.png)
Today on the homestead we took a handful of onions and turned them into an onion powder using our Prep4Life Cube freeze dryer! Here's how it's done:
Ingredients and Tools:
Fresh onions (any variety)
Freeze Dryer (we use the Prep4Life Cube)
Knife and cutting board
Food processor or blender
Airtight containers for storage
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prep:
Peel and chop onions into small pieces - I like to chop the onions into chunks and then use my food processor to dice them smaller.
Pre-Freezing (Optional):
Lay the chopped onions in a single layer on the freeze dryer trays.
Place the trays in your regular freezer for a few hours until completely frozen. This step can speed up the freeze-drying process but is not required.
Freeze Drying:
Load the Freeze Dryer: Place your freeze dryer trays into your freeze dryer and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific freeze dryer.
Prep4Life freeze dryer instructions: Insert your food, make sure the drain is closed, choose frozen or unfrozen, then choose start. Drying process typically takes 24-48 hours (My first batch took 41 hours unfrozen)
Check for Dryness: Ensure the onions are completely dry and brittle. If any pieces are still soft, run the machine for a bit longer.
Processing into Powder:
Once the onions are fully dried (they will be light and crispy), place them in a food processor or blender and process on a low speed until you have the consistency you prefer.
Store Properly: Transfer the onion powder into airtight containers. Mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags work well. Keep the containers in a cool, dark place to maintain the powder’s flavor and potency.
Label and Date: Always label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
Use your homemade onion powder in soups, stews, marinades, and spice blends!
Making your own onion powder is a great way to preserve onions and ensure you always have this handy ingredient on hand. Enjoy your cooking!
Comments