How to tell if food is properly dried using solar methods?

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Visual Inspection Visual inspection is one of the easiest methods to check if food is properly dried. Hold a piece of dried food and gently bend it. If it snaps back into shape, it’s ready. If it bends and stays bent, it needs more drying time. Another check is to press the food with your finger; if it springs back, it’s done. For meats, check for a crispy texture and a lack of moisture.
Temperature and Time The temperature and time requirements for drying food depend on the type of food and the solar dehydrator’s efficiency. For example, a solar dehydrator with a 6 square foot (0.56 square meter) drying area can dry 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) of sliced apples in 6-8 hours, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For a meat product like beef jerky, the temperature should be maintained at 160°F (71°C) for 3-4 hours.
Moisture Content Moisture content is a crucial factor in determining if food is properly dried. Use a food dehydrator thermometer or a moisture meter to check the internal temperature and moisture content. Aim for a moisture content below 10% for most fruits and 8% for meats. This can be achieved by drying the food to the recommended temperature and time, then storing it in airtight containers to prevent rehydration. For example, a 6 square foot solar dehydrator can dry 1 pound of sliced carrots to a moisture content of 7% in 8-10 hours.