About Easy Food Dehydrating: How & Why to Start

Photo of Susan Gast
Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

Hi, I’m Susan Gast—and welcome to Easy Food Dehydrating! Since 2010, I’ve helped families, preppers, and everyday home cooks discover how simple it is to dry, store, and enjoy food that lasts—without depending on a freezer.

✅ Quick Answer: What is Easy Food Dehydrating all about?
Easy Food Dehydrating teaches simple, safe methods to dry and store food at home. Since 2010, I’ve shared tips, recipes, and storage strategies so families can save money, cut waste, and always be prepared.

My mission is simple: make food storage practical, affordable, and even fun.

Susan with i Heart EFD mug, and Nesco Dehydrator making raisinsSusan making raisins on her Nesco dehydrator

From Hurricanes to Hope: Why I Started Easy Food Dehydrating

In 2004, two hurricanes hit back-to-back here in Florida. My freezer food spoiled, and I realized I had just two days of meals on hand. It was a wake-up call.

By 2010, I discovered food dehydration and built my own wall of preserved food. That simple shift—born out of necessity—became a passion I now share with you.


The Easy Food Dehydrating Method

You only need three tools to get started:

For daily use, Mason jars are perfect. No complicated gear—just straightforward tools that keep your food fresh for months. See my full kit suggestions here.

Why Homemade Dehydrated Food Beats Store-Bought Every Time

Mason jars in a row on a shelf, filled with dehydrated vegetables

Unlike packaged dried foods with preservatives, homemade dehydrated food keeps its natural flavor and nutrition. Freshly dried apples, bananas, and even jerky taste richer - without chemicals.

Ever tried homemade raisins? They’re juicier, tastier, and you’ll never want the boxed kind again.

3 Dehydrated Foods I’ll Never Be Without

Here are my three non-negotiables:

🍏 Apples – for snacking and oatmeal
🍅 Tomatoes – for soups and sauces
🥩 Jerky – protein on the go

These staples prove that dehydrated food isn’t just survival food—it’s everyday delicious.

Preparedness Made Simple: Why Dehydrating Is Everyday Insurance

Be prepared - snowstorm

Storms, outages, and rising prices happen.

Dehydrating ensures your shelves are always stocked - without relying on last-minute grocery runs.

It’s not just for emergencies - it’s peace of mind every single day.

I'm just like you—someone who wants to ensure her family is fed no matter what. And with inflation on the rise, stocking up on dehydrated food now saves you money later!

From Farm Girl to Food Preservation

Susan Gast - Owner/Operator of Easy Food Dehydrating and SusanGast.comSusan at work

I grew up on my dad’s farms in the UK, worked in graphic arts and mechanical engineering, and even dabbled in Forex trading. But my proudest chapter? Creating Easy Food Dehydrating.

Along the way, I’ve been featured in SBI!’s Entrepreneur Series, interviewed by SiteSell, and invited to write for Mother Earth News™. None of it matters more, though, than helping you feel confident preserving food at home.

Start Dehydrating with Confidence: Grab My Free eBooks

Want to get started the easy way? Join my newsletter and grab free eBooks like:

📖 Six Simple Steps to Dehydrating Success – perfect for beginners
📖 How to Grow & Dehydrate Herbs – for gardeners and herb lovers
📖 5 Dried Food Recipes That Actually Taste Great! – quick wins for your dehydrator

You’ll also receive practical tips, recipes, and product recommendations - straight to your inbox.

 JOIN the NEWSLETTER HERE

Six Simple Steps eBook
A female holding a copy of the "How to Grow & Dehydrate Herbs" eBook, along with a coffee cup.

Six Simple Steps and How to Grow & Dehydrate Herbs
are yours to keep when you join!

Your Questions About Easy Food Dehydrating, Answered

Who created Easy Food Dehydrating?

I launched it in 2010 after living through Florida hurricanes and realizing the power of preparedness.

Why was it started?

To help families build affordable food reserves and learn safe, simple dehydration methods.

Do I need special equipment to start dehydrating?

Just three basics: a dehydrator, a sealer, and oxygen absorbers. Mason jars work great for daily use.

See my "starter kit" ideas here.

What can I learn beyond the basics?

Guides, storage tips, emergency food strategies, and step-by-step recipes—from jerky to fruit snacks.

Before You Go…

Don’t miss my free “5 Dried Food Recipes You’ll Actually Love” PDF (below). Inside you’ll find my go-to favorites—like carrot soup, spicy jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls.

It’s the perfect way to taste what Easy Food Dehydrating is all about.

Get 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love

5 Easy Dried Food Recipes free PDF

Here's where you can get your copy of our all new
5 Dried Food Recipes (That Actually Taste Great)
They're my all-time favorite easy dried food meals!

Get it here right now.

For Free!

Cheers,

Susan

📢 Check out what others are saying! ➡️ Read testimonials here

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