On Monday I decided I would try dehydrating eggs since I was excited by the Daily YouTube – Dehydrating Raw Eggs video I watched recently. I even decided to buy really fresh eggs from a local supplier. Unfortunately, this experiment turned into an epic failure (that is what the kids say these day, isn’t it?).
Even though I purchased three dozen eggs, I had no idea what to really expect so I did something smart and started with only dehydrating one dozen eggs. I went about as instructed and blended the eggs really super well in order to aerate them. I then (cautiously) poured blended eggs directly onto the pyrex sheets of my Excalibur dehydrator.
Since I figured it might spill over I was careful with pouring the mixture and choose not to pour it all the way to the sides. I then carefully slid the trays into the dehydrator and was pleased with my efforts. Things were going well.
Yeah, that’s when it all went wrong. Now, I’m not sure what happened precisely. Suffice it to say that the picture above says it all–and that’s after I’d already cleaned up a portion of the mess. Eggs simply started pouring out the front for minutes on end. I was NOT happy.
After a lengthy cleanup and probably a few curse words, I wondered if the dehydrate was level or not. It was, in fact, completely level. Of course, my wife had a few choice comments of her own (I probably deserve a few hundred more from her) and the worst part is that I didn’t even get to dehydrate my eggs. 
Now, I’m on the lookout for some very shallow 12″x12″ pans that have a slight lip so that I can try it again someday.
Take a moment and please choose to LIKE this post on Facebook and share via Twitter using the buttons below, or you may Email it to a friend quickly using the Email button shown directly above. Thank you for your time! Want to take your prepping to the next level?Become a Pathway 2 Preparedness member and get yourself and your family ready for nearly any emergency in only 12 weeks! Prepare for sheltering-in-place, evacuation, and plenty more. Check it out.Blog Owners: This content may be freely republished so long as the following credit is included at the top of the article: "This article was first published at reThinkSurvival.com." |
Your dehydrator may be level on the OUTSIDE – but the shelves on the INSIDE may not be level – or the weight of the container contributed to the tray being unlevel.
Once you are SURE that your dehydrator and shelves are level – be SURE that you place the container IN THE CENTER of the tray. It may be that you had it placed too far to the front.
I solved the problem of leaking eggs by getting 2/$1 disposable “grill trays” at the Dollar Tree. They are 15 x 10 – so I cut them down to 14 x 10 to fit my Excalibur trays. The grill trays have 3/4″ holes punched all over the bottom of the tray – so you need to line them with parchment paper just 1/4 to 1/2″ larger, to come up the sides of the tray just a bit, to keep the raw eggs from sloshing out.
I re-did the trays this way: I cut down the sides and ends to be only 1″ or less. I then creased these edges about 1/4″ from the cut edge, by using a ballpoint pen. Use the pen on the OUTSIDE of the edge, so it will crease to the OUTSIDE. Fold down these creased edges to form a short, sturdy side – AFTER you have cut one end off, and slid it back into the larger piece. Staple these pieces together, then fold on the crease. (The parchment paper prevents any leakage, and is nonstick.)
As you work, you will learn how easy it is. You are simply cutting the end off a rectangular “box”, then sliding it back into the box to shorten it.
Use a metal ruler or other STRAIGHT, FLAT object to make the creases fold at a right angle, and to flatten out the bottom, after you finish, so it is FLAT.
Beat the eggs very well, line the trays with the paper, and FILL THE TRAYS AT THE DEHYDRATOR – don’t carry them across the kitchen. Position the egg trays in the CENTER of dehydrator tray. I used a 135 deg setting. Takes 8-10 hours to dry.
When THOROUGHLY dry, place egg pieces in a blender and powder. While running, tip the blender (motor and jar) at a 45 degree angle so the eggs form a tornado, rotating up onto the side of the jar, then down into the blending blades. Use a pulsing on/off, to make larger particles fall back into the blades. Do not let run too long, as it will overheat the eggs.
Store in a glass jar with an oxygen remover packet, topped with a flat canning lid and ring, finger tight. You will hear a “ping” a few hours later, as the packet removes all the air and makes a vacuum seal.
These trays work very well for powdering #10 cans of tomato paste for tomato powder, sour cream, etc.
Have fun!
Linda G.
That’s the idea I was looking for. I would love to see pics of the finished product (the trays you made) some day. Thank you for the ideas. By the way, how long do your dehydrated eggs seem to last?
How would I post pics? I could do so with instructions. How long do the eggs last? I don’t know. Check “keeping dates” of commercially processed powdered eggs. The high fat content that eggs have will shorten how long they will last – but I think powdered eggs are good for 5 years or so, aren’t they? As long as they remain vacuum sealed in the jar, this should be about the same.
BE SURE THEY ARE NOT EXPOSED TO LIGHT – keep in a closed cabinet or make craft paper cylinders that will slip over the jars. Good Kids’ Project, too!
Also a good way to “recycle” paper grocery bags!
Can you post it on my facebook page (facebook.com/rethinksurvival)? I’m new to facebook so I’m not sure if you can or not. Otherwise, consider a guest post on “how to dehydrate eggs in an Excalibur dehydrator” if you like. It was just a thought so don’t go to too much trouble!
I’d be happy to do so – perhaps the blog owner will get in touch with me to talk about it.
You’re talkin’ to him! The facebook page mentioned is for reThinkSurvival.com. If you want to try a guest post use http://rethinksurvival.com/guest-post
My wife could have told you that too.
Sorry to hear about that one. Looks like a real mess but better you than me!
Better luck next time. Looking forward to seeing the real deal.