Wear Latex Gloves While Dehydrating:
Stay Clean & Safe

It's a good idea to wear latex gloves while dehydrating food. Why?

Two reasons:

  1. Keep germs at bay ... AND they're a
  2. big help with frozen foods.

Read on for more about 'frozen foods'!

Latex-free gloves in a box.

You see, there's absolutely no point in ruining your dehydrated fruits and veggies with 'dirty' hands! 

It's easy to keep your germs all to yourself by simply slipping on a pair of gloves... and you're good to go!

And there's no need to throw them away after just one use. See my comment as to why!

Why Wearing Latex Gloves Makes Dehydrating Safer & Easier

There are a few advantages to wearing latex gloves when handling fresh or frozen foods prepping for dehydration:

  1. Food Safety - Wearing gloves forms a barrier that helps prevent any germs, bacteria, or microbes present on your skin from contaminating the food you will be dehydrating. This obviously leads to better food safety practices.
  2. Cold Temperature Protection - If working with frozen foods, the insulation of the gloves protects your hands from the cold temperatures, keeping them more comfortable while still allowing dexterity to manipulate and slice the foods as needed.
  3. Moisture Protection - The latex material provides a waterproof lining that keeps your hands from becoming wet and chilled if working very moist fresh produce like berries, tomatoes, or juicy fruits for extended periods.
  4. Cleanliness - Wearing disposable latex gloves keep hands clean as you transfer between handling and preparing different food items.

While good hand washing is still important and latex could pose allergy risks for some - wearing disposable hypoallergenic gloves provides an extra safeguard in terms of food prep sanitation and personal protection as needed when working with items destined for the dehydrator.

Skip the Germs—Slip on Gloves Before Dehydrating

It takes no time at all to slip on a pair of gloves... no, not boxing gloves... but a pair of latex gloves—as shown in the photo at the top of the page.

If you want large quantities, check out Amazon.com for good deals. More about that coming up.

What Are Latex Gloves Made From? (And Why It Matters)

Latex Gloves for Handling Dehydrated Food

Latex gloves are made from natural rubber latex, which comes from the sap of the rubber tree. The sap is collected and then processed to create latex gloves.

Not Surgery—But Still Sanitary! Why Gloves Help in the Kitchen

I use the vinyl variety all the time, not because I'm allergic to latex, but because there's no white powdery stuff left on your hands... this is a nice feature!

The gloves shown are vinyl and do not have powder in them and I highly recommend them. I order mine from good old Amazon—from various Amazon vendors, so do your due diligence.

Prices for the same item vary from order to order. They come in packs of 100. Should last a long time!

Got a Latex Allergy? Here's What to Use Instead

Latex allergy is a reaction that happens when someone is exposed to latex. Symptoms of latex allergy can include itching, redness, swelling, and even difficulty in breathing.

In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur. So if you know you're allergic to latex, get vinyl gloves!

Frozen Peas Stick? Not When You’re Wearing Gloves!

peas ready to dehydrate on an Excalibur dehydrator tray

What I have noticed while wearing them is it makes it much easier to smooth out frozen peas or frozen corn on your dehydrator tray's mesh sheets.

The warmth of your hands doesn't melt the frozen peas (or frozen corn) as fast because the gloves provide a barrier that slows down the heat transference!

Heck, that sounds too scientific, but you know what I mean... And this means no more peas and corn stuck to your bare hands! It's very easy to break up clumps too when you wear gloves.

Where to Buy the Best Gloves for Dehydrating Food

Disposable Latex Gloves, Large, Powder-Free, 100-pk
Disposable Latex Gloves, Large, Powder-Free, 100-pk

ComfitWear Latex Gloves 100-pk

  • The Latex Pro-Tection Glove™
  • 100 Disposable Gloves Powder-Free
Dynarex Safe-Touch Vinyl Disposable Gloves, Clear, 100-pk
Dynarex Safe-Touch Vinyl Disposable Gloves, Clear, 100-pk

Dynarex Powder-Free, Clear Gloves 100-pk

  • Food Safety and Compliance, Powder-Free
  • 100 Disposable Exam Gloves

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

My Top Pick: The Gloves I Use Every Time

Head on over to this page to read my review on SAFEGUARD Latex Gloves

Reuse Smart: How I Clean and Dry My Gloves After Use

cleaned/washed latex gloves drying for re-use

There's no need to throw a pair away when you're done using them.

I wash them while I'm still wearing them and then let them air dry on the dish drainer.

Consider using them the second time around for household chores or for washing the car!

Waste not, want not...
as the old saying goes!

Thanks for stopping by my wear latex gloves while dehydrating page.

You've learned just how easy it is to handle frozen peas and corn!

⚠️ Important: Never Reuse Gloves After Handling Meat

Just wanted to add here that I do NOT reuse my gloves when I've handled meat. They go straight into the trash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different sizes of latex gloves?

Latex gloves come in a variety of sizes, including small, medium, large, and extra-large. The size of the glove should be determined by the width of the hand.

What are the different colors of latex gloves?

Latex gloves are available in a variety of colors, including white, black, blue, and green.

The color of the glove does not affect its function! I know I always associate 'blue gloves' with doctors!

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