Dehydrated fruit is an excellent source of nutrients, rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as containing natural sugars. You can dry a wide variety of fruits, including grapes (sultanas, Corinthian raisins and traditional raisins), apples (sliced), apricots, pears, peaches, figs, dates, plums and bananas. Drying is a perfect method for storing summer crops throughout the winter season, and it doesn't take long to learn the art.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Fruits to Dehydrate
Step 1. Select the fruits suitable for the process
Not all fruit dries well, so you need to focus on the one you know for sure will produce great results. Eg:
- Fruit that grows from climbing trees such as grapes and kiwis. Remember that depending on the variety of grape you can get a different result; Corinthian raisins, for example, are made with small black seedless berries; the sultana is the result of green or white, sweet and seedless grains, while the common raisins are obtained with large and sweet berries such as those of Muscat.
- Fruits that grow on trees such as drupes (apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines), mangoes, bananas, figs, dates and pears.
Step 2. Choose some ripe fruit
Make sure it is firm, ripe but not rotten; that damaged, unripe or overripe has lost its nutritional values, does not dry well and does not taste good, since the sugar content is not at its maximum.
Part 2 of 4: Preparing the Fruits for Drying
Step 1. Wash the fruit
Rinse it with cold running water, rubbing it gently with your fingers to remove any visible traces of dirt or grime; when finished, pat it dry with clean kitchen paper.
You should place the small fruits of climbing plants, such as berries and grapes, in a colander and rinse them like this
Step 2. Cut large fruits into very thin slices
Most of those that grow on trees and bushes need to be cut into slices about 3-6mm thick, but the berries and berries can be left whole.
- Grapes and berries that contain seeds should be cut in half to remove the seeds.
- You should also cut off the stems or leaves at this stage.
Step 3. Spread the fruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
The slices should form a single, even layer without touching each other.
- If you are going to use a dryer, place the fruit on the trays of the appliance instead of on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- If you opt for outdoor drying, spread the fruit on the frames rather than on the baking sheet.
Part 3 of 4: Drying the Fruit
with the Oven
Step 1. Place the fruit pan in the oven
Preheat the appliance to the minimum temperature (50 ° C); you just have to dehydrate the fruit, not cook it. When the oven is hot, put the fruit-covered pan in it.
Step 2. Dry the fruit for 4-8 hours
Depending on the type of fruit, the thickness of the slices and the exact temperature that the oven is able to reach, preparation times vary between 4 and 8 hours. Check the process to make sure the pieces wrinkle without burning.
Drying in the oven necessarily takes several hours; do not try to speed it up by increasing the temperature, as you will burn the fruit making it inedible
Step 3. Remove the pan from the oven when the fruit is dry enough
It should be chewy, but not crunchy or sticky.
Step 4. At this point, enjoy it or keep it for future use
outdoors
Step 1. Choose a very hot day
The temperature must be at least 30 ° C. Also remember that outdoor drying takes several days, so you need a period of constant heat.
The humidity should be below 60% during the process and the weather should be sunny with a light breeze
Step 2. Arrange the fruit on the frames
Choose structures in stainless steel, in fiberglass covered with Teflon or in plastic; distribute the pieces in a single even layer.
- Most wood frames are perfect for this job, but avoid those made with unseasoned wood, pine, cedar, oak, and redwood.
- Do not use galvanized metal gratings either.
Step 3. Expose the frames to sunlight
Place them on two concrete blocks to lift them off the ground, cover them loosely with cheesecloth and leave them in the sun.
- It is important to protect the frames from soil moisture; placing them on concrete blocks improves air circulation and accelerates the drying process.
- Consider placing aluminum foil or tinfoil under the frames to reflect sunlight more and reduce time.
- By covering the frames you protect the fruit from birds and insects.
- Keep them sheltered in the evening, as the cold night air can rehydrate the fruit.
Step 4. Harvest the fruit after several days
This method takes a few days, check the progress daily until the fruits are shriveled and chewy.
with a Dryer
Step 1. Set the appliance to the "fruit" function
If your device does not have this type of setting, set the temperature to 60 ° C.
Step 2. Dry the fruit for 24-48 hours
Arrange it on the tray creating a single uniform layer. The precise dehydration times vary according to the type of fruit and the thickness of the pieces; however, most are ready within a day or two.
Start checking the fruit after the first 24 hours to prevent it from drying out too much; thereafter, continue to inspect it every 6-8 hours
Step 3. Collect the ready fruit
When dehydrated, it should be shriveled and rubbery; squeeze it gently, it should be tough enough, as the moisture has evaporated from the pulp.
Part 4 of 4: Storing and Using Dehydrated Fruit
Step 1. Store it in a cool place inside airtight containers
This way, most fruit lasts 9 to 12 months. Packaged dried beans should be consumed more quickly once opened or stored in the refrigerator in a sealed bag to prevent deterioration. This detail is particularly important if it is still slightly damp rather than completely dried.
Step 2. Use dehydrated fruit in the kitchen to prepare baked goods or enjoy it plain
Some types need to be rehydrated by stewing or soaking them in hot water; this process is generally used for apples, apricots, fish, plums and pears. Dried mangoes and pawpaws can be revived by soaking them in hot water for an hour before using them. Other dehydrated fruit can be softened in alcohol, such as sultanas, raisins, and red currants, before incorporating them into traditional recipes such as cakes and puddings.
Advice
- Before dehydrating sliced apples or pears, soak them in acidic juice such as pineapple or lemon to prevent them from blackening.
- There are dryers for domestic use on the market, most include simple instructions.
- Fruit slices can also be strung on clean cotton twine and hung to dry in the sun. Tie a knot between each slice to keep them separate. Stretch the fruit rows horizontally between two vertical poles or other similar supports.
- Peel the fruits and core (especially apples) to create rows. Thread a string through the hole left by the core and hang the fruit for Mother Nature to do in a week or two.
