How do you dry fruit slices in a humid environment?
In a humid environment, with an abundance of fruit at certain times of the year, what is the best method for drying fruit slices for later use? I don't want to use any type of equipment that needs power/active heating (like an oven)... is it possible to simply slice the fruits and leave in the sun/air?
Best Answer
...a dehydrator.
Unless you have some other constraint you've failed to mention, it's what they are made to do. When we had a gas oven with a standing pilot, that kept the oven warm enough to use as a crude dehydrator; now I just use a common electric heat & fan model.
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Quick Answer about "How do you dry fruit slices in a humid environment?"
Directions for Use - Mix 1 1?2 tablespoons of ascorbic acid mixture with one quart of water. Place the fruit in the mixture and soak 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the fruit well and place on dryer trays. After this solution is used twice, add more ascorbic acid mixture.How do you dehydrate food in a humid climate?
Increasing the air current speeds up drying by moving the surrounding moist air away from the food. To speed the drying time, increase the air flow. Most foods can be dried indoors using modern food dehydrators, counter-top convection ovens or conventional ovens.How do you air dry fruit at home?
The most basic method is air drying fruit, which includes sun drying. Solar drying sometimes refers to a slightly more complex method. To air dry fruit, you must cut thin pieces and pre-treat them with ascorbic acid and water. The fruit is then arranged on a drying rack to air dry over several days.How do you dry sliced fruit?
You don't even need to buy a dehydrator. Your oven, whether it be full-sized oven or a toaster oven, can dehydrate food perfectly in the same amount of time....Tools for oven dehydration- Lemon juice (for fruits)
- Mandolin slicer or knife.
- Wax paper.
- Cookie sheets (or any flat pan)
- Spatula.
OVEN DRIED CITRUS SLICES || Perfect to decorate Desserts or as House Decor!
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Answer 2
I saw an episode of Good Eats where Alton Brown uses a regular box fan and air conditioning filters to dehydrate jerky. Looks like the same can be applied to fruit according to his Food Network Post. Not sure if this would work in a humid environment though.
Special equipment: 1 box fan, 4 paper air-conditioning filters, 2 bungee cords, 6 (14 by 14-inch) plastic dehydrator sheets In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice and water. Set aside until ready to use. Peel, core and dice the fruit into 1/2-inch cubes, with the exception of the strawberries. Slice the strawberries 1/8 of an inch thick. Place the fruit into the lemon water and allow to soak for up to 2 minutes. Remove and drain thoroughly. Lay 1 (14 by 14-inch) plastic dehydrator sheet on 1 of the air-conditioning filters. Place the fruit on the plastic dehydrator sheet and cover with another plastic sheet. Repeat this process with remaining plastic sheets and two more filters, stacking on top of the first one. Top these with the remaining empty filter. Next, lay the box fan on its side and lay the filters on top of it. Strap the filters to the fan with two bungee cords. Stand the fan upright, plug in and set to high. Dry for 42 to 48 hours. When dry, the fruit should be pliable but not sticky. You should not be able to squeeze moisture from the fruit. If using a commercial dehydrator, follow the manufacturer's directions. Remove the fruit from filters and store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown, 2007
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/dried-fruit-recipe.html?oc=linkback
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