How to Dry Strawberries
User Reviews
3.2
-
Cuisine
American
How to Dry Strawberries
Description
Drying strawberries involves preparing the fruit by washing, drying, and removing the green tops. The berries are sliced about 1/8 inch thick for uniform drying, which helps prevent some slices being over- or under-dried. Arranged without touching on dehydrator trays, they are dried at a steady 135 degrees Fahrenheit, a typical temperature for fruits, for approximately 6 to 10 hours. Checking for dryness after 5 to 6 hours allows monitoring to avoid over-drying.
The dried strawberries should feel dry yet retain some flexibility, indicated by the absence of moisture when broken apart. Cooling them to room temperature before storage prevents condensation, which could lead to spoilage. Storing in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag preserves the dried fruit for future use.
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberry may need to work in batches depending on dehydrator size
Instructions
- Wash and dry your berries. Hull them, or slice off the green tops.
- Slice the berries about 1/8 inch thick. Try to get the slices as even as you can so that they dry evenly.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on dehydrator trays, making sure they are not touching. This helps airflow and allows them to dry properly.
- Set dehydrator to 135 F (this is standard for fruits and vegetables, but be sure to follow your manufacturer's instructions for fruit/veggies) and allow to dry for 6-10 hours (the source I used suggested 8-10 hours, but mine seemed done by about 6, so I suggest checking them after about 5 or 6 hours and seeing how long they need). They should feel very dry, but not quite brittle, and there should be no noticeable moisture when you break them apart.
- Allow the dried strawberries to cool to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation and potential spoilage.
- Store the dehydrated strawberries in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. A mason jar with lid will work, too. Keep them in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. They will last up to a month or more, or you can freeze for longer storage.