Winter is the best season for dried vegetables | Why their sweetness and umami increase, and recommended vegetables

"Ah, it's cold..."

As soon as I saw my breath turn white, I felt my fingers and toes shrivel up.

"The wooden floor really does get cold, doesn't it?"

It's my daily routine to open the curtains and look at the room as the morning sun streams in.

Ever since I moved into my current room, I've lived by the policy of not having unnecessary things in the room. As a result, I have minimal furniture and no carpets or rugs, so in winter, the room gets very cold due to drafts from the windows.

"Oh my! Humidity 45%!? That's so dry!"

I was startled when I looked at the hygrometer on the edge of the kitchen counter.

"Should I buy a humidifier...? I don't want to catch a cold..."

It's been several years since I started worrying about such things.

This year, an excellent opportunity has arrived for the humidity in my dry room to work in my favor. For my hobby of making dried vegetables, low humidity is an ideal environmental condition.

The dry winter season is said to be the most suitable for making dried vegetables. In summer, the humidity is much higher, so even if you dry vegetables under the blazing sun, mold can grow due to indoor humidity, or they may not dry sufficiently. When beginners start making dried vegetables, it's essential to start in winter. In particular, the period from autumn to winter, when clear weather continues and the air is dry, is said to be optimal.

According to my sister, the recommended vegetables to dry during such a period are daikon radish, carrots, ginger, and sweet potatoes. Daikon radish, in particular, is an excellent ingredient that can be prepared in various ways depending on its use: shredded, sliced into rounds, or cut into strips for easy consumption.

By changing the way you cut fiber-rich vegetables, you can also change the way you eat them. Whether as an ingredient in miso soup, a salad, or a stew, the variety is undeniable.

"Since it's winter, what should I focus on making this month?"

I'm consulting my "This Month's Dried Vegetables" list, staring intently at my calendar.

"You're surprisingly diligent."

I try not to mind that my sister's voice on the phone always sounds like she's holding back laughter.

Winter is the Best Season for Dried Vegetables

Winter is the most suitable season for making dried vegetables because the air is dry, temperatures are low, and sunlight is stable. Low humidity prevents mold growth and allows vegetables to dry slowly and evenly, concentrating their sweetness and umami. In hot and humid seasons like summer, drying is difficult, and bacteria and spoilage are more likely to occur, so beginners are recommended to start in winter.

Recommended Vegetables for Drying in Winter

The four vegetables that taste especially delicious when dried in the dry winter climate are daikon radish, carrots, ginger, and sweet potatoes. All are rich in dietary fiber, and drying them enhances their sweetness and condenses their nutritional value.
・Daikon Radish: A versatile vegetable whose use can be changed by how it's cut (julienned, round slices, thin strips). Great for kiriboshi daikon or miso soup.
・Carrots: Slicing and drying them with the skin on preserves their vibrant color. Rehydrate for stews or salads.
・Ginger: Slicing thinly and drying enhances its aroma, perfect for black tea or medicinal soups.
・Sweet Potatoes: Sun-drying increases their natural sweetness, making them enjoyable as a snack.

Which Vegetables Cannot Be Dried? Watch Out for Bean Sprouts, Mizuna, and Avocados

10 Best Vegetables for Drying! How to Choose for Beginners to Avoid Failure

Things to Watch Out for When Making Dried Vegetables in Winter

While winter has low humidity and is prone to dryness, daylight hours are shorter, so ventilation and time management are important. Make it a habit to expose vegetables to plenty of sunlight during the day and bring them in during the evening. Exposure to cold night air or frost can cause the vegetables to reabsorb moisture.
Also, for indoor drying, choosing a spot by a window or where the air conditioner breeze hits will help them dry faster. Maintaining humidity at 40-50% minimizes mold risk and results in a beautiful color.

Tips for Enjoying Winter Dried Vegetables

Vegetables dried in winter become sweeter and are exceptional in stews and soups. Rehydrating them and simmering in dashi broth brings out their natural flavors. Since they store well, creating a "This Month's Dried Vegetable List" allows you to plan and enjoy seasonal flavors.
Cold and dryness are allies in making dried vegetables. Perhaps the time spent drying vegetables in the kitchen, feeling the change of seasons, is a luxury unique to winter.