i Food drying Doris notes that dried foods must be stored in a cool, dry dark place. An ideal storage place is in the freezer, strange as it may seem. Dried food takes less space than conventional frozen food and requires very little energy since there is hardly any water to freeze. It is a safe place to store dried food, if you have the space. Vegetables are more susceptible to spoilage than fruits because they are low-acid, and Doris recommends “continually checking them throughout the year.” She added, “All foods have a definite shelf life and the quality begins to deteriorate after a certain point.” Doris offers the following guidelines for prospective fruit driers to think about when drying food. 1. Foods should be dried as rapidly as possible yet not so fast that the outside is well dried and the inside still moist; 2. [Continued from Page 42] Temperature should be high enough to evaporate moisture from the food but not cook it; 3. Drying must be a continuous process so growth of microorganisms is prevented; 4. Air must be kept, in motion; 5. Uniform pieces of food, spread evenly in thin layers, gives the best results; 6. Frequent stirring is essential for even drying.” Perhaps drying can answer a need for food perservation in your family’s diet. As Summer continues to yield its bounty, consider drying as an interesting alternative, and an age-old preservation method. As the title of one book published on drying suggests, “Dry it -you’ll like it.” LANCASTER FARMING FOR FULL MARKET REPORTS READ Lancaster Farming, Saturday. July 30, 1977 Farm Women’s Calendar Tuesday, August 2 Lancaster Co. Society 20 will Berks Co. Society 4 will meet meet at 6:30 p.m. at the at the home of Mrs. Ruth Shirks Pavillion for a McMullen, Boyertown. picnic. Wednesday, August 3 Saturday, August 6 Lancaster County Farm Lancaster Co. Society 6 Women’s Society county- meeting and covered dish wide picnic, 12:30 p.m„ supper at 6 p.m. to be Lancaster Co. Park, held at the Milton Grove Pavillion 3. Sportman’s Club. Thursday, August 4 - . Lancaster Co. Society 1 Lancaster Co. Societal? meeting at 1:30, meeting at Ip.m. Hostess' hostesses will be Mary will be Betty Aston. " Kreider and Edna Shenk. 43
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers