Dehydrating broccoli and cauliflower is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to store nutritious and healthy snacks ready whenever you crave something light to munch on.
Dehydrating broccoli extends its shelf life and allows you to keep it for a long time, at least for longer when compared to storing your fresh broccoli. You actually have a number of ways where you can dehydrate your broccoli, which makes this an even better experience.
- Using a food dehydrator.
- Using the oven.
- In the sun.
You can also dehydrate the stems of your broccoli and cauliflower, and that’s what I am planning to discuss with you through this article, the step-by-step guide to dehydrating your broccoli and cauliflower with and without their stems.
But first, we will go through the amazing benefits of eating broccoli and cauliflower.
The healthy benefits of consuming broccoli and cauliflower:
Since both broccoli and cauliflower resemble each other, are both cruciferous vegetables, and are from the same family. Brassica family. They have almost similar healthy benefits.
- They are both low in calorie content, as well as being rich in fiber. So will make you feel full with the least amount of calories. Maintain your blood sugar levels and keep your heart healthy.
- Rich with vitamins, especially vitamin C, K, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B9. All of these vitamins are essential in your everyday diet. Keep in mind, these vitamins are more significant in broccoli than in cauliflower.
- Let’s not forget about the main minerals contained in the broccoli like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and copper.
- Both broccoli and cauliflower are filled with antioxidants which can protect you from certain types of cancers, protect your body cells, and reduce inflammation in your body.
Why is it preferred to dehydrate broccolis?
Since both broccoli and cauliflower don’t last for long when they are fresh, even if they are refrigerated, only for 3 to 5 days in case of broccolis and up to a week in case of cauliflower when put in the fridge. Dehydrating them will allow long-term storage for your vegetables while retaining the exact same nutritional value as fresh vegetables.
How to dehydrate broccolis?
I am going to share with you all the detailed ways for different dehydration methods. You will be free to choose whichever method you prefer to use according to the time you will need through the dehydration process.
Using the dehydrator:
This is one of the easiest methods you can follow to successfully dehydrate your vegetables. Although it might take a few hours, however, it doesn’t really require much effort from you.
It is my absolute favorite way that can guarantee the best results for dehydrated vegetables in general.
- Wash your broccoli or cauliflower under running water to remove any dirt or soil from it. You should scrub your vegetables to make sure they are squeaky clean.
- Try to trim off the excess broccoli florets to even out the shape so that they dehydrate evenly.
- Soak the florets in salt water to kill any eggs remaining and not seen, as well as, remove any protein present. Rinse the excess salt water out of the florets.
- The next step is blanching your broccoli. This is done by placing your cleaned and rinsed florets in a pot filled with boiling water for about 5 minutes and then taking them out into a bowel filled with iced water to stop their cooking. This brightens the color of the vegetables and retains their fresh color even after dehydration.
- Allow the florets to cool in cold water for a few minutes, then take them out and dry them using clean paper towels.
- Align the broccoli florets on the dehydrator trays in a single layer away from each other. Make sure they are not overlapping.
- Set the dehydrator temperature to 140°F. Place the tray with the broccoli florets in the dehydrator. Leave the broccoli to dehydrate for 8 – 12 hours. Check their doneness every 4 hours.
- You will know they are done once they become dry and crunchy like potato chips. Remove them from the dehydrator and allow them to cool.
Using the oven:
Don’t worry if you don’t have a dehydrator. Dehydrating your broccoli using a regular oven is also a great option that doesn’t have significant differences when compared to all the other drying methods.
- Wash your broccoli or cauliflower under running water to remove any dirt or soil from it. You should scrub your vegetables to make sure they are squeaky clean.
- Try to trim off the excess broccoli florets to even out the shape so that they can dehydrate evenly.
- Soak the florets in salt water to kill any eggs remaining and not seen, as well as, remove any protein present. Rinse the excess salt water out of the florets.
- The next step is blanching your broccoli. This is done by placing your cleaned and rinsed florets in a pot filled with boiling water for about 5 minutes and then taking them out into a bowel filled with iced water to stop their cooking. This brightens the color of the vegetables and retains their fresh color even after dehydration.
- Allow the florets to cool in the iced water for a few minutes, the take them out and dry them using clean paper towels.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper, then spread your dried broccoli florets on the baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap with each other.
- Set your oven temperature to 140-150°F. Place the tray in the oven, but don’t close the oven door all the way. Leave the door half open to allow good air circulation.
- Leave the broccoli to dehydrate for 8 – 12 hours. Check their doneness every 4 hours.
- You will know they are done once they become dry and crunchy like potato chips. Remove them from the dehydrator and allow them to cool.
In the sun:
Remember that sun drying your broccoli is always an option if you don’t want to use your oven or don’t have an available dehydrator.
- Wash your broccoli or cauliflower under running water to remove any dirt or soil from it. You should scrub your vegetables to make sure they are squeaky clean.
- Try to trim off the excess broccoli florets to even out the shape so that they can dehydrate evenly.
- Soak the florets in salt water to kill any eggs remaining and not seen, as well as, remove any protein present. Rinse the excess salt water out of the florets.
- The next step is blanching your broccoli. This is done by placing your cleaned and rinsed florets in a pot filled with boiling water for about 5 minutes and then taking them out into a bowel filled with iced water to stop their cooking. This brightens the color of the vegetables and retains their fresh color even after dehydration.
- Allow the florets to cool in the iced water for a few minutes, then take them out and dry them using clean paper towels.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper, then spread your dried broccoli florets on the baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap with each other.
- Place your baking sheet out in the open under direct sunlight. Remove the tray from the open air when it is dark or it is raining. It can take up to 5 days for your broccolis to completely dry.
- Once they are fully dry, place them inside airtight containers or mason jars.
Dehydrating cauliflower is exactly the same as dehydrating broccoli, except they can vary in the drying time.
How long can dehydrated broccolis and cauliflowers last?
If properly dehydrated and stored, they can last for up to 12 to 24 months.
They usually require to be placed inside an airtight container with the seal properly placed. It is recommended to place the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and any temperature fluctuations.
Don’t expect the taste and texture to change before at least a year.
How to dehydrate broccoli stems?
Dehydrating broccoli stems is possible. However, they require a bit of a different step since they are much thicker and have more moisture content.
After washing and blanching them just as you usually would with broccoli florets, cut them into smaller pieces or bite-size pieces, dehydrating them at 125 degrees F for 8-12 hours.
What to do with dehydrated broccoli florets and stems?
They can be added to soups, stews, and casseroles. Once they are added to any liquids, they will be rehydrated back to life just like cooking fresh broccolis. In fact, they take less time to cook than raw broccoli.
Dry broccoli can also be enjoyed as such, as a crunchy and healthy snack!
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.