How to Dry Fruit in a Dryer

Overview

The process of dehydrating fruit is a form of food preservation that removes water from the food, allowing for easy storage. Home food dehydrators are energy-efficient and provide the proper conditions to dry food safely at low temperatures. Home-dried fruit is healthier than fruit purchased in a store due to additional sugar and preservatives added to commercial products.

Step 1

Select ripe fruit that is free of bruises and blemishes. Wash and peel, if required. Cut fruit into uniform pieces. Smaller pieces will dry faster.

Step 2

Pre-treat fruit by dipping the pieces in a mixture of 2-tbsp. ascorbic acid mixed with 1-qt. water to maintain the color. Ascorbic acid is available in the home canning and preservation area of stores.

Step 3

Lay the fruit on the drying trays that come with the food dryer. Do not overlap the pieces.

Step 4

Turn the food dryer/dehydrator on to begin the drying process. Rotate the drying trays every 6 hours until the fruit is dry. The drying process will take 8 to 24 hours, depending on the fruit water quantity and thickness.

Step 5

Check the dryness of the fruit by opening the dehydrator and touching the fruit. The fruit should feel dry when finished. Cool the fruit prior to storing.

Step 6

Place the fruit in an airtight container away from light and store in a cool, dry location.