Preserve Your Harvest
Dehydrating fruits and vegetables is a great way to extend the life of your homegrown produce and enjoy it well past the harvest season. Use high-quality fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness for the best results. Avoid over-ripe, under-ripe, or damaged produce to ensure quality dehydrated goods.
Preparation Tips
- Slice produce evenly to ensure uniform drying. Using a sharp knife or food processor can help achieve consistent slices.
- For fruits like apples and pears, prevent browning with a dip in citric acid or lemon juice mixed with water. This step is optional and mainly for cosmetic purposes.
- For waxy fruits like blueberries and grapes, dip them in boiling water for 30 seconds to remove the coating and speed up drying.
- Vegetables like green beans benefit from steam or water blanching before dehydrating to preserve color, flavor, and nutrients.
How to Dehydrate Fruit Leather
Fruit leather is a fun and easy snack to make:
- Puree your chosen fruit and spread it thinly onto a non-stick surface like parchment paper.
- Dehydrate until it’s leathery and easy to peel.
Dehydration Times
Drying times depend on the room's humidity and the water content of the produce. Fruits should feel springy and leathery when done, while vegetables should be tough or brittle.
Enjoy Your Dehydrated Produce
Preserve your fruits and vegetables so you can enjoy them all winter long, and Grow Organic for Life!
