Dehydration is one of the oldest methods of food preservation, dating back to the early civilizations. Mediterranean fishing settlements dried fish in the open air and various dehydrated foods were found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Native American tribes preserved fruits, vegetables and meats. By 1795, the French developed the first dehydrator designed to regulate drying conditions and mechanize food saving. The French unit successfully dried fruit and vegetables at a controlled temperature with a continuous circulating flow of air.

California League Of Food Producers