Drying Apples and Pears

Method:

Peel and core the Apples or Pears.
Apples should be cut into ¼" (5mm) rings and pears into halves or quarters depending on their size.
Place the pieces into a bowl of cold salted water immediately for a few minutes to prevent discoloration. Use about 2 oz (56 g) of salt to each 1 gallon (4.5 litres) of water.
Lift out with a perforated spoon and pat fully dry with kitchen roll.
Place the pieces of fruit in single layers on the drying tray and cover with a piece of muslin to keep the fruit clean whilst it is drying.
Check that they are fully dry by pressing 2 or 3 pieces together and, if they feel rubbery and spring back into shape, they are ready.
Remove from the heat source and leave for about 12 hours.
Pack into wooden or cardboard boxes lined with greaseproof paper or, alternatively, airtight jars or containers and store in a very dry place.
Drying Foods Help

These articles will get you started and give you some basic guidelines on drying foods and methods such as oven drying, air drying etc. along with how to build a drying box and other equipment you might need.

Filed under All Recipes, Apples, Drying, Fruit, Pears, Val's Preserves, Vegetarian Recipes by Val

Comments on Drying Apples and Pears »

Jasper Burford @ 7:59 am

Your site looks refreshing, exciting and easy to follow. However, I can't find details about the "drying tray" that is often being used in in your drying methods. Is a fine mesh tray like a steel gauze available that could be used to dry halved grapes inside a fan-assisted 50C-65C oven (or outside in a conservatory)?

Val @ 2:05 pm

Ventilation is important so that the warm air can circulate freely.
Consequently the food should be placed on either perforated trays, trays or racks with wooden slats or a cheesecloth or muslin base. Wire cake trays with cheesecloth or muslin stretched over them and fastened at the corners with pin can also be used. This stops the imprint of the wire from marking the fruit or vegetable.
If new cheesecloth or muslin is used, wash and dry before use or it could give the food an unpleasant flavour. There may be a fine mesh tray available but it would still be advisable to cover it with cheesecloth or muslin to stop it marking something so delicate as grapes. Try Lakeland through the Allotment Shop.