Weston Meat Prep Equipment

Weston Equipment: What You Need to Know

Weston products include various pieces that honor traditional forms of culinary peparation, so if you want to grind fresh meat from scratch, invest in the Weston meat grinder. For burgers, sausages, lasagna, and more, fresh ground meat adds delicious flavor and texture.

Additionally, you can use the Weston dehydrator to dehydrate fruits, herbs, vegetables, and more. If you're drying large herbs, such as basil, mint, sage, or sorrel, they should be picked from the stems before drying, though smaller herbs should be kept on the stem to streamline their removal. Herbs dry quicker than fruits or vegetables and crumble easily. Verify they're cooled completely before storing them in an airtight container.

When it comes to general dehydrating, keep in mind that the process will shrink foods. Start with a dry product to decrease drying time. Foods must not overlap, and you should check the dryness levels every 6 hours; if you want to check internal dryness, cut down the middle of a sample. If you package food when it's still warm, it'll mold quickly, so make sure to allow enough time for it to cool. Vacuum sealing dehydrated food is another way to retain freshness.

Common Questions About Weston Products

How do you use the Weston meat grinder?

Place the metal components in your freezer ahead of time and keep the meat as cold as possible by minimizing touching. For optimal texture, incorporate added fat content that has been kept frozen prior to grinding. If you're making finely ground meat, grind it through a coarse plate first to avoid jamming your grinder. Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, are an exception to this rule and don't need to be pre-ground. For product that'll be bound tightly, execute a combination of grinds. Be sure to clean your equipment throughout the grinding process because if meat builds up, it'll become warm and its texture will degrade. Properly store meat after grinding, and completely disassemble and clean your Weston meat grinder with hot, soapy water after each use. Remember to change grinder knives and plates regularly.

How do you clean the Weston meat grinder?

Unscrew the Weston meat grinder's ring nut, then remove all the grinder head parts. You can remove the grinder head by pressing the head-release button and turning the grinder head clockwise. Use hot, soapy water to wash every part that contacts food, then rinse the Weston meat grinder with clear water before drying it immediately. Keep in mind: These parts aren't warewasher safe and you shouldn't use bleach on them.

After each use, fully lubricate the knife, grinder head, and grinding plates with an approved lubricant or silicone spray. Use a soft, damp towel to clean the main body and dry immediately. Refrain from immersing the grinder's main body in any liquid.

How do you assemble the Weston vertical sausage stuffer plunger?

To assemble this Weston equipment, begin by sliding the plunger seal onto the plunger. Assemble the Weston vertical sausage stuffer's pressure release valve kit onto the plunger, then place the washer onto the valve hole from the top of the plunger. Next, insert the screw through the washer into the valve hole, and place the spring on the end of the screw from the plunger's underside. Set the valve cap on the end of the screw and secure it by twisting before screwing the equipment's plunger bolt onto the shaft. The assembled plunger should be placed on the plunger shaft's end.

How do you load trays and screens in the Weston dehydrator?

If you're using a Weston dehydrator with multiple trays, the top tray always should be in the top position for optimal drying. Every tray must be in position for each drying cycle, even ones that aren't used. Dry one type of food at a time, such as all herbs or all meats. Leave the tray in place until drying is complete, and when the desired dryness is achieved, remove the food from the trays.

The mesh screen can be used to dry herbs or small pieces of fruits and vegetables. Place the mesh screen in the tray before adding food, and only use it in the top two trays. For drying purees from fruits, place the fruit roll sheet in the top tray, limiting each batch to two fruit roll sheets.