Did you know it’s possible to create your own dried fruit? There are two main methods you can follow to produce your own, and you’ll often find they have a much richer flavor.
Creating your own dried fruit also ensures you know exactly what has gone into it. So, if you’re looking to create your own healthy and tasty dried fruits, discover some great tips to follow below.
Creating Dried Fruits in the Oven
One of the easiest methods for creating your own dried fruits is to use the oven. You’ll just need some parchment paper, alongside sheet pans and your chosen fruits. You can also use silicone liners or pizza screens if you have those.
You’ll be heating the fruit up using a low temperature. This ensures their water content has the chance to evaporate, while also minimizing bacterial growth.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose ripe fruit for oven drying. Prior to drying it out, be sure to wash the fruit in cold water and remove any blemishes that it may have. If you’re using stoned fruits, make sure you also remove the stone beforehand. Berries should have their stems removed and you’ll need to make sure all the fruits are sliced the same.
An optional tip is to remove the skins of the fruits. This can help to dry out certain types of fruits such as peaches and apples much better. If you’re struggling to remove the skin, start by scoring the fruit at the bottom. Then, add it to boiling water for approximately 30 seconds before putting it into ice cold water. This should make the skin come off much more easily.
You’ll want to make sure the oven is preheated to around 130 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the fruits are thinner, you’ll need a slightly lower temperature.
It takes between 6 to 12 hours to dry fruit out, depending upon the type you’re using.
Using a Dehydrator
An alternative method is to use a dehydrator to do it for you. Wash, dry and peel the fruits if required, before slicing them into smaller pieces. You can then spray them with bottled lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
You’ll want to spread the fruit evenly over the dehydrator racks, ensuring they aren’t touching or covering one another, as this will impact the quality of the fruit such that it won’t cook or dry out evenly.
You can then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re drying out the fruit using the right settings. These dehydrators can be a godsend when drying out your own fruits. They are specifically designed for the purpose and take much less effort than oven-dried fruits.
Remember to let the fruits fully cool down before placing them into storage. You may also want to condition them before storing, though this is something you’ll want to research beforehand.
Overall, dried fruits can deliver a lot of great health benefits, particularly if they are homemade. The above are the best ways to dry them out using both the oven and the dehydrator method.
