About Easy Food Dehydrating

Hi, I’m Susan Gast!

I’m the creator of Easy Food Dehydrating and an author/blogger at Bored Boomers, Beesville Books, and A New Sober You. Since 2010, I’ve been sharing the benefits of food dehydration—and it’s still a pleasure and a passion today!

Why I Started Easy Food Dehydrating

It all began with a simple goal: to help people store food efficiently so they’re prepared for anything—from rising grocery prices to unexpected power outages.

I learned the hard way. In 2004, two hurricanes hit back-to-back, and I realized I had only two measly days of food. Fresh food spoiled, frozen food melted, and I was left scrambling. It was a wake-up call.

Then in 2010, I heard about someone who had an entire basement stocked with dehydrated food. I decided to do the same—on a smaller scale. Florida homes don’t have basements, but I built a wall full of dehydrated food instead.

Now, I teach others how to safely dehydrate and store food—so you’re always prepared, no matter what life throws your way.

The Easy Food Dehydrating Method

Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think!

You don’t need fancy equipment—just these three essentials:

✔️ A food dehydrator
✔️ A vacuum sealer & storage bags
✔️ Oxygen absorbers for long-term freshness

For daily use, Mason jars are perfect! They look great on your kitchen shelves and make it easy to see what you’ve got.

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

When you dehydrate food, you’re saving money, reducing waste, and always having your favorite foods on hand—without relying on a freezer or fridge.

Homemade Dehydrated Food Tastes Better!

Unlike store-bought dried foods loaded with preservatives, homemade dehydration locks in flavor and nutrients without additives. Freshly dried apples, bananas, and even meats keep their natural sweetness and rich taste—no artificial ingredients needed!

Ever tried homemade raisins? They’re juicier and tastier than those boxed ones!

👉 Check out how to make plump, juicy raisins here!

I love experimenting with different foods, and I share my favorite recipes right here on Easy Food Dehydrating.

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

Treat yourself to one of Susan's "I ❤️ easy FOOD DEHYDRATING" coffee mugs, and protect your best dress with an "easy FOOD DEHYDRATING" apron!

See Susan's "Dry Bites Boutique" HERE.

My Top 3 Must-Have Dehydrated Foods

Over the years, I’ve found a few go-to foods that I always keep in my dehydrated stash:
🍏 Apples – Sweet, crisp, and perfect for snacks or oatmeal.
🍅 Tomatoes – A pantry essential for soups, sauces, and pasta dishes.
🥩 Jerky – A protein-packed snack that lasts for months!

Whether you’re meal prepping, camping, or stocking up for emergencies, these are must-haves in any dehydrator’s pantry.

Be Prepared—Not Just a Motto

Emergencies happen. Storms, power outages, supply chain issues—you name it. That’s why it’s smart to be ready.

We’ve all seen how quickly store shelves can empty during a storm warning, pandemic, or supply chain crisis.

With dehydrated food, you’ll never have to worry about last-minute grocery runs or skyrocketing prices. Your emergency food stash isn’t just for disasters—it’s peace of mind every single day.

Be prepared - snowstorm

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!

Join My Newsletter & Get a Free eBook or Two... or Three!

Want to learn how to get started with food dehydration the easy way?

🎁 Sign up for my newsletter from any of the pages below and grab the free eBook that matches your interest:
📖 Six Simple Steps to Dehydrating Success – perfect for beginners
📖 How to Grow & Dehydrate Herbs – for home gardeners and herb lovers
📖 5 Dried Food Recipes That Actually Taste Great! – quick wins for your dehydrator

You’ll also get dehydrating tips, recipes, and product recommendations sent straight to your inbox. I promise—zero spam (though I do think Spam is quite tasty!).

 JOIN 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!

You are more than welcome to opt-in for either—or both.
I say, "Go big or go home!"

Let's get busy!

AND...

Grab 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love

5 Easy Dried Food Recipes free PDF

Don't forget to grab a 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!

My Background

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

I’ve had an interesting journey before landing in the world of food dehydration!

✔️ Grew up on my dad’s farms in the UK
✔️ 1980s – Worked in graphic arts & printing
✔️ 1990s – Mechanical engineering with my brother
✔️ 2010 – Brief stint in Forex trading

Career Highlights:

🎤 Interviewed twice by SBI! (2015 & 2022)
📝 Invited to write for Mother Earth News™ (2015)
📢 Featured in SBI!’s Entrepreneur Series

P.S. This website runs on Solo Build It! (SBI!), the platform that made it all possible. If you’ve ever wanted to build your own online business, learn more here!

A Little Fun: My Easy Food Dehydrating Song 🎶

Did you know I create music too? Tap your feet to my song "Sweet Susan's Sunshine!" 🎵


Susan wearing an Easy Food Dehydrating apron

Tap Your Feet to My
Easy Food Dehydrating Song:

Sweet Susan's Sunshine
Sweet Susan's Sunshine
0:00 / 0:00

MUSIC created with AITUBO - check it out!
READ how YOU can do it too, HERE.

Tap Your Feet to My
Easy Food Dehydrating Song:

Susan wearing an Easy Food Dehydrating apron
Sweet Susan's Sunshine
Sweet Susan's Sunshine
0:00 / 0:00

MUSIC created with AITUBO - check it out!
READ how YOU can do it too, HERE.

Shop My Favorite Dehydrating Gear!

Love Easy Food Dehydrating? Show it off!

🛍️ Grab an "I ❤️ Easy Food Dehydrating" mug ☕
🛍️ Protect your clothes with an official apron 👩‍🍳

➡️ Visit Dry Bites Boutique HERE


I hope you enjoy your journey with food dehydration as much as I do! If you’re ready to start preserving food the easy way, you’re in the right place.

🔹 Get my free eBooks & newsletter HERE!
🔹 Check out my favorite recipes & tips HERE!

Thanks for stopping by to learn about Easy Food Dehydrating and happy dehydrating!

Cheers,

Susan

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

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Before You Go...

If you like the content, please give me some love by clicking on the 🩷 in the lower right-hand corner (on just about all my pages). This signals to me that you find it enjoyable and useful.

5 Dried Food Recipes That Actually Taste Good free PDF download!

And don’t forget to grab your FREE 5 Dried Food Recipes via the opt-in form — they're waiting for you! Thank you so much! (Get it here).