Bringing home-dried vegetables into the USA
I am travelling to the USA (Texas) and would like to bring some of my home-dried vegetables for myself and for my hosts. I have read and heard conflicting information about this issue, so I would like to be sure: is this allowed, and if so, how can I do this? Should I put the vegetables in vacuum-sealed bags?
Best Answer
It's complicated but the answer appears to be that this is probably allowed.
You will have to declare your vegetables at customs when you first enter the US (in your case that will be in New York). Agriculture inspectors will then look at them and decide whether you can keep them or not.
Here is the guide used by the inspectors. Dried fruits and vegetables are covered in Table 3-130 on page 3-98. It seems like only a few specific types of vegetables are forbidden.
Note that this guide seems to be written mainly to deal with commercially dried fruits and vegetables. I didn't find anything that specifically addresses home-dried products.
These regulations are handled by the USDA APHIS service. If you want a more detailed answer, you could contact them and ask.
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Can you take dried food into USA?
Meats, Livestock and Poultry: The regulations governing meat and meat products are stringent. You may not import fresh, dried or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries into the United States.Can I bring dried herbs into us?
Most dried spices can be imported except for orange, lemon, lime, and other citrus leaves and seeds, and many vegetable and fruit seeds. While not explicitly prohibited, we also advise against bringing lemongrass that is not part of a commercially packaged product into the United States.What food items are prohibited to bring into us?
Meat, milk, egg, poultry, and their products, including products made with these materials are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United States.Can I bring fresh vegetables into us?
Travelers may bring commercially canned fruits and vegetables (not containing any meat products) into the United States. All such products must be declared and presented at entry, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists will make the final determination as to what products may enter.Freeze Dry Vegetables At Home
More answers regarding bringing home-dried vegetables into the USA
Answer 2
My personal experience says, unfortunately you can't be sure about it. :) however... there is a higher probability you could pass all your food without any problem, and a lower probability for being questioned for a (re-)inspection by a suspicious officer which could lead to throwing your dried vegetables (and of course other foods which seem unfamiliar to him/her).
Maybe you could take some commercial ones with you as alternative in case such thing happens. In general try to substitute home-made ones with commercial ones as much as possible (I know they have lower quality but at least seem less suspicious).
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