How to Make Dehydrated Broccoli

Packing dehydrated broccoli for camping trips is a great way to add a familiar green and loved vegetable to your meals while enjoying nature.

Dried broccoli is nutritious and super easy to store. Plus, it takes up much less space and weight in your backpack than fresh broccoli!

💡 How to Make Dehydrated Broccoli

If you’re anything like me, you love spending time camping and hiking. However, it can be hard packing and fitting all your food for the trip, especially produce, when without refrigeration.

It can be difficult to keep your vegetables fresh and not squished, particularly if you’re going to be on the trail for a few days. That’s where dehydrated broccoli comes in! This simple method of dehydration will help you preserve your veggies without any fuss.

Blanching Broccoli

Blanching is the process of boiling vegetables for a short amount of time, then plunging them into ice water. This helps to preserve their nutrients and color. Doing this helps to keep all of the nutrients intact as well as the color of the vegetable.

I advise blanching your broccoli before dehydrating it. Put it in boiling water for 30 seconds, strain it, and then drop it into a bowl of ice water. Strain again.

Once your broccoli is blanched, you can place it on trays and dehydrate it using a food dehydrator or by oven-drying. It will keep its beautiful green hue!

👉 How to Dehydrate Broccoli

Reserve a chunk of time at home when you can check on the progress of dehydration regularly. I like to start drying my broccoli after lunch and know it will be complete before I head to bed in the evening. Leave yourself enough time to package the product properly.

Dehydrated Broccoli in a Food Dehydrator

After you have strained the broccoli it is ready to dehydrate. Place chopped and blanched broccoli chunks on dehydrator trays. Space them out so they are not touching.

Place the full trays of broccoli inside your dehydrator. Set the temperature to 135 degrees. The timer can be set for 6 hours, but remember, some dehydrators work faster or slower than others.

Start checking the broccoli after 5 hours but it can take up to 7 or 8 hours. In a dehydrator, you can’t really over-dry the broccoli but it’s nice to package it up as soon as it is dry to better preserve the flavor.

👉 THE BEST DEHYDRATORS for Camping Meal Prep

Different dehydrators have unique features you may prefer, depending on your needs, but I recommend one with a thermostat and a timer. Many folks enjoy the top-rated Excalibur dehydrator.

You can also check out my 11 Best Food Dehydrators post for a comparison of all the dehydrators I recommend!

🧊 Can I Dehydrate Frozen Broccoli?

Absolutely, yes! In fact, this takes the steps of chopping and blanching out of your hands and saves you a bit of time. All frozen broccoli has been blanched first and it is just as healthy for you.

First, de-clump any chunks of frozen broccoli simply by running them under water in a colander. Assess the pieces and consider cutting any larger pieces a bit smaller.

At this point simply decide to place them on dehydrator trays or use your oven to start the dehydrating process.

🥙 How to Use Dehydrated Broccoli

Dried broccoli can be used in many different ways, use your imagination!

It can be eaten as a low-calorie, high-fiber crunchy snack straight out of the bag, or sprinkled with salt, spices, or tamari for more flavor. Broccoli chips are a thing!

It can also be tossed directly into soups and stews where it will rehydrate in the hot liquid. Simply bring the soup to a boil and toss in the dehydrated broccoli. Let it cook in the soup for at least 10 minutes.

How to Rehydrate Dried Broccoli for Camping Meals

To rehydrate, simply soak in hot water for 10-15 minutes before using. I have to admit, it’s exciting to see the broccoli turn into beautiful plump green florets again. It’s like magic!

Typically, to rehydrate vegetables, you can combine 1 part vegetable with 2 parts hot water. Then, simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or soak for 15 min.

If you want an easy side dish, at this point, rehydrated broccoli can be tossed with olive oil, salt, and garlic and given a quick sauté in a frying pan. Yum!

For breakfast, use rehydrated broccoli in omelets or mix it into scrambled eggs with cheese.

I often use dried broccoli as an extra vegetable in a stir fry or in a pad Thai-inspired noodle dish. Toss it in toward the end of cooking and it will stay a bright green color.

🫙 How to Store Dried Broccoli

Dehydrated broccoli should be stored in a cool, dry place. You should keep it in airtight containers, making sure to close the lid tightly after each use. Keep the containers away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. 

I store my dried broccoli and other dehydrated foods in mason jars and then they can be stored in the pantry, cupboard, or even the fridge or freezer.

⌛ How Long Does Dehydrated Broccoli Last?

The dried broccoli will last for up to 24 months when stored properly but the texture will start to change after 12 months at room temperature. So for more extended storage, I like to use vacuum-sealing bags and keep the packets in my freezer.

If you don’t have a FoodSaver for vacuum-sealing things you want to preserve I highly recommend it. You’ll end up using it more often than you think.

There are also accessories for FoodSavers for use with mason jars and their lids to create an airtight seal. They are great to use to preserve dried vegetables and fruits longer!

Final Thoughts on Dried Broccoli

Dehydrated broccoli is a healthy and versatile food that can be used in many different ways. It is a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.

If you are looking to eat healthier on camping and backpacking trips then simply try making your own dehydrated vegetables and start impressing your friends with amazing new camping meals!

For more camping meal ideas be sure to check out one of our most popular posts: The Ultimate Camping Food List For 2023: FREE Printables!

Recipe for Dehydrating Broccoli