Are There Advantages to Drying Food? 1/14 lose weight calculator Jerky, fruits, and other dried treats are delicious and are easy to store and consume. Drying or dehydrating is among the earliest ways to protect foods. It makes them last longer and keeps them safe to consume. Nutrition-wise, food stays primarily the same, although the drying process can ruin vitamins A and C. And the calorie count can rise as the food shrinks and nutrients become more concentrated. weight loss breakfast for diabetics Jerky comes from the Spanish word "charqui," which means dried meat strips. You can make it from nearly any lean cut of meat like beef, pork, or turkey. Beef jerky is high in protein, with about 9 grams an ounce. It's low in carbs and high in nutrients like zinc, B12, and iron. It is high in salt. An ounce gives you nearly 22% of what you need for the day. One ounce likewise has about 14 milligrams of cholesterol.