Dry it. Store it. Eat it. Anywhere, anytime!
Curious about food dehydration but don’t know where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop breaks down the essentials of drying food for long-term storage and lightweight, ready-to-eat meals for camping and backpacking. We’ll cover different dehydration methods, compare equipment, and share best practices for maximizing shelf life and food quality.
You'll also learn creative ways to use dehydrated foods—think drying flowers, proofing bread, making yogurt, and even transforming leftovers into biscotti. Whether you want to stock your pantry with shelf-stable ingredients or prep nutritious meals for the trail, this hands-on discussion will set you up for success.
When: We’ll schedule when 10 people pre-register.
Where: Bend/Redmond
Price: $40
Get First in Line! Pre-Register!
Pre-register for the next session of this workshop. No charge! You will be charged once we get at least 10 pre-registrants and you agree to the date of the workshop. You'll be first in line and we'll work with you on the date.
WORSHOP DETAILS
The Science of Drying
The Science of Drying
The Science of Drying
Understand how dehydration preserves food by removing moisture while retaining nutrients and flavor. We’ll discuss the best foods for dehydration, common mistakes, and how to spot properly dried foods.
Choosing Your Method
The Science of Drying
The Science of Drying
Not all dehydration techniques are created equal! We’ll compare food dehydrators, oven drying, and air drying—breaking down the pros, cons, and best uses for each method.
Packing & Storing for Success
Packing & Storing for Success
Packing & Storing for Success
Learn how to store dehydrated foods for long-term use and discover lightweight storage solutions for backpacking, camping, and on-the-go meals.
Potluck Time!
Packing & Storing for Success
Packing & Storing for Success
Nothing makes you hungry like learning about food! Bring a dish, and bond with your like-minded neighbors. We bring the main, you bring the rest! At School of Ranch, our product is education, but our purpose is community building. We create common ground for people regardless of politics, age, background, or belief.
WORKSHOP LEADER
Beth Covert
Beth left behind a career in art to follow her passion for sustainable gardening and food preservation. After moving from Ohio to the high desert six years ago, she founded High & Dry Garden Works, where she experiments with growing climate-resilient plants. She’s constantly exploring new ways to transform food—including her latest discovery: dehydrated french fries! If you call Beth, be prepared for a conversation that starts with, “Hold on a sec, I just figured out something amazing and need to write it down!”
MEMBERSHIP
Save 20% On This Workshop!
Join School of Ranch and get 20% off all workshops for a year. Your membership helps us cover our costs. Being non-profit doesn't mean you can lose money! We need your support and nothing shows support as much as a membership.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How should I dress?
Dress comfortably for a classroom environment.
What should I bring?
- A notebook and pen for taking notes.
- We’ll be emailing recipes in advance—feel free to print them and bring them along.
- A dish to share for the potluck!
Can minors attend?
Yes, children are welcome with an accompanying adult.
Will there be food?
Yes! There will be a potluck! Bring something to share with your neighbors.
What is School of Ranch
School of Ranch is a Central Oregon-based 501c3 nonprofit. We hire skilled community members to teach practical and artisan skills. Our mission is to educate, support local entrepreneurs, and provide common ground for people regardless of politics, age, background or beliefs.
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