Drying fruit helps reduce food waste by extending the shelf life of fresh produce, allowing it to be stored and consumed later. It also minimizes packaging waste, as dried fruit can be stored in reusable containers rather than single-use plastic or glass jars. By preserving seasonal fruits, drying supports local food growing and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transport.
Drying fruit is a great way to preserve its flavour and nutritional value while creating delicious, long-lasting snacks. Whether you use a dehydrator, your oven, or the sun, the process is simple and rewarding. Here's a guide on how to dry fruit at home.
Select Your Fruit
Choose fresh, ripe fruit and good quality fruit for drying. Some of the best fruits for drying include: apples, pears, bananas, peaches, apricots, strawberries, and blueberries. Make sure the fruit is free from blemishes or bruises, as damaged fruit may not dry well.
Clean Your Equipment
Clean your equipment with hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly to remove any leftover detergent. Wash your hands thoroughly prior to handling the food.
Prepare the Fruit
Start by washing the fruit to remove any dirt and chemicals. Depending on the type of fruit, you may want to peel it (such as apples, peaches, or pears), or you can leave the skin on to retain added texture and nutrients. For fruits like apples and pears, remove the core and cut them into slices, ensuring the slices are uniform in size to promote even drying. Keep the slices no thicker than 6 mm for the best results, as smaller pieces dry faster and more evenly.
Tip: A mandolin slicer and some food processors with slicing attachments can help achieve even slices for firm fruits like apples.
Pre-Treat the Fruit (Optional but Recommended)
Pre-treating fruit helps maintain its color and prevent browning. Common methods include soaking the fruit in a lemon juice and water mixture (1:1 ratio) for 5 minutes or using a fruit juice containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for the same amount of time.
Tip: After soaking, roll apples or bananas in ground cinnamon before drying to add extra flavour.
Choose Your Drying Method
There are several ways to dry fruit - either using a dehydrator, oven or sun drying.
Using a Dehydrator: A food dehydrator is the most efficient and reliable method for drying fruit. Arrange the prepared fruit in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring that the pieces do not touch each other. Set the temperature to around 55-60°C, as this is ideal for drying most fruits. The drying time can range from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the type of fruit and the thickness of the slices. Be sure to check the fruit periodically and rotate the trays if needed.
Using an Oven: Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, ideally around 60°C, and use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is low enough. Arrange the fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. The drying time can vary from 4 to 12 hours depending on the fruit and slice thickness. Keep the oven door slightly ajar or by propping it open (with a wooden spoon if needed) to allow moisture to escape. Check periodically, stirring or flipping the fruit every couple of hours for even drying.
Sun Drying: Sun drying is a traditional method, but it works best in hot, dry climates. Set up your drying area by placing the fruit on drying racks, screens, or trays in a sunny, well-ventilated location. Make sure the trays are elevated off the ground to avoid dirt and insects. Cover the fruit with a clean cheesecloth to protect it from insects and debris. Depending on the temperature and humidity, sun drying can take anywhere from 2 to 4 days, so be sure to bring the fruit inside at night to prevent moisture from re-entering and critters eating.
Testing for Dryness
Monitor drying closely especially as it nears the end of the drying process to avoid over-drying, which affects texture, nutrition and taste. To test, cool a piece of fruit, then feel for pliability and check for moisture. Tear it in half and if no moisture beads appear along the tear then it's ready for storage.
Store the Dried Fruit
Proper storage is key to preserving the dried fruit for the long term. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place. The darker and cooler the place, the longer the dried food will last. Ideal storage for dehydrated food is between 15°C to below freezing.
Enjoy Your Dried Fruit!
Dried fruit makes for a delicious and healthy snack, a great addition to baked goods, or a perfect ingredient for museli, scroggin, or smoothies.