• When possible, preserve fresh, locally-grown horseradish for the best quality and nutritional value. 
  • Know when fresh horseradish is available in your state with this seasonal food guide.

  • If this is your first time drying or it has been awhile, it is recommended that you read General Drying Information before beginning.  

1. Selection & Ingredients

  • Select vegetables at peak quality and flavor. Do not use vegetables that show signs of decay, mold, or bruising. These defects may affect all pieces being dried.

2. Equipment

  • Use clean, food-grade dehydration equipment or oven with drying trays or racks that allow for good air circulation.
    • Many types of food dehydrators can be used and are explained in detail in Food Dehydrators.
  • Storage containers
    • Clean, dry home canning jars, plastic freezer containers with tight-fitting lids or plastic freezer bags
    • Vacuum packaging is also a good storage option
  • Colander (for draining cleaned produce)
  • Cutting board
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Grater
  • Knife
  • Timer or clock

3. Prepare Ingredients

  • Thoroughly wash horseradish.
  • Remove small rootlets and stubs.
  • Peel or scrape roots.
  • Grate.

4. Dry

  • Arrange grated horseradish in single layers on drying trays.
  • Dry at 140 degrees F (60°C) in an oven or dehydrator.
    • Vegetables can scorch easily toward the end of drying, so monitor more closely as drying nears completion.
    • Dried horseradish should be brittle, powdery.
  • Total Drying Time: 4-10 hours in a dehydrator (may take up to twice as long in a conventional oven) 

5. Store

  • Store small amounts of cooled, dried horseradish in moisture-vapor-proof containers or bags.
  • Label packages with name of product, date and method of pretreatment and drying.
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark place or in the refrigerator or freezer.
    • Properly stored, dried vegetables keep well for 6 to 12 months.
    • Discard foods that have off odors or show signs of mold.

6. Using Dried Vegetables

  • Dried vegetables can be eaten ‘as is’ as a snack or part of a meal.
  • Adding dried vegetables directly to soups and stews is the simplest way to rehydrate vegetables.