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Guide to Drying + Essentials of Slow Living

Guide to Drying + Essentials of Slow Living

Btw, should homesteaders build permanent, long-lasting structures on their land, or focus on modular or portable buildings that offer flexibility?

Cedie Omaña
October 31, 2024

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul."
— Simone Weil

HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY

Fall is a great time to buy and plant bare-root trees and shrubs – they’re usually cheaper, and they’ll have all winter to settle in before spring growth.

Should homesteaders build permanent, long-lasting structures on their land, or focus on modular or portable buildings that offer flexibility?

IN TODAY'S EDITION

Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊
All Things Homestead: Introduction to Drying 🌞
Personal Development: Slow Living for Busy People 🙅
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever tried growing or raising on your homestead?

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ An exotic fruit or vegetable

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Bees for honey and wax

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Mushrooms

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ A rare breed of livestock

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Unusual herbs or medicinal plants

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (tell us your unique homestead adventure!)

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Introduction to Drying 🌞

Drying food is one of the easiest and oldest ways to store your harvest. It works by removing moisture, which keeps bacteria and mold from growing. The best part? It doesn’t take much fancy equipment, and it leaves you with lightweight, flavorful, long-lasting food.

Why Dry Your Harvest?

Easy Storage: Dried food is lightweight and takes up less space—perfect if you’re low on storage.
Boosts Flavor: Drying makes flavors richer, giving you tastier results like sweet dried apples or savory herbs.
No Fancy Gear Needed: You can use things you already have, like an oven or a sunny window, to dry your food.

What Can You Dry?

Fruits & Veggies: Apples, tomatoes, berries, zucchini—if you grow it, you can probably dry it.
Herbs: Basil, rosemary, and thyme all dry beautifully.
Jerky: Making your own jerky is a fun way to preserve meat for snacks.

Different Ways to Dry Your Food

1. Air Drying: Air drying is as simple as it gets. It’s great for herbs and some small fruits. Just hang them up and let time do the rest!

Best for: Herbs like rosemary, small peppers, and chilies.
How to do it: Bundle herbs with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dry space. For fruits, lay them on a mesh rack for airflow. It usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Tip: A pantry or a breezy room works best for air drying. Avoid damp spaces like kitchens.

2. Oven Drying: If you need a quick method, use your oven. It’s perfect for small batches of fruits or veggies.

Best for: Apple slices, tomatoes, and veggie chips.
How to do it: Slice everything evenly and spread it on baking sheets. Set the oven to its lowest setting (140-170°F) and leave the door slightly open for air circulation. Check every few hours—most things will dry in 4-8 hours.

Tip: Line trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3. Using a Dehydrator: A dehydrator is the way to go if you want consistent results, especially for larger batches.

Why use it: It gives you control over temperature and airflow. Plus, the trays let you dry a lot at once.
How to do it: Place sliced produce or herbs on the trays. Set the temperature (around 135°F for fruits) and let it run for 6-12 hours.

Tip: Rotate trays halfway through to make sure everything dries evenly.

4. Solar Drying: If you have sunny weather, try solar drying. It’s a sustainable way to preserve food, but it depends on the sun.

Best for: Grapes, tomatoes, and apricots.
How to do it: Use a mesh rack and cover it with clear plastic to trap heat. Put everything out in direct sunlight, turning the pieces occasionally. Drying usually takes 1-3 days, depending on the weather.

Tip: Bring the racks inside at night to keep moisture and critters away.

Give it a try, experiment with different foods, and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labor all year long!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Slow Living for Busy People 🙅

Between work, chores, and scrolling through social media, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But slow living is all about stepping back, catching your breath, and focusing on what really matters—even when life stays busy.

What Exactly Is Slow Living?

Slow living means being more intentional—doing things at a pace that feels natural. It’s not about quitting work or doing less, but about prioritizing what matters. Think of it like enjoying a home-cooked meal instead of grabbing fast food on the run.

It’s Not Laziness: Slow living isn’t about slacking off. It’s about being fully present and choosing quality over quantity.

Why Do We Feel So Busy All the Time?

We live in a world that pushes us to do more—work harder, stay productive, and be constantly “on.” On top of that, we put pressure on ourselves with perfectionism and FOMO (fear of missing out). No wonder it feels like there’s never enough time.

Quick Thought: What’s one thing making you feel overwhelmed right now? Identifying it is the first step to slowing down.

Why Slowing Down Matters

Taking life slower isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. When you slow down, tasks like cooking or gardening become enjoyable instead of stressful. You’ll also strengthen your relationships by being more present. And the best part? It helps reduce burnout and makes space for gratitude and simple joys.

Practical Ways to Add Slow Living to Your Life

1. Shift How You Think

Do Less, But Do It Well: Focus on a few key tasks each day, and let go of things that aren’t essential.
Let Imperfection In: Not everything has to be flawless. A misshaped loaf of bread still tastes amazing.
Be Fully Present: When you’re chatting with family or working in the garden, try to stay focused on that moment.
Practice Gratitude Daily: Write down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day.
Redefine Productivity: Rest and downtime aren’t wastes of time—they recharge you.

2. Create Supportive Routines

Slow Mornings: Start with five minutes of deep breathing, stretching, or journaling. A calm morning sets the tone for the day.
Wind Down at Night: Turn off screens before bed—dim the lights, sip herbal tea, or read a book.
Mindful Eating: No phones or TV at mealtime. Focus on each bite and enjoy the flavors.
Screen-Free Zones: Pick a few places—like the dining table or bedroom—where phones aren’t allowed.
Daily Nature Time: Even 15 minutes outside, whether gardening or walking, can lift your mood.

3. Simplify Your Tasks

Batch Tasks Together: Group similar chores, like cooking meals or folding laundry, to save time and energy.
Declutter Regularly: Keeping things simple makes everyday tasks more enjoyable.
Add Breathing Room: Leave small gaps between tasks to avoid rushing from one thing to the next.
Stay Flexible: Make plans, but be ready to adjust them when life happens.
Get the Family Involved: Share chores with kids or partners—it makes work lighter and creates bonding time.