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
Step 1. Wash the cherries in cold water and remove the stalks
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.
Step 3. Dry them with paper towels
Step 4. Place them on the baking sheet, with the cut side facing up
Make sure they don't touch each other.
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.
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.
Step 7. If you want to dry the cherries in the sun, follow a similar procedure
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.
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.
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.