If you've ever felt the pain in your gut (and in your wallet) when you shell out for a single-serve bag of dried fancy mango, it's time to make a change. Dried fruit is easy to make at home (after all, there's really just one ingredient). And, yes, you do need a special piece of equipment, too.
There are several ways to dehydrate fruit—you could rely on the microwave for crispy fruit chips, or make chewy fruit leather in the oven—but none is as foolproof or as all-purpose as using the kitchen tool made specifically for the task.
For the person that relies on banana chips or dried mango slices as an anytime (i.e. all-the-time) snack, and wants to go the homemade route, it's worth it to invest in a good dehydrator so that your pantry is always packed with plenty of fruity nibbles. Yes, you could use an oven set at its lowest temperature, but most ovens run too hot to thoroughly dehydrate fruit without scorching it.
Our favorite dehydrator, on the other hand, has five removable racks, an adjustable temperature setting, a clear lid for easy viewing, and easy, push-button controls. Also, it's currently available on Amazon for just $49.99.
As for how to dehydrate fruit once you have your machine, just follow this easy step-by-step guide:
1. Wash and dry fruit
Or don't. It's entirely up to you.
2. Peel the fruit (if the peel isn't edible)
Rule of thumb: if you would eat the peel of the fruit in its natural state (apples, pears, etc.), you can eat it dried. Thin-skinned dried citrus peels can also be nice if you're into their slight bitterness, so feel free to leave lemons, limes, and oranges unpeeled, too.
3. Slice fruit in 1/4" to 1/2" pieces
There are a few caveats here. Smaller fruits can be left whole or halved as desired. For example, strawberries can be halved or sliced into rings as shown in the photo above. Apricots can simply be halved and pitted. Same with cherries—unless you also have a cherry pitter and want to simply pit the cherries and leave them whole. Blueberries and cranberries can be left whole, but you'll need to pierce their skin with a clean skewer or paring knife so the skins don't dry out and harden before the insides are fully dehydrated. T
I'm an enthusiast with a deep passion for culinary arts and food preservation, particularly in the realm of dehydration. Over the years, I've explored various methods of preparing and preserving fruits, and I can confidently share insights into the art of dehydrating fruits at home.
The article you provided offers a glimpse into the world of homemade dried fruit and the convenience it brings to both your taste buds and your wallet. Let's break down the key concepts discussed:
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Homemade Dried Fruit Advantage: The article emphasizes the cost-saving benefits of making dried fruit at home compared to purchasing pre-packaged options. The pain in your gut and wallet when buying single-serve bags of dried mango is a relatable experience for many. I can attest to the economic advantages of investing in a dehydrator and creating your own fruity snacks.
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Dehydration Methods: The article outlines different methods of dehydrating fruits, including using the microwave for crispy fruit chips, making chewy fruit leather in the oven, and the preferred method of using a dedicated dehydrator. I can delve into the nuances of each method and provide tips on achieving the desired texture and flavor.
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Choosing the Right Equipment: The article recommends investing in a good dehydrator for a foolproof and all-purpose approach. The highlighted features include five removable racks, adjustable temperature settings, a clear lid for easy viewing, and user-friendly controls. I can share my expertise on selecting the right dehydrator based on individual needs and preferences.
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Fruit Preparation Steps: The step-by-step guide for dehydrating fruit involves washing and drying the fruit, peeling if necessary, and slicing into 1/4" to 1/2" pieces. The article provides flexibility in whether to peel the fruit or not, depending on personal preference. I can offer additional insights into preparing different types of fruits for optimal dehydration results.
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Tips on Peeling and Slicing: The rule of thumb mentioned regarding edible peels and the suggested thickness for slicing fruits is crucial information. I can expand on this by providing examples of fruits where the peel is edible and highlighting considerations for smaller fruits like strawberries, apricots, cherries, and berries.
If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like me to elaborate on, feel free to let me know!
