How can I dry cherries?!
How can I dry cherries?
I don't have a 'classic' fruit and veg dryer available - only an oven, an open fire or sunlight. I'd like to try preserving cherries by drying them, preferably without conservatives - the natural way. If you have any experience in drying any kind of fruit, I'd love to hear about it. All suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!
Answers:
I have a dehydrator, but started off by using the oven. I've preserved/dehydrated a lot of stuff over the years.
I'd prefer pitting and slicing in half fresh cherries, just because I dislike all the crap they put in canned things (like syrup and preservatives), but if you don't care either way, take your pick. You want them cut in half though so they'll dry. I don't think color preservation is a big deal, especially with cherries, but if you want, you can dip them in a solution of ascorbic acid (buy some cheap Vitamin C pills and dissolve 2 - 4 of them in a mixing bowl of water).
Get an accurate thermometer for the oven. I use a digital one with a probe that I can use for cooking meat, the same thing can be used to check oven temp by just hanging the probe inside the oven.
You want a temp of about 135F for fruit (125F for veggies, 145F for meat/fish). It may be helpful to prop the oven door open by sticking a butter knife or some other metal utensil in the opening to keep it propped open a little bit - that also allows some of the air to circulate, aiding drying. Adjust the oven setting until you can get the temp consistent around 135F. Hotter temps will "case harden" the outside, drying it out before the inside gets dry. Lower temps will slowly cook the food in its own moisture or possible let it spoil before it dries.
Just spread the cherry halves on a cookie sheet to dry; better if the cut halves are uppermost (so they don't stick to the cookie sheet and will dry better). You'll have to experiment with the times, but I usually set my fruits and veggies to dry overnight, often getting up for a bathroom break in the middle of the night and checking on things, rotating trays while I'm at it. When you get up in the morning, they should be all dry.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. If they do turn out too tart for your tastes, add some sugar or corn syrup to your Vitamin C dip.
I just finished a batch of Gala apple slices this morning for an upcoming multi-day hike - pretty tasty. Of course, I already did the corn, peas, cabbage, onions, carrots, mushrooms, peppers, celery, and pre-cooked rice and barley. Welcome to the wonderful world of dehydrating.
Wash, cut in half, and remove stems and pits. Place cherries, skin side down, in single layers on dehydrator trays. Dry cherries at 140° F for 6 to 12 hours, being careful not to over-dry; cherries should be leathery and slightly sticky when properly dried.
To store, place in small plastic bags, seal and keep in dark, dry, cool place. Dried cherries are a great substitute for raisins or dried currants in recipes and as a snack.
I hope this was helpful,Take Care!!! :)
hi my name is billie how are you today. first you wash your cherries then to dry them take 2 dry bounty or cloth then you,ll be fine o.k. anymore advice just e-mail me billiegotmail@yahoo.com o.k. billie
Drying fruit can be problematic--more difficult than most think or expect--but cherries are the exception.
If you have less than 3 dozen, cut them in half, and leave them on plates around your bed-room for one night. The natural breathe of your sleep will dry them best.
If this is not possible, try to leave yourself 48 hours, and dry them (cut in half) on plates around your kitchen.
Are you going to serve them, or make pies/cakes with them?
Good luck to you.
you cant angel....just one of those fruits