Illustration: Permaplans
Drying
Water out, shelf life in: drying apple rings, herbs and beans in air and sun.
Microorganisms need water. Dried below about 15 % moisture, fruit and vegetables keep for a year and more – without any energy from the socket.
How? Slice thinly, hang airily on racks or strings, keep the rain off. In warm, dry weeks air and sun are enough; otherwise the leftover heat of a stove helps.
Good for: apple and pear rings, plums, beans, herbs, mushrooms.
In Garden Survival a drying rack works by itself in the season; outside it the stove takes over – that costs firewood.