Ultimate Guide to Dehydrating Sweet Potatoes for Outdoor Adventures

ByDerek Vitiello

Dehydrating sweet potatoes is a game changer for anyone who loves the outdoors, especially for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts. With a dehydrator, you can create lightweight, nutritious snacks that are perfect for your next adventure. These sweet potato chips or cubes are not only tasty but also provide a great source of energy while you’re on the go.

Imagine enjoying the sweet, earthy flavor of dehydrated sweet potatoes while taking in the beautiful scenery of the great outdoors. This method preserves the essence of fresh sweet potatoes, ensuring you have delicious, healthy bites ready whenever the hunger strikes.

Benefits of Dehydrating Sweet Potatoes

Dehydrating sweet potatoes transforms these nutritious tubers into lightweight snacks perfect for hiking or backpacking trips.
These dehydrated treats maintain their delicious flavor while providing energy needed for outdoor activities.
The dehydration process retains essential nutrients, making them a smart choice for those seeking healthy options on the go.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

The first step in creating your dehydrated sweet potato snacks is proper preparation.
Start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are clean and ready for slicing.
Cut them into even rounds or cubes, approximately 1/4 inch thick, to ensure uniform drying and optimal texture.

Optional Pre-treatment for Color Preservation

To enhance the visual appeal of your dehydrated sweet potatoes, consider pre-treating them.
Soak the slices in a solution of lemon juice and water for about ten minutes.
This simple step helps maintain their vibrant color, making them more appetizing when it’s time to enjoy your snacks.

Using the Dehydrator Effectively

When utilizing a dehydrator, arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the trays.
Avoid overlapping pieces to ensure even drying.
Set the dehydrator to a temperature of 125°F (52°C) and allow it to run for 6 to 10 hours, checking periodically for doneness. The slices should be dry and brittle by the end of the process.

Storage Tips for Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes

Once fully dehydrated, it’s crucial to store your sweet potato slices properly.
Keep them in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags to maintain freshness.
Storing your snacks in a cool, dark place will ensure they are ready for your next outdoor excursion.

Versatility of Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes

Dehydrated sweet potatoes are not just great for snacking; they can also be rehydrated for use in various meals.
Consider incorporating them into camping recipes or enjoying them at home as a healthy addition to your diet.
These snacks are a versatile option for anyone looking to maintain a nutritious diet while enjoying the great outdoors.

How to Dehydrate Sweet Potatoes in a Dehydrator

Dehydrated sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a hiking trail background.

This simple yet effective method allows you to prepare sweet potatoes that are ideal for outdoor excursions. They are slightly chewy with a naturally sweet flavor, making them an excellent snack.

Dehydrated sweet potatoes can be rehydrated for use in meals, making them versatile for camping recipes or enjoying at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • Optional: seasoning (salt, pepper, or spices of your choice)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them into even rounds or cubes, about 1/4 inch thick for even drying.
  2. Pre-treat (optional): To maintain color, soak the slices in a solution of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per quart of water for 10 minutes, then drain.
  3. Arrange on Dehydrator Trays: Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  4. Set the Dehydrator: Set your dehydrator to 125°F (52°C) and let it run for about 6-10 hours, checking for doneness. The sweet potatoes should be dry and brittle.
  5. Store: Once fully dehydrated, store the sweet potato pieces in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags. Keep them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready for your next outdoor adventure.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-10 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 10 hours 20 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal per serving
  • Fat: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g

My goal with my writing and Scenic Snacking as a whole is to share my passions of hiking, camping, and a love of the outdoors with our readers. Making the difficult and uncertain feel more approachable to people that might not know enough to feel comfortable taking their first steps into the wilderness is a driving factor for me. When I'm not writing you can find me on a trail, in a forest, or next to a river with hiking shoes on my feet and a fly rod somewhere close by.

Similar Posts