A dehydration apparatus (10) includes a continuous kiln (12) with two or more zones (14) in a kiln tunnel (16) and a conveyor assembly (18) for conveying food produce through the kiln tunnel (16). Each of one or more zones (14) is arranged to operate with a variable drying profile and atmosphere. Variations in drying profile and atmosphere are facilitated primarily by providing each zone (14) with varying levels of temperature, air velocity and microwave energy, which can each be determined primarily with reference to the type of food produce undergoing processing and/or the intended qualities of the resulting dehydrated food product. Operational parameters within each zone (14) can also be determined with reference to the hydroscopic state of the food produce as it progresses through the subsequent zones (14). The conveyor assembly (18) has conveyor belting (34), such as a mesh. Gauge of the conveyor belting (34) mesh diminishes from first zone (14a) to fourth zone (14d). Ventilation can be alternated between an air mode and an inert gas mode, such as using nitrogen. In a recycling mode, the apparatus can operate as a distillate still whilst also carrying out dehydration.
