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20
Fruit Leather Dehydration Tips
Sometimes referred to as Fruit Rolls, Fruit Strips, or Fruit Jerky, fruit that is pureed
and dried in thin sheets becomes a tasty, chewy, candy-like snack we will call fruit
leather. You have probably sampled the commercial versions from the market, but once
you’ve tasted it made fresh at home with quality fruit, you’ll never go back to store
bought! Fruit leather is a good way to make use of left-over or overripe fruit that might
otherwise be discarded.
Making Fruit leather is very easy. Start by thoroughly washing the fruit in cold water
and remove any stems or leaves left on the fruit. Remove the peel, skin, pits, or seeds
as necessary. Then just puree the fruit or fruit combination of your choice, and add just
enough liquid to the blender to make a smooth, thick puree. Honey, fruit juice or water
can be used, but don’t make the mixture too thin or it won’t stay put on the dehydrator
shelf. With fruits that have a high moisture level, little or no liquid needs be added at
all.
Since you are the cook, you get to taste the puree as you are making it. It is not
only your privilege but an important part of the process, because if the puree tastes
good, the leather will taste even better! Remember that the flavors and sweetness will
concentrate when the leather is dry, so don’t make it too sweet!
It is best to use a fruit leather sheet designed for the purpose, but if not available you
can line one half of each drying tray with plastic wrap. To maintain adequate circulation
only half of each tray should be covered. As always, you must leave the drying tray’s
center hole uncovered. If using more than one tray, place the plastic on alternate halves
of the trays in the stack. Remember that the trays only go in one way, so stack the trays
properly on the counter before lining them to assure proper placement of the plastic
wrap.
When drying sticky purees (bananas, for instance) spray a small amount of
vegetable-oil-based spray on the fruit leather sheet or plastic wrap. After all fruit leather
sheets are filled, stack the drying trays atop the base. Dehydrate until the fruit puree
is the texture of leather. It should be easy to peel off of the fruit leather sheet. Wrap
in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Spices, chopped nuts or coconut may
be added to the puree for extra flavor. For further variation, puree several types of fruit
together.
Feel free to experiment with your recipes. Single fruit flavors will work just fine,
but there are lots of various fruit combinations that combine to make flavorful snacks.
These include:
• Strawberry Banana
• Strawberries Rhubarb
• Pineapple Peach
• Pineapple Orange
• Apple Blueberry
• Pineapple Apricot
• Raspberry Apple
• Raspberry Banana Coconut
• Mixed Berry
• Apple Cinnamon (use cinnamon sparingly)
• Honey Cranberry Orange (cranberries should be cooked)
Page 17
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