Nesco FD-1040 Manuel télécharger pdf (Page 11)

Drying Fruits

Fruits are ideal to dry because they have a

natural high sugar content. They are high in

acid (and consequently less prone to spoilage

and micro-organisms), and taste delicious!

Seasonally, fruit can be obtained in bulk from

orchards or farms for considerably lower

prices than you may find in the supermarket.

Selection

Fruits picked at their prime have the highest natural sugar content and the

best nutritional value. For the best quality product, choose only fresh, ripe

unblemished fruits.

Preparation

Wash fruit thoroughly and remove any imperfections. Remove skins (if desired),

stems and seeds. Halve or slice in 1/4” to 1/2” circles or slices (a food processor or

slicer will speed the slicing and ensure uniform slices, which will allow fruits to dry

at the same rate.) Some fruits have a natural protective wax coating such as figs,

prunes, grapes, blueberries, cranberries, etc. If you want to dry these fruits whole,

dip into boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes (the amount of time needed depends on

the thickness and toughness of the skin) to speed dehydration. This makes the skin

more porous by removing the natural wax coating and thereby speeds up the

drying time. This process is called ‘checking.’ Small lines appear

on the fruit skin allowing moisture to escape but may be too fine to be visible.

Many fruits can be dried in halves with the pits removed. If they are dried with the

skins on, be sure to place them skin-side down to prevent fruit and pulp from

dripping down through the trays. Check frequently near the end of the drying

process and remove pieces as they become dry. To peel or not to peel is a decision

only you can make (if the fruit has been artificially waxed, it should definitely be

peeled to remove the wax). The skin has nutritional value, but skins tend to be very

tough when dried and fruits take longer to dry with the skins on. Try fruits both

ways – peeled and unpeeled – then decide for yourself.

Pre-treat if desired and place the fruit into the dehydrator to dry at 135

F (57

C).

www.nesco.com 11

11020745_1451.qxd:11020745_1455 4/25/11 6:31 AM Page 11

1 2 ... 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ... 47 48

Pas de commentaire

Nesco FD-1040 Manuel Page 11