Dehydrate Strawberries Recipes

HOW TO DEHYDRATE STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• Wash the fresh strawberries and cut the caps off.
• Cut the strawberries into 1/4 inch thick slices.
• Arrange the strawberry slices on the trays of a food dehydrator. Leave about 1/4 inch of space between each of the strawberry slices. Do not allow the pieces of strawberry to touch.
• Place the lid on the dehydrator and turn it on. My dehydrator runs at one temperture. If the model you are using has an option to set the temperture follow the manufacturers instructions.
• Allow the dehydrator to run from 6 to 12 hours or until the strawberry slices are completly dry and no longer wet or sticky to the touch.
• Every couple of hours switch the trays by moving the top trays to the bottom which is closer to the hot air that is circulating from the bottom.
• Once the strawberry slices are completly dry turn off the dehydrator and allow the strawberry pieces to cool completely before storing in air tight containers.

HOW TO DEHYDRATE STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• If using fresh strawberries, wash and pick out any unwanted berries. Remove green tops (these can be dried too to include in herbal tea blends). Pat dry.
• Cut fresh or frozen strawberries (thaw slightly) into equal size pieces, about 1/4" thick (too thin and they'll stick).
• Place strawberries on mesh trays leaving a little space between each slice. Put in dehydrator and dry at 135°F (57°C) for 8 to 10 hours. Time will vary with each dehydrator, thickness of strawberries and with temperature and humidity levels in your house.
• Rotate trays and check strawberries at 4 hours to get a sense of how quickly they are drying.
• Finished strawberries will be pliable and leathery with no signs of moisture. As they cool they will become firmer. If you prefer crispier strawberries, dry longer. Let rest on tray until cooled, at least 2 hours.
• Once cooled totally and completely, place in an airtight container (glass jar is best). To condition the strawberries and ensure they are absolutely dry throughout, watch and shake jar for next 7 days. If the strawberries soften greatly, clump together or if there is any sign of moisture on sides of jar - return to dehydrator. If all is good, store in a cool, dark place for a year or more.

DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice and water. Set aside until ready to use.
• Peel, core and dice the fruit into 1/2-inch cubes, with the exception of the strawberries. Slice the strawberries 1/8 of an inch thick. Place the fruit into the lemon water and allow to soak for up to 2 minutes. Remove and drain thoroughly.
• Lay 1 (14 by 14-inch) plastic dehydrator sheet on 1 of the air-conditioning filters. Place the fruit on the plastic dehydrator sheet and cover with another plastic sheet. Repeat this process with remaining plastic sheets and two more filters, stacking on top of the first one. Top these with the remaining empty filter. Next, lay the box fan on its side and lay the filters on top of it. Strap the filters to the fan with two bungee cords. Stand the fan upright, plug in and set to high. Dry for 42 to 48 hours. When dry, the fruit should be pliable but not sticky. You should not be able to squeeze moisture from the fruit. If using a commercial dehydrator, follow the manufacturer's directions.
• Remove the fruit from filters and store in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

OVEN-DRIED STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• Toss strawberries and sugar in a large bowl and let sit until berries start to release their juices, 25-30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 185°F (or the lowest possible setting, which may be 200°F). Spread out berries on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a nonstick baking mat and bake, rotating baking sheet about every 30 minutes, until berries are darkened in color and dried out around the edges but still slightly juicy in the center, 3-3 1/2 hours. Let cool on baking sheet.
• Do Ahead
• Berries can be dried 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.