How to Dry Cherries: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Dry Cherries: 10 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Dry Cherries: 10 Steps (with Pictures)
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Fresh cherries just picked from the tree are delicious. You may not know that you can enjoy their great flavor at any time of the year by drying them at home. You can use a dryer, an oven, or simply the natural heat of the sun! This article will walk you through each of the three methods.

Ingrediants

Fresh cherries, of any variety, make sure they are free from blemishes

Steps

Make Dried Cherries Step 1
Make Dried Cherries Step 1

Step 1. Wash the cherries in cold water and remove the stalks

Make Dried Cherries Step 2
Make Dried Cherries Step 2

Step 2. Remove the pits from the cherries

Use a special tool designed to pit the cherries and olives to leave the whole cherries. Or cut them in half with a sharp knife and remove the core manually.

Make Dried Cherries Step 3
Make Dried Cherries Step 3

Step 3. Dry them with paper towels

Make Dried Cherries Step 4
Make Dried Cherries Step 4

Step 4. Place them on the baking sheet, with the cut side facing up

Make sure they don't touch each other.

Make Dried Cherries Step 5
Make Dried Cherries Step 5

Step 5. Bring the oven or dryer to 74 ° C and cook the cherries for about 3 hours, or until the surface is wrinkled

Then reduce the heat to 57 ° and continue cooking for another 16-24 hours.

Make Dried Cherries Step 6
Make Dried Cherries Step 6

Step 6. When they are similar to raisins, your cherries will be ready to go out of the oven

They should be firm, but still flexible, slightly sticky, and if squeezed they should not lose any liquid.

Make Dried Cherries Step 7
Make Dried Cherries Step 7

Step 7. If you want to dry the cherries in the sun, follow a similar procedure

Make Dried Cherries Step 8
Make Dried Cherries Step 8

Step 8. Arrange the dried cherries on the trays and cover them with food grade fabric

If possible, store them in a place high off the ground.

Make Dried Cherries Step 9
Make Dried Cherries Step 9

Step 9. Leave them in the sun for 2-4 days

The time required will vary according to the temperature and humidity of the environment, check them frequently.

Make Dried Cherries Step 10
Make Dried Cherries Step 10

Step 10. When they are completely dehydrated, place them in the oven at 71 ° C for 30 minutes

Any bacteria present will be killed.

Advice

  • After storing the cherries in the containers, make sure that no traces of moisture are formed by checking them periodically, otherwise they will mold. If necessary, put them back in the oven to complete the drying process or eat them quickly!
  • Let the cherries rest for at least an hour before placing them in airtight containers or food bags.
  • You can enjoy your dried cherries on their own or add them to yogurt, cakes or salads, or any recipe that calls for raisins. Experiment and discover new tastes and combinations.

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