How to Dry or Dehydrate Garlic for Homemade Garlic Powder

Homemade Garlic Powder

If you have ever made your own spices, you know they taste better than anything you can buy in a store. Homemade garlic powder is more flavorful and more aromatic. You can make your own homemade garlic powder by drying, or dehydrating, garlic cloves. The cloves are then ground into powder.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preparing the Garlic
   
   Peel back the paper from your cloves of garlic. Remove any bad spots. Cut garlic cloves in half lengthwise. This will significantly reduce the drying time.
   
2. Step 2
   Dry the Garlic
   
   Dry the garlic in a dehydrator at 100 degrees until the bulbs lose most of their moisture. The bulbs should not feel soft or spongy to the touch. This can take anywhere from 12 hours to several days depending on humidity and the number of garlic cloves being dried. After performing this step you will get a better idea of the time it takes in your own dehydrator.
   
3. Step 3
   Grinding the Garlic
   
   Once the cloves have dried well enough to be powdered. Place them in a coffee or spice grinder. A food processor usually does not grind finely enough for this step. Place the ground garlic in a container and store in a cool dry area. Use in recipes as you would normally use garlic powder.
   

How to Dry Peppers in the Oven

Drying, or dehydrating, is one of the oldest and least altering methods of food preservation. To dry peppers without the sun or a food dehydrator, follow the methods below.

 

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need:

• Chili, sweet or jalapeno peppers
• Oven
• Pan

1. 1
   Wash the peppers and allow them to dry on a towel.
   
2. 2
   Set the oven to a temperature between 100 and 150 degrees. If your oven does not heat to a temperature this low, it will probably not work well for drying foods.
   
3. 3
   Place the peppers on a pan and allow them to dry in the oven for several days until they are completely dry. You can stem, cut and seed peppers before drying them, but it isn't necessary. Chili peppers will turn dark red when they are completely dry. The chili peppers that started out green will turn dark red as well.
   
4. 4
   Chili peppers, dried whole and ground, make excellent chili powder. It is much better than anything you will find in a store. You can grind chili peppers with a coffee grinder.
   
5. 5
   Jalapeno peppers are most attractive when dried sliced. They can be reconstituted easily by covering them with water and allowing them to stand for a short period of time (usually less than an hour if the pieces are small). Alternatively you can substitute dried peppers for fresh peppers in recipes at a ratio of 1/3. Use 1/3 the amount of fresh peppers called for and add a little water to the recipe.
   

Tips & Warnings

• When drying jalapeno peppers, be sure to wash your hands completely if you touch the peppers while they are drying! Concentrated jalapeno juice will BURN your skin!

How to Use Dried Fruit

You don't have to give up the health benefits of organic fruit when it is out of season. Organic fruit is often dried to preserve it for winter months. There are many uses for dried fruit, snacking, cooking, and blending are just a few of them. Read on to learn uses for organic dried fruit that you may not have considered.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

 

 

Things You'll Need:

• Organic Dried Fruit
• An Appetite (Optional)

1. Step 1
   As a Snack or Quick Addition to Other Foods -
   Dried fruit makes a wonderful snack alone or with other foods such as trail mix, cereals, salads, yogurt, granola, or blended into a smoothie.
   
2. Step 2
   
   Dried fruit makes an appealing gift when mixed with nuts and placed in a cornucopia or gift basket. There is a wonderful recipe for a small trail mix cornucopia that is kid friendly in the resource section below. It would make a healthy treat for school, home or holidays.
   
3. Step 3
   Cooking With Dehydrated Fruit -
   You can use dried fruit in recipes such as breads, pancakes, soups and stews. They can be reconstituted and used in recipes in hydrated form. For example, they can be rehydrated and used in syrups, jams, and jellies.
   
4. Step 4
   Rehydrating Fruit -
   *Smaller pieces of dried fruit will reconstitute more quickly than large ones.
   *Boiling water reconstitutes fruit more quickly than water at room temperature, but is less natural and may reduce the nutritional content of the fruit. Boiling Water Method: Cover fruit in boiling water for 5-30 minutes depending on the type and size of fruit. Room temperature water method: Cover fruit with water and allow to stand for ½ to 1 ½ hours. Drain the fruit and use in recipes or serve immediately.
   *The hardness of your water supply will effect the amount of time it takes to rehydrate fruit. Softer water rehydrates more quickly than hard water.
   *Sugar added to the fruit before drying will increase the amount of time that it takes to rehydrate the fruit.
   
5. Step 5
   Fruit Powder -
   Fruit that is Dried into a crispy form can be pureed using a coffee grinder into a powder that can add flavor to smoothies, ice cream, breads, or hot cereal.
   
6. Step 6
   Survival Food -
   An uncertain economy in the US has more and more people considering methods of storing food. Dried food, including fruit, is ideal for long-term storage in a poor economy because it does not require any energy to maintain dried food.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Decorations: Dried fruit also makes an excellent addition to potpourri or to craft projects.

How to Dry or Dehydrate Tomatoes

Dried tomatoes are a wonderful addition to soups, salads, sauces, or simply eaten alone. Follow the steps below to dry, or dehydrate, tomatoes for later use.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

 

 

 

Things You'll Need:

• Tomatoes

1. Step 1
   Wash the tomatoes. Set aside in a strainer or on a towel.
   
2. Step 2
   Remove the skins from the tomatoes by dipping each tomato in boiling water for 30 seconds, then placing it in ice water. The skin should slide off the tomato easily.
   
3. Step 3
   Cut tomatoes into slices 1/4 inch thick and remove the seeds.
   
4. Step 4
   The ideal temperature for dehydrating, or drying, tomatoes is 145 degrees. This can best be accomplished through use of an oven, or a food dehydrator. However, it is possible to set tomatoes in a sunny window on very hot days and allow them to dry naturally in the sun.
   
5. Step 5
   After the tomatoes are completely dry and there is no moisture present, label them with the date and store in a tightly sealed container.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Reconstitute tomatoes in warm water for 30 minutes, or reconstitute in oil for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Dry tomatoes may be added to soups, stews, or casseroles, while cooking.
• Dry tomatoes may be eaten dried as a nutritious snack.
• Dry tomatoes may be powdered in a coffee grinder for enriching the flavor of soups and sauces.

How to Make a Garden Cloche

Make a Garden Cloche from Recycled or Reused Items

The word cloche is french for bell. A garden cloche is a clear object used to cover plants and protect them from frost, while allowing sunlight through at the same time. Garden cloches may be small and bell-shaped, covering individual garden plants, but cloches can also be large transportable greenhouses covering several rows of garden vegetables at once. You don't need to buy a garden cloche at the store, you can make one by recycling or reusing materials you already have at home.

 

 

 

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Used Plastic (either plastic film, or bottles, buckets and jugs
• Used Wood and Lumber
• Used Pipes

1. Step 1
   Save scrap lumber and plastic. Build a sturdy frame using the lumber, that will not blow away. The shape of a small tent works well for a row of garden plants. Wrap plastic around it and secure the plastic using a staple gun.
   
2. Step 2
   Cut the bottoms off plastic bottles, jugs and cartons. These make great garden cloches because they are the right size for individual plants and they can be gently tapped into the ground with a hammer. A large, clear bucket, such as an ice cream bucket, works well turned upside down.
   
3. Step 3
   Scraps of waxed paper, plastic wrap, or reused plastic film stretched around a frame of wood, wire, or stiff plastic can be used to create a makeshift garden cloche for your plants.
   

How to Make Homemade Herbal Remedies

Homemade herbal remedies can be used in place of over the counter drugs, which often have unwanted side effects. Often the correctly used herbal remedy will help you bounce back eliminating expensive trips to a doctor. The type of herbal remedy you choose depends on the ailment you wish to treat and the herb you are planning to use for the remedy. Below are 6 common ailments and the herbs and homemade herbal remedies used to treat them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Herbal Remedies for Colds and Flu
   
   The most common herbal remedy used to treat colds and flu are homemade herbal teas. This is because colds and flu often come with congestion and hot herbal teas will help reduce congestion immediately. Herbal tea is often called an infusion or decoction as well, depending on the part of the herbal plant used. There are instructions in the resource section below for making herbal teas as remedies. Common herbal teas for colds and flu are:
   * Echinacea
   * Nettle
   * Peppermint
   * Ginger
   * Comfrey
   * Blackberry
   
   
2. Herbal Remedies for Aches and Pains
   
   Homemade herbal remedies for aches and pains are usually made in the form of lotions, liniments and salves to be rubbed on the body externally. There are instructions below for making herbal lotions, liniments and salves as herbal remedies. Herbs commonly used for aches and pains include:
   *Cayenne
   *Peppermint
   *Chamomile
   *Lavender
   
   
3. Herbal Remedies for Bites, Stings, Abrasions
   
   Herbal remedies for bites, stings, and abrasions are also commonly treated with salves and lotions applied to the skin. Infused oils can also be applied externally as a natural remedy for these ailments. Herbs commonly used include:
   *Aloe
   *Calendula
   *Comfrey
   *Lavender
   *Plantain
   *Yarrow
   
   
4. Herbal Remedies for Sore Throat
   
   The best homemade sore throat remedies include herbally infused honey. There is a link below for preparing herbally infused honey. Herbs that will sooth a sore throat include marshmallow, slippery elm, plantain and thyme. In addition onion and garlic infused in honey is a traditional homemade remedy that works very well.
   
   
5. Herbal Remedies for Insomnia
   
   An herbal tea made from infusing herbs in water is a very good homemade remedy for insomnia. The best herb for encouraging sleep is valerian. Valerian is a natural herbal sedative. If you prefer something more mild you might also consider chamomile or lavender. Both of these herbal remedies are suitable for young children.
   
   
6. Herbal Remedies for Headache or Fever
   
   An herbal compress to be applied to the forehead is the best herbal remedy for headache and fever. A compress of the following herbs will often remedy a headache.
   *cayenne pepper
   *coffee
   *lavender
   *peppermint
   

How to Use Yogurt Containers for Seeds

Yogurt Containers for Starting Seeds

You can reduce waste by recycling plastic yogurt containers to start seeds. Reusing household waste lessens a person's impact on the environment. Yogurt containers are the perfect size and they are free.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Gather some yogurt containers from your recycle bin. Poke holes in the bottom of the containers for drainage.
   
2. Step 2
   Nestle the yogurt containers closely together in a pop flat or cardboard box. Fill the containers with potting soil or compost.
   
3. Step 3
   Wet the soil. It should be moist, but not soggy. Place the seeds to be used for starting plants approximately 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Two or three seeds should be used in each yogurt container to ensure 1 plant germinates in each. The containers can be covered with plastic wrap to aid in germination of the seeds.
   
4. Step 4
   Place the recycled yogurt containers in a sunny window. Check the seeds daily to see if they need water, but do not get them too wet. After a week or two the seeds should germinate and small plants will pop up from the soil. Thin the seedlings down to one plant per container.
   

Tips & Warnings

• The plants can be transplanted to the garden after several weeks. Consult the back of the seed package for planting dates.

Reuse Toilet Paper Rolls to Start Seeds

Reuse Toilet Paper Rolls to Start Seeds

Reusing is the step prior to recycling in the common phrase, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." Reusing allows items to be used up, rather than using resources to recycle them into another product. By reusing, we reduce waste! Look into your recycle bins and see which items you can reuse. Here is a tip for reusing toilet paper rolls to start, or germinate, seeds.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

 

Things You'll Need:

• toilet paper rolls
• dirt
• scissors
• seeds
• water

1. Step 1
   Save your empty toilet paper rolls.
   
2. Step 2
   Cut each of them in half.
   
3. Step 3
   Going around the end of the toilet paper roll, gently press in creating a bottom.
   
4. Step 4
   When you are finished, the bottom of your new seed starting cup should look like this.
   
5. Step 5
   Arrange all of your seed starting cups together.
   
6. Step 6
   Fill your new seed starting cups with dirt. Place a seed in the center of each one. Water them daily. Within a few days, your seeds will begin to sprout. When you transplant the sprouts to your garden, be careful to support the bottom of the cup with your hand. This will prevent the dirt from falling out. You can place the cups directly in the garden. You do not need to tear the paper away.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Reusing will also save you money! This method will ensure you never have to purchase pots for starting seeds again.

Resources

How to Make Compost

By Heather Schulte

Make Compost

Composting is very simple. All you need is food scraps and some earth. Compost benefits are the production of fertile soil and the reduction of waste. You don't have to be a master gardener to benefit from composting. Your plants will love composted soil.

Difficulty: Easy

 

Things You'll Need:

• Dirt
• Food scraps

1. Save your fruit and vegetable scraps. Get an old coffee can or similar container with a tight lid. Place it under your sink and when you are peeling fruits and vegetables, make sure they go in the can instead of in the trash. Fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, and coffee grounds make excellent scraps for composting. Never compost anything greasy such as meat. It will compromise the quality.
   
   Once your can of scraps is full, you must bury the scraps in dirt. You can also bury yard waste, such as leaves and grass. The most efficient method of composting is to bury the waste. The worms will migrate there. No bin or tumbler is needed. However, you can compost more elaborately, by setting up a special compost bin. If you use an open bin, once again, the worms will migrate to the soil and food scraps. Make sure you drill a few holes in the bottom of the bin to give the worms easier access. If you use a sealed bin or tumbler, you will need to add dirt and worms as the worms will not be able to enter on their own. A sealed bin, such as a compost tumbler, is convenient in colder months because you can keep it near your back door without worrying about odor.
   
2. 3
   Let the worms do the composting work. Worms naturally create compost. Compost is essentially very fertile dirt. It takes a few months for the worms to turn the waste into fertile dirt. Various factors play into the length of time, including the temperature of the soil. Turn the soil, a few months after burying the scraps and you will notice the scraps have become dark healthy looking dirt.
   
3. 4
   Use your compost. You can use compost in your garden or to perk up a houseplant needing fertilized.
   

 

 

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to love worms. :)

Ice Box Pickles

Make Easy Refrigerator Pickles

This is the easiest pickle recipe you will ever find. There is no cooking and no canning. My mother adapted this recipe after hearing about it from a elderly farmer. He called them "ice box" pickles. They are so simple!

Difficulty: Easy

 

 

Things You'll Need:

• 1 very large jar (2 quarts or bigger)
• 6 C Cucumbers
• 1 C Onions
• 1 C Vinegar
• 2 C Sugar (I use unrefined sugar)
• 1 t Celery Seed
• 1 t Mustard Seed
• 1 t Sea Salt 

Instructions: 

1.  Step 1
   Slicing. Slice 6 Cups of Cucumbers as thin as you can get them. Slice 1 Cup of Onions as thin as you can get them.
   
2. Step 2
   Combine Everything. In a very large jar, place the cucumbers, onions and remaining ingredients. Don't heat anything. You can add other spices to your taste or preference, such as dill weed shown above.
   
3. Step 3
   Refrigerate. Place in the refrigerator and stir or shake daily for 6 days. It will take a few hours for the pickles to become juicy.
   

Tips & Warnings

• I've been told these will stay good for 6 months in the refrigerator. In my home, they are always eaten well before that, so I haven't had a chance to test that for myself.
• These have a subtle flavor. They do not have a strong vinegar flavor, and they are not extremely sweet.
• If you have never made pickles before, you may think you have made a mistake. They will initially look dry. It takes several hours for the pickles to make their juice.