Category Archives: Crafting

Blog, Cooking, Crafting, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

How to Air Dry Food

#airdrying #foodpreservation

Air drying food is a great way to preserve and store your favorite snacks for future consumption. Air drying food is an ancient practice that has been used by many cultures over time to preserve food for long periods of time. The process of air drying food is simple and requires minimal effort. The food is placed in a warm, dry environment, where the air can circulate around the food and remove the moisture. By removing the moisture, the food will not spoil as quickly, allowing it to be stored for longer periods of time.

The process of air drying food begins by selecting the food that is to be dried. Fruits and vegetables are the most common foods to be air dried, but meats and fish can also be preserved using this method. Once the food has been selected, it should be washed and cut into the desired shape and size. After this, the food should be placed on a drying rack or in a dehydrator to begin the air drying process. When air drying food, it is important to ensure that the temperature is kept between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as this will provide the optimal environment for air drying food.

It is also important to remember to turn the food periodically during the air drying process. This helps to ensure even drying and prevents the food from sticking together or becoming too dry. The length of the drying process will vary depending on the type of food being dried and the temperature at which it is being dried. The food should be dried until it is completely dry and has a crispy texture.

Once the air drying process is complete, the food should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help to ensure the food does not spoil or spoil too quickly. Air drying food can also be a great way to prepare food for long-term storage. This method of food preservation has been used for centuries and is still a popular way to store food today.

Air drying food can be a great way to preserve and store your favorite snacks and meals. The process is simple and requires minimal effort, and can be used to preserve a variety of different types of food. By following the proper steps and storing the food in an airtight container, air drying food can provide a safe and reliable way to store food for long periods of time.

Cooking, Crafting, Growing, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

4 Ways to Preserve Food for Long-term Storage

Drying food is a great way to #preserve it for long-term storage. #Food drying has been used for centuries, and it is still a popular method of food preservation today. Dried foods are #lightweight, easy to store, and can last for months or even years without spoiling.

There are several methods of drying food. The most common is air-drying, which involves removing moisture from the food by exposing it to air. This can be done with natural air flow, or with the use of a food dehydrator. Air-drying works best with vegetables and fruits, as they have high moisture content.

Another method of drying food is freeze-drying. This involves freezing the food, then subjecting it to a vacuum. This removes the moisture, leaving behind food that is lightweight and has a long shelf life. Freeze-dried food can also be rehydrated and used in recipes.

Sun-drying is another way of drying food. This method involves exposing the food to the sun for several days, until the moisture content is sufficiently reduced. Sun-drying is best suited for vegetables and fruits, as well as herbs and spices.

Finally, a more modern method of drying food is microwave drying. This method involves using a microwave to reduce the moisture content of the food. Microwave drying is best used for herbs, spices, and delicate fruits and vegetables.

No matter which method of drying food you choose, it is important to make sure that the food is completely dried before storing it. This will ensure that it lasts for months or even years without spoiling. Dried food can be used in a variety of recipes, and it is a great way to preserve food for the long-term.

Crafting, Growing, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

Hydrogarden Update: Redesign

Leave a comment

I’ve redesigned my hydro garden a bit. The tub I had been using got algae, and was too clear. The dollar store had 10″ garden planters available and weed blocker. I bought both and made a tub for poblano peppers, which shot up right away. I then redid the mixed bucket again to just one type of plant – scallions and that seems to be doing well with the one that sprouted from the mixed tub rooted and shot up. I ordered more check valves and airline tubing and will move the current buckets to a 4 outlet pump I have and then do a cilantro and spinach bucket. I’ve also figured a setup to store this in my living room.

Cooking, Crafting, Growing, Living, Pleasant St Homestead

New blog!! Pleasant St Homestead!

Leave a comment

New blog!! One of my goals in my new space is to learn to be more self-sufficient. I’ve always thought that meant having a large plot of land to do farming activities and other related projects but I’m learning that that’s not always the case. My Pleasant St Homestead Blog will document that journey in becoming more and more self-sufficient. Here are the things I’ve been doing since moving to accomplish this goal

1. Zero-waste lifestyle
Really paying attention to my consumables and seeing where I can reduce waste. Recently I replaced battery operated candles with rechargeable ones so I wouldn’t have to deal with the waste of batteries. Another are reusable produce bags as the farm I get my veggies from uses plastic which drives me nuts.

2. Hydrogardening
I recently got into hydro gardening which is growing vegetables (and plants) in a bed/tub of water and nutrients rather than soil. It’s a little less maintenance as you don’t have to worry about them getting enough water. I’ve been struggling but I recently had some success with cilantro. My plan is once I have a tub fully flourishing I will learn about canning.

3. Dehydrating
This interest came to be as a result of my CSA (community supported agriculture) memberships and having excess of veggies going bad. Dehydrating food can preserve them and you can learn how to use them later. So far I’ve done onions, spinach and a few others.

CC Blog, Crafting, Creative Conservationism, DIY, Growing, Pleasant St Homestead, Project Examples, Projects, Water Quality, Woodnote Lab Notes, Woodnote Video Realize

Project: 18 hole Hydroponic Garden Setup.

Leave a comment


18 hole hydroponic setup

This is a tutorial for my larger hydroponic setup. The setup allows 18 holes for plants; this particular setup has 5 different varieties of greens: arugula, kale mix, cilantro, spinach and green onion. 

This is a very simple project however requires basic understanding of hydroponics. The ph level in water is important as it helps imitate the environment of soil-based gardening. The liquid nutrients imitates the nutrients in the soil. You can lower ph levels naturally using lemon or lime juice. The plastic of the tote is important as well make sure it’s food grade; p5 is fine.

Instructions

  1. Take a 1 1/4″ hole saw and the sterlite 16 qt and mark your first hole
  2. Then use the hole as a template for the hole grid
  3. Drill a hole for the airline for the pump, make sure it’s big enough to not pinch the airline
  4. Drill a hole for the grow light
  5. Count the baskets you need (18 in this case)
  6. Fill the tote with water and measure the ph level, adjust as necessary
  7. With the last cup of water, soak the sponges for 5 minutes, pour remaining into the tote
  8. Place everything in their holes
  9. I planted two seeds for every basket to increase chances of germination
  10. Wait 7-10 days for peak germination

Grow Light for Indoor Plants, MEKER LED Small Grow Light, Height Adjustable Angel Ring Plants Growing Lamp, Full Spectrum, Automatic Timer, 5V Low Safe Voltage, Ideal for Small Plant Light (1 Head)

Buy Grow Light for Indoor Plants, MEKER LED Small Grow Light, Height Adjustable Angel Ring Plants Growing Lamp, Full Spectrum, Automatic Timer, 5V Low Safe Voltage, Ideal for Small Plant Light (1 Head): Growing Lamps – Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

Pawfly 40 GPH Aquarium Air Pump with Airline Tubing and Check Valve Accessories for 3 – 10 Gallon Small Fish Tank

Amazon.com: Pawfly Aquarium 40 GPH Compact Air Pump Quiet Oxygen Aerator Pump with Air Stone Airline Tubing and Check Valve Accessories for 5 – 20 Gallon Buckets and Fish Tanks : Pet Supplies

Pawfly Aquarium 0.8 Inch Air Stone Ball Bubble Diffuser Release Tool for Nano Air Pumps Small Buckets and Fish Tanks, 10 Pack

Amazon.com : Pawfly Aquarium 0.8 Inch Air Stone Ball Bubble Diffuser Release Tool for Nano Air Pumps Small Buckets and Fish Tanks, 10 Pack : Pet Supplies

AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients (3 oz)

Amazon.com : AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients (3 oz) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

PH Meter for Water Hydroponics Digital PH Tester Pen 0.01 High Accuracy Pocket Size with 0-14 PH Measurement Range for Household Drinking, Pool and Aquarium (Yellow)

PH Meter for Water Hydroponics Digital PH Tester Pen 0.01 High Accuracy Pocket Size with 0-14 PH Measurement Range for Household Drinking, Pool and Aquarium (Yellow): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

BN-LINK 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer Grounded Aquarium, Grow Light, Hydroponics, Pets, Home, Kitchen, Office, Appliances, UL Listed 125VAC, 60 Hz, 1875W, 15A, 1/2HP (1)

Buy BN-LINK 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer Grounded Aquarium, Grow Light, Hydroponics, Pets, Home, Kitchen, Office, Appliances, UL Listed 125VAC, 60 Hz, 1875W, 15A, 1/2HP (1): Timer Switches – Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

Sterilite? 16 Quart Basic Clear Storage Box with White Lid

Amazon.com: Sterilite? 16 Quart Basic Clear Storage Box with White Lid : Home & Kitchen

50 Set Hydroponic Growing Kit, Root Grow Sponges Replacement Seed Sponges Grow Baskets, Plant Seed Starter Pods Kit for Indoor Garden Root Growth System

Amazon.com : 50 Set Hydroponic Growing Kit, Root Grow Sponges Replacement Seed Sponges Grow Baskets, Plant Seed Starter Pods Kit for Indoor Garden Root Growth System : Patio, Lawn & Garden

100 Pieces Plastic Grow Domes Plant Pod Grow Domes Cap for Grow Basket Plant Growing Containers for Hydroponic Growing System

Amazon.com : 100 Pieces Plastic Grow Domes Plant Pod Grow Domes Cap for Grow Basket Plant Growing Containers for Hydroponic Growing System : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Locisne Hole Saw Set 11 Pieces 3/4″ – 2-1/2 ” Hole Saw Kit with Hex Key and Mandrels for Wood, PVC Board, Plastic Plate Drilling

Locisne Hole Saw Set 11 Pieces 3/4″ – 2-1/2 ” Hole Saw Kit with Hex Key and Mandrels for Wood, PVC Board, Plastic Plate Drilling: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement