Dehydrated Broccoli

Broccoli makes a delicious and healthy snack that anyone can enjoy. Dehydrated broccoli is an excellent option to preserve leftovers without chemicals or additives. By drying broccoli, you remove any moisture that could cause bacteria growth!

Dehydrating broccoli is simple and best when you have fresh produce. Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into even-sized pieces. Then, blanch it for a few minutes. Finally, you can use an air fryer, a dehydrator, an oven, or a microwave to dry your broccoli.

Preparing to Dehydrate Broccoli

How to Pick Fresh Broccoli

While broccoli is available to buy all year round, it is best to buy broccoli during winter and spring. Broccoli picked in season is more flavorful, so you should preserve it during these months for the best results.

Here are a few quick tips to help you buy the perfect broccoli heads:

Tip #1: Always buy broccoli heads where the florets are tightly packed with little space in between them.

Tip #2: Color is an excellent freshness indicator when buying broccoli. Look for a deep green color with tinges of purple. 

Tip #3: Yellowed florets and woody stems indicate broccoli that has lost its freshness, so it is best to avoid them.

Supplies You Need

Broccoli

When you dehydrate any vegetable, its size decreases by almost half. If you dry 2 cups of broccoli, you will end up with about 1 cup of dehydrated broccoli. A pound of broccoli also yields about 2 cups of dried broccoli, filling a pint-sized jar. We will use 2 lbs of broccoli to fill 2-3 pint-sized jars of dehydrated broccoli.

Drying Equipment

You can use any dehydrating equipment to dry your broccoli. Most people prefer to use food dehydrators because it is the most convenient. Excalibur makes reliable equipment that evenly dehydrates the produce in its racks.

If you do not have a food dehydrator, you can still dry broccoli at home using an air fryer, oven, or microwave!

Container Jars

Although you can use any air-tight container, you should use a glass pint-size jar. Glass is a good conductor of heat, so trapped residual heat trapped will spread evenly throughout, and there will be less chance of spoilage. Additionally, you can quickly see any condensation formed through the glass.

How to Dehydrate Broccoli

Prepare the Broccoli

Wash the Broccoli

Washing the broccoli is an essential step because its florets are densely packed. They provide the perfect home for dirt, bacteria, and small critters. To properly wash broccoli, follow these easy steps:

1. Soak your broccoli in a bowl of water for a few minutes while agitating the water to help clean the broccoli. 
2. Rinse out the water and repeat until the broccoli is completely clean.  

Cut the Broccoli

Cutting the broccoli may seem like a trying task, but it is simple with these simple steps:

1. Place your broccoli head upside down on a cutting board.
2. Separate the florets from the main stem using a pairing knife. Move from the outside of the broccoli head to the center.
3. If your florets are too large, cut them into smaller pieces so that all the florets are roughly the same size. 
4. Chop the stem into small pieces that are about ½ inch in thickness.

Blanch the Broccoli

After washing and cutting the broccoli, you must blanch it. Blanching helps retain the color and texture of the broccoli and helps maintain its quality. It will also reduce the time for drying.

To blanch broccoli properly, follow these easy steps:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a pot of cold water.
2. Add the florets to the boiling water and blanch it for about 3 minutes.
3. Transfer the broccoli to a pot of cold water to stop its cooking process.

Dehydrate the Broccoli

Drying with an Air Fryer

You can use your air fryer to dehydrate your broccoli and enjoy a crispy snack on the go! To dehydrate broccoli using an air fryer, follow these simple steps:

1. Place your broccoli florets in the air fryer basket and dry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. If you do not want crisp broccoli, you can reduce the cooking time.
2. Remove the basket 2-3 times throughout the drying process and shake the broccoli florets to dry evenly. For an added bit of flavor, you can also toss in garlic, oil, salt, and any seasoning.
3. Remove the broccoli florets from the air fryer and let them cool down to room temperature.

Drying with a Food Dehydrator

To dehydrate broccoli using a food dehydrator, follow these easy steps:

1. Layer the dehydrator trays with your broccoli florets and stems.
2. Load the trays into the dehydrator and dry at 125 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 hours.
3. Depending on the dehydrator you use, you may need to rotate the trays periodically for even drying.
4. Remove the trays from the dehydrator and let them cool down to room temperature.

Drying with a Microwave

To dehydrate broccoli using a microwave, follow these easy steps:

1. Start by spreading broccoli florets in a single layer on a microwave tray. Keep enough space between every two pieces of broccoli to allow hot air to flow.
2. Set the microwave to the defrost setting and microwave the broccoli for about 30 minutes.
3. Check on the broccoli halfway through and turn over the florets for even drying if needed.
4. If the broccoli is still moist at the end of 30 minutes, give it an extra 10 minutes in the microwave.
5. Remove the broccoli from the microwave and let it cool to room temperature.

Drying with an Oven

To dehydrate broccoli with an oven, follow these simple steps:

1. Line an oven tray with parchment paper and spread the broccoli pieces in a single layer. Keep enough space between the broccoli pieces to allow hot air to circulate.
2. Load the tray into the oven and dehydrate the broccoli at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 hours. Leave the oven door open slightly to allow the hot air to circulate.
3. Start checking on the broccoli after 5 hours and rotate the broccoli as needed.
4. Check the dryness of the broccoli by snapping it in half. Let the broccoli cool to room temperature if there is no more moisture.

How to Store Dried Broccoli

When storing dehydrated vegetables, you must condition them before storing them long-term. Conditioning distributes any residual heat and moisture throughout the dried vegetable, preventing food spoilage.

To condition and store dried broccoli, follow these easy steps:

1. Fill your container jars so that they are ⅔ full. 
2. Shake the jars a couple of times every day for a week to distribute the residual heat and moisture throughout the jar.
3. If there is no condensation on the jars, you can finally fill the jars all the way. Then, you can move the jars into the pantry. If you still notice any condensation on the jars, the broccoli needs additional drying time.

How to Rehydrate Dried Broccoli

If you want to rehydrate dried broccoli, add hot water to a bowl and soak the broccoli for 10-15 minutes. Your broccoli should be rehydrated and ready to use! 

If you use dried broccoli in soups and casseroles, you do not need to rehydrate it. Add the dried florets and stems to the soup as you cook and give them a few extra minutes to rehydrate them.

How to Use Dehydrated Broccoli

The best part about dehydrated broccoli is that you can eat it as is or incorporate it into your dishes. If you use broccoli in soups and stews, you do not need to rehydrate it beforehand!

Here are a few different ways to use dehydrated broccoli!

Broccoli Powder

If you enjoy green smoothies, broccoli powder makes a great addition to those healthy morning drinks. You can also use it as a garnish to elevate your other dishes!

To make broccoli powder from dehydrated broccoli, follow these simple steps:

1. Once your broccoli has dried and cooled, add it to your blender pot and give it a whizz until you are left with a fine powder.
2. Blending the broccoli while it is still warm may introduce moisture into the powder. As a result, it is best to dehydrate the powder for additional time. You can use a muffin tray to make this process easier.

Vegetable Sauces

Dehydrated broccoli can make a great sauce for your pasta. To make vegetable sauce with dried broccoli, follow these easy steps:

1. Rehydrate the broccoli in boiling water.
2. Next, remove the broccoli from the water and strain it with a colander.
3. Place your broccoli into a pot with olive oil or margarine to give your sauce the best flavor. You can also add in any other sauteed vegetable you want.
4. Finally, add in your stock and seasoning. To give the sauce a creamier texture, add milk or heavy cream. Use a blender to get a homogeneous mixture, and your sauce is ready!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Frozen Broccoli be Dehydrated?

Since frozen broccoli is already washed, cut, and blanched, they are perfect candidates for dehydrating. Start by thawing the frozen broccoli with hot water or the fridge. Next, sort the broccoli by size and layer it on dehydrator trays. Finally, dry the broccoli at 125 degrees for 6-8 hours, and you will have dried broccoli!

Do You Have to Blanch Broccoli Before Dehydrating?

While you are not required to blanch broccoli, it is recommended for a better end product. Blanching helps retain the broccoli’s color and flavor for the long term, especially when you use the broccoli in a few months. If you do not blanch broccoli before drying, the broccoli will have a harder texture and more bitter flavor.

How Long Does Dehydrated Broccoli Last?

Properly dehydrated, conditioned, and stored broccoli will last 12-18 months in the pantry. Check on the dehydrated broccoli periodically to ensure no signs of spoilage. If you notice mold or a sour, vinegar-like smell on the dehydrated broccoli, it is best to discard it.

Is Dehydrated Broccoli Good For You?

Using dehydrated broccoli is an excellent way to add nutrients and flavor to your soups, salads, and other dishes. Drying broccoli removes moisture while locking in its nutrients and flavors. So, dehydrated broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber! It is a great way to preserve your broccoli and, at the same time, add variety to your diet.

Conclusion

Dehydrated broccoli is a simple and easy way to preserve broccoli, so you always have it on hand. You can even use all kinds of equipment, from a dehydrator to an oven, to dry it. It is also versatile and delicious in meals like stews and casseroles, so be sure to pick up extra broccoli to dry!

If you enjoyed this guide, you could also learn how to freeze broccoli!