do this immediately after the lettuce comes out of the dehydrator as I find that is when it is at its crispiest.
Storage
Store in sealed containers in a dark area and add oxygen absorbers to help keep the contents dry.
Info
| Dehydrating | Uses | |
| Fresh Weight | 100 Grams |
|
| Dried Weight | 5 Grams | |
| 80g Portion (Dried) | 4 Grams | |
| 80g Portion (Powder) | 4 Level teaspoons | |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes | |
| Drying Time | 4-8 hours | |
| Drying Temperature | 135 Fahrenheit/ 60 Celsius | |
| Health Benefits | Helps with Sleep problems, Anti-Inflammatory, Improves Brain function | |
| Harvest Period | All year depending on variety, region and climate | |
