Everyone loves a good snack, especially chips. In fact, it is pretty difficult to no reach your hand in an open bag of chips and grab a handful. If the bag is not open, the temptation to open it is potentially the most powerful force in the universe. While that may or may not be true, one thing is for certain: chips are highly addictive, but they typically contain problematic ingredients. We always want our cleansers to have access to various entrees, desserts, and snacks, especially, to help them power through their cleanses. Enter the dehydrator!

Why should you dehydrate instead of fry? Well, dehydrating preserves a food’s natural integrity, while simultaneously enhancing its shelf life without introducing harmful byproducts. That ultimately makes a dehydrated snack a cleaner, healthier preparation method than frying. Dehydrating at low temperatures gently removes a food’s water content, helping it retain as many vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber as possible. In contrast, frying (especially at high heat) can kill nutrients and create harmful compounds like trans fats and oxidized oils.

So what makes these dehydrated carrot chips so special? Well, carrots are a vibrant, nutrient-dense root vegetable that can help support eye health, as it is rich in beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which helps promote clearre vision, more radiant skin, and a stronger immune system. Additionally, their high fiber content aids digestive function, supporting gut health and helping the body eliminate waste efficiently. The natural compounds in carrots may help balance blood sugar levels and support heart health by contributing lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.

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If you want to make your skin feel soft and silky smooth, it’s time to work some lotion bars into your skin care regimen. Great for rough elbows and knees, the lemon balm lotion bars in this article help to moisturize the skin without leaving a greasy feel. Although most of the research on lemon balm focuses on relieving indigestion, treating nausea, easing insomnia, and boosting cognition, it can greatly benefit the skin. In fact, lemon balm exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness.

What Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and many health experts refer to it as a calming herb. It has an invigorating aroma that is wonderful and lemony. Although it grows all over the world, lemon balm is native to Europe and tends to attract bees. The plant can grow up to two feet high, or higher, if not maintained. Rub the leaves between your fingers and it’ll smell like you just juiced a lemon!

Health Benefits Of Lemon Balm

One study examined lemon balm for its potential photoprotective properties. Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the causes of many cutaneous disorders, like photoaging and skin cancer. The study evaluated the protective effects of lemon balm extract and its primary phenolic compound rosmarinic acid against UVB-induced damage in human keratinocytes. Researchers also found caffeic acid and luteolin glucuronide in lemon balm extract. The extract and rosmarinic acid significantly increased the survival of human keratinocytes upon UVB radiation, but lemon balm extract proved more effective. That means that lemon balm extract may be a candidate for topical photoprotective ingredients against UVB-induced skin damage. 

Lemon balm may help relieve symptoms of stress and aid relaxation by promoting feelings of calmness. A 2022 review found that compounds in lemon balm exhibit relaxing effects. In the review, the authors summarized older studies that confirmed lemon balm helped reduce anxiety in people who underwent laboratory-induced stress.

Lemon balm contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Because of that, lemon balm may be a great pore-cleansing ingredient, removing bacteria associated with acne. It may also assist in the healing of minor wounds, scrapes, or insect bites by inhibiting bacterial growth. One study monitored participants who applied lemon balm extract on lesions within 72 hours of their origin. The results indicated that lemon balm was able to both reduce wound size and accelerate the time of healing. 

Homemade Lemon Balm Lotion Bars

Ingredients For Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:

• 1/2 cup lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup jojoba oil

Instructions For Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:

• Once you have the fresh lemon balm leaves, you have to rinse and then dry them in a dehydrator. 
• Place the leaves on a dehydrator tray and place in the dehydrator at 115º F for a couple hours, or until dried. 
• Place the dried leaves in a jar and then pour in the jojoba oil. Screw on the lid and place the jar in a dark place for four to six weeks for the slow infusion method. You can shake the jar every once in a while. 
• The other method, which is quicker, is to place the jar in a saucepan with a couple inches of water over low heat for two hours. Remove from heat and allow the oil to cool before straining the oil through a fine mesh sieve. 

Ingredients For Lotion Bars:

• 1/4 cup infused oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 1/4 cup shea butter

Instructions:

• Add the infused oil, beeswax, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir until the beeswax and shea butter are completely melted. 
• Remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into heat-safe silicone molds. Allow them to solidify at room temperature. 
• Pop the lotion bars out of the molds and place in containers and store in a cool, dry place. Use as needed.

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If there is a seasonal squash you should try during the fall, it is the kabocha squash. It looks like a squatty green pumpkin that has a bright orange flesh. Kabocha squash has a sweeter flavor, similar to butternut squash, and can absorb a variety of flavors. It goes great in soups and stews, but it is classically fried in tempura batter and served with a vegetable medley in Japanese cuisine. That’s not all it can do, though, as this recipe shows how you can transform the squash into crispy, spiced dehydrated chips. The chips deliver in the crispy category and have a robust flavor that keeps you coming back for more. And unlike packaged chips you buy in the store, you can eat these guilt-free.

Kabocha squash, much like sweet potatoes, is a great source of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. A 2/3 cup serving of kabocha squash provides the following nutrient content:

• Calories: 30
• Fat: 0 grams (g)
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8.2 g
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Vitamin C: 9 milligrams (mg)
• Beta-carotene: 1,782 micrograms (mcg)

In order to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and promote optimal vision, the body needs vitamin A. Vitamin C may also help slow the progression of AMD, and people who consume a lot of vitamin C have a lower risk of cataracts. Some research indicates that beta-carotene, which is present in kabocha squash, may help prevent some cancers when consumed through food and not as a supplement. More studies are necessary in humans to confirm kabocha squash’s cancer-preventative properties. For now, enjoy the chips and you may benefit you eye health, immune function, and more.

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Do you ever want to grab all of the gummy, colorful snacks that are marketed for children and eat them for yourself? Well, we cannot blame you, but you also do not need all of those artificial dyes, preservatives, and other processed ingredients. What if we told you that you could make similar fruit roll-ups to the ones you enjoyed as a child? In fact, you can make healthier versions of those without the added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients!

How To Make Fruit Leather

Maybe you have some extra produce that you need to use up, or perhaps you need a healthy snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. Are you a parent that just wants your kids to enjoy healthy snacks? If any of those things apply to you, fruit leather is the answer. It is very easy to make and you can get creative with the flavors. Although a dehydrator is preferable to make fruit leather, you can also use your oven on the lowest setting. Just keep in mind that most ovens do not go as low as 115 degrees F, which is the temp at which dehydration is acceptable for raw vegans. Anything above that temperature renders the recipe cooked and no longer raw vegan. 

Let’s Get Down To The Basics

The only ingredients that you need to make your own fruit leather are ripe fruit and potentially fruit juice. Let’s go over the steps that you’ll need to take:

• Prep your fruit: Make sure that you wash your fruit, even the ones that you are going to peel. Peel any fruit with a skin and pit anything that has a central seed. Core any fruit with a large core and boil down anything that is very hard; your blender will do the rest of the work.
• Sweeteners: There is no need for added sweeteners for most fruit leather recipes. If you feel that the fruit is too tart on its own, you can add some pure maple syrup or raw agave nectar. Add one tablespoon at a time to the blender and taste until it is to your liking. Naturally sweeter fruits like apples and bananas can also be used to sweeten fruit leather. 
• Gather your tools: You will need a blender, parchment paper or silicone sheets, baking trays (for the oven method), dehydrator sheets for dehydrating, and scissors or a pizza cutter to cut the finished product into strips. 
• Preservation: You want the fruit leather to last, especially if you make a large batch. You can roll the fruit leather up and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two months. Store in the freezer for even longer by rolling the fruit leather in the parchment paper and keep in a sealed freezer bag. 

Success Tips

If you want your fruit leather to remain a lighter color that is similar to the color of the fruit, you can add fresh lemon juice while blending your fruit. This is a great step if you want to use lighter-colored fruit leathers that contain mango, guava, pineapple, peaches, or apples. Thicken your fruit mixture by adding banana or thin it out by adding a little water or fresh fruit juice. If using harder fruits, such as apples, consider boiling them first before adding them to the blender with your other ingredients. 

After you blend your mixture, spread the mixture on the baking sheet or dehydrator tray until it is about 1/8-1/4-inch thick. If you can see parchment paper through the puree, it is too thin. A good rule of thumb is to spread from the inside to the outside of the tray. The outside will cook quicker than the inside, so that spreading method will help you achieve an even layer. Ideally, use the back of a silicone spatula or spoon to achieve this thin, flat layer. 

When Is It Ready? 

The fruit leather is ready when it isn’t sticky and doesn’t indent when you press on it. It should not have the original shine it did when you put it in the oven or dehydrator. Once the fruit leather is fully dehydrated, it is very easy to peel off the parchment paper and you can easily cut it into strips, especially if parchment paper is underneath. Before you store the fruit leather, make sure it is completely dry to prevent condensation from accumulating in the container. Continue reading for a couple fruit leather recipes. 

Apple Cinnamon Fruit Leather

Get your snack on…raw vegan style! With these apple cinnamon fruit leather strips, you get the flavor and nutrition that you don’t get from packaged fruit leathers. Embrace the great combination of apples, cinnamon, and pears!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Mango Fruit Roll-Ups

Looking for a healthy snack to pack in your or your child’s lunch? This is super easy, healthy, affordable, and did we mention easy? Try it today!

Click here to make the recipe.

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Welcome to the snack that is as charming as it is chewable. These little green dehydrated slices of kiwi pack a somewhat sour and flavorful punch. Think of dehydrated kiwi like the healthier, tropical, sweet, and tangy version of those unhealthy sour candies with artificial dyes and preservatives. Not only is this snack conveniently portable, but it is also loaded with beneficial nutrients, which we’ll discuss in this description. If you love fresh kiwi, then you will love this snack, which is great for hikes or any sort of travel. They’re perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but want to avoid the guilt of indulging in candy or processed snacks.

Beyond the delightful taste, provide a lot of vitamin C, which helps to give your immune system a boost to fend off foreign invaders in the body. Kiwis also offer a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which works to aid digestion and promote feelings of fullness, helping to curb those unhealthy snack cravings. Rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, kiwis work to combat oxidative stress and may even contribute to healthier aging, specifically on a cellular level. Plus, kiwis contain potassium, which is not only beneficial for maintaining proper muscle function, but also for keeping your blood pressure in check.

Add these dehydrated kiwis to your diet for the healthy perks and to elevate your snack game with a touch of tropical flair. Believe it or not, these dehydrated kiwis are versatile enough to toss into oatmeal, trail mixes, or yogurt. You can also enjoy them as is for a quick, nutritious pick-me-up. The concentrated nutrients make every bite a mini health boost, so next time you want to reach for a snack, consider keeping these at the ready. There’s no reason for snacking to be an unhealthy practice!

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Snack enthusiasts: this one is for you! This is less so a recipe and more so a tutorial on how to properly dehydrate mangos for healthy snacking. If you have been on the hunt for a super tasty raw vegan snack, you clicked on the right recipe. We’re going to dive deep into the world of dehydrated mangos. Trust us when we tell you that they are soft, chewy snacks that’ll hook your taste buds after the first bite. Plus, you only use mango, so you don’t have to worry about processed ingredients or preservatives that are typically in dried mangos that you find in grocery stores.

Why are mangos perfect for your snacking needs? First off, mangos offer a ton of vitamins, especially vitamin A and C, both of which encourage healthy immune function. They also help improve the appearance of the skin, assisting with collagen production. Mangos also contain a lot of fiber, which benefits digestion and can help keep you feeling full longer. That makes these dried mangos perfect for combatting those mid-afternoon cravings! We cannot forget about the antioxidant properties, which work to combat oxidative stress, a process that ultimately lowers the risk of chronic diseases.

Do yourself a favor and make this recipe…like yesterday. Grab some fresh mangos and get started on dehydrating. Just keep in mind that this recipe, like most dehydrator recipes, takes a bit of time. You may need to dehydrate the mangos for 12-14 hours. Just remember that the thinner your mango slices are, the quicker they will dry out. Happy dehydrating and snacking!

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Who doesn’t love a good snack? It’s so easy to open up a bag of chips and just start eating handful after handful. The same can be said for a bucket of popcorn. Unfortunately, we all know that these snacks are empty calories and only leave us wanting more. Plus, the sodium content is through the roof! The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy a crunchy snack in a healthy way.

That’s right, folks, we are talking about kale chips. These crunchy creations are not only addictively delicious, but also highly nutritious. Closely related to cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, and cauliflower, kale offers an assortment of nutrients, including vitamins, A, B6, C, & K, manganese, magnesium, riboflavin, folate, fiber, calcium, and other important plant compounds. The antioxidants in kale include quercetin and kaempferol, both of which are present in large amounts in kale. According to test-tube and animal studies, these compounds work to support heart health, reduce inflammation, slow the growth of cancer cells, and protect against chronic diseases.

What separates these kale chips from the next batch is that you dehydrate them after covering them in a creamy cashew cheese sauce. Because of that, the kale takes a lot longer to get crispy. You will need about 12 hours of dehydration in order to yield a crispy, cheesy kale chip. Before you sauce the kale in cashew cheese sauce, make sure to massage it with sea salt and lemon juice. Once the leaves are coated, you can toss them in the cashew sauce before placing them on dehydrator sheets. Don’t overlap the kale pieces or else they won’t get crispy.

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Get ready to take your raw vegan diet to the next level with these homemade pumpkin rosemary crackers. They are savory, 100% raw vegan, and entirely gluten-free. They are nutrient-dense and satisfy your craving for salty snack, whether you are cleansing or not. Unlike most flax crackers, these are not dense; rather, they are quite light and crunchy. The level of crunchiness will depend on how long you keep them in the dehydrator. The thickness of the paste you smear on the dehydrator sheets will also dictate how long you have to dehydrate them.

Fall is pumpkin season, so we love to incorporate raw pumpkin whenever we get the chance. In addition to providing a warming flavor, pumpkin offers a lot of beta-carotene, vitamin C, fiber, and other antioxidants. Two of the antioxidants in pumpkin, zeaxanthin and lutein, work to encourage healthier eyesight. If you do not have pumpkin, you can replace it with butternut squash, as it has a similar flavor, nutritional content, and texture.

Regarding the spices, this recipe calls for rosemary and thyme, which go great with the other ingredients. You can, however, use dill, basil, parsley, cilantro, or other Italian seasonings if you have those on hand. Make things easy for yourself, not more difficult. Lastly, this recipe does take some time to dehydrate (about 20 hours to be exact). Just make sure that you flip the flax mixture once about four to six hours into dehydrating to get an evenly crisp cracker.

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Dried cranberries make for an excellent snack. Unfortunately, the dried cranberries that you find in stores almost always contain lots of refined sugars, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. These types of dried cranberries are common in salads, trail mixes, and dried fruit medleys. We advise you to avoid these sugary treats and buy some fresh cranberries to dehydrate instead. Plus, nothing quite indicates the holiday season like fresh cranberries, which are only available in stores for about two months.

These dehydrated cranberries may not taste as sweet as the packaged ones you are used to; rather, they offer a more complex and slightly tarter flavor. Plus, you get the benefits of enjoying fresh cranberries in their dehydrated state. Cranberries are some of the richest sources of antioxidants and provide lots of fiber and vitamin C as well. Regarding their antioxidant profile, cranberries provide the following:

• Peonidin: This antioxidant is responsible for the rich red color of cranberries and some of their health benefits. According to researchers, cranberries are one of the richest dietary sources of peonidin.
• Quercetin: This is the most prevalent antioxidant polyphenol in cranberries. Studies suggest that cranberries are one of the primary fruit sources of this antioxidant compound.
• Ursolic acid: Ursolic acid, a triterpene compound, is concentrated in the skin of cranberries. It is a common ingredient in many traditional herbal medicines and exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
• Myricetin: This is a natural bioflavonoid that offers antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-mutagenic properties. It may have therapeutic potential for people with cardiovascular diseases.

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Nothing like a good bag of chips, right? The crunch is so amazing and you can keep reaching your hand in that bag until you reach the point of tilting the bag to funnel the crumbs into your mouth. Now, take a second to read the ingredient list on that bag of chips. You probably notice hydrogenated oils, dyes, artificial flavors, monosodium glutamate (MSG), different powders, and other things you cannot pronounce. Not only that, a bag of chips is devoid of nutrients, so you ingest empty calories, which is why you can eat an entire bag and still want more.

That’s far from the case for these dehydrated persimmon chips. Persimmons, unlike apples and pears, are not available year round. It is a highly sought after Asian fruit during the fall and winter months. Stock up and them and use them any way you can, as they exhibit a unique flavor and lots of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, K, & B6, fiber, potassium, copper, folate, and manganese. Persimmons also contain flavonoid compounds that help fight oxidative stress, which can contribute chronic illnesses, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.

There are two primary persimmon varieties: Fuyu and Hachiya. Fuyu persimmons are great to dehydrate, as they tend to have a sweeter flavor profile. In order to get them perfectly crispy, use a mandoline slicer on the 3/16″ blade setting. Just remember that the thicker you slice them, the longer they take to crisp up in the dehydrator. Thin slices will dehydrate at a faster rate, but expect the process to take between eight to 10 hours.

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