Do you ever find yourself craving your favorite fruits only to realize they're out of season?
Dehydrating fruits is your solution. The dehydration process removes water from the fruit, leaving behind a concentrated flavor, vitamins, and minerals.
It is an excellent way to preserve the nutritional value of fruits while ensuring you enjoy them longer throughout the year.
In this article, we will explore the best fruits to dehydrate to get the most out of the process.
Best Healthy Fruits to Dehydrate
The best fruits to dehydrate include:
Strawberries
Strawberries are delicious berries packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Their nutrients and small size make them worthy fruits to dehydrate.
For faster and better dehydration, slice or half the strawberries to reduce their size.
The best dehydrating temperature is about 125°F for 8 to 16 hours depending on size.
Dehydrated strawberries make excellent snacks. They can be added to cereal and yogurt, or used as toppings.
Peaches
Peaches are juicy fruits high in vitamins, potassium, and fiber.
The potassium content in peaches helps in regulating blood pressure while the high fiber content aids in digestion.
When dehydrated, peaches make a tasty snack. Like strawberries, they are dehydrated at 125°F for 12 to 16 hours.
They can be used in pies, cobblers, or as a topping for yogurt and cereal.
Pineapples
Pineapples are tropical fruits rich in vitamins, manganese, and bromelain.
They are low in calories and high in dietary fiber.
Pineapples are dehydrated at 125°F for up to 16 hours. Dehydrated pineapples are full of nutrients and are a treat to enjoy.
They can be added to cookies, eaten as a snack, or used in cereals, trail mixes, or yogurt.
Apples
Apples are among the best fruits to dehydrate.
Even with dehydration, they maintain their crunchy taste and provide tons of soluble and insoluble fiber.
Apples are dried at 130 to 145°F for about 6 to 12 hours.
Dehydrated apples are full of vitamins that manage the health of gums, memory, gout, and joint pain.
They can be eaten as crisps with peanut butter, used in pies and cobblers, or as an addition to cereal or yogurt.
Bananas
Bananas provide an energy boost and help with satiety due to their fiber.
They are also an excellent source of vitamin B6, which aids in brain function and red blood cell production.
Bananas are dehydrated at 135°F to make delicious banana crisps.
Dehydrated bananas can be snacked on as is or added to a trail mix, yogurt, or cereal.
Apricots
Apricots are sweet fruits rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber.
They are also a good source of beta-carotene which has antioxidant properties that protect against cellular damage
Dehydrated apricots retain their sweet taste and are a popular choice as a snack.
They are dehydrated at 135°F for about 24 hours.
Dehydrated apricots can be added to baked goods or as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
Kiwi
Kiwi has a fuzzy brown exterior and green flesh with small black seeds.
It is dehydrated at 135°F for a maximum of 12 hours.
Dehydrated kiwi makes a delicious snack that is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Eating dried kiwi prevents respiratory diseases and boosts the immune system.
Grapes
Grapes are fruits that come in many varieties. Dehydrated grapes are also known as raisins.
Although they take longer to fully dehydrate, they are a delicious treat used in a variety of ways.
Grapes are dehydrated at 135°F for 18 to 48 hours depending on their type and size.
They are consumed as a snack and can also be used in baked goods, drinks, and trail mixes.
Cherries
Cherries are sweet and tart fruits with many healthy compounds and antioxidants.
They are dehydrated at 135°F for 2 to 10 hours depending on the variety.
Dehydrated cherries can be used in baked goods, salads, or cereal.
Mangoes
Mangoes are tropical fruits packed with vitamins and fiber.
They are dehydrated at 135°F for 6 to 12 hours.
Dehydrated mangoes make a delicious snack and can also be used in baked goods or added to trail mix.
Conclusion
Dehydrating fruits is a simple and effective way to extend their shelf life.
The process allows the preservation of the fruits' nutritional value while elevating the taste.
Dehydrated fruits provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy fruits as snacks.
They can be eaten as they are, added to yogurt, cereal, smoothies, drinks, baked goods, and other recipes.