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2. Easy Food Dehydrating's Guide to Fruit: Basics and Equipment - Pt 1
3. Easy Food Dehydrating's Guide to Fruit: Process and Storage - Pt 2

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Easy Food Dehydrating's Guide to Fruit:
Process and Storage - Pt 2

by: Susan Gast / Author, Blogger at Easy Food Dehydrating, Beesville Books, and SupaBees music!

Selecting and Preparing Fruit

Welcome to Part 2 - The Complete Guide to Fruit Dehydration: From Fresh to Preserved.

Read Part 1 HERE.

The journey to perfect dried fruit starts well before you plug in your dehydrator - it begins at the market or in your garden.

The fruit you select will directly influence the quality, taste, and texture of your finished product. Think of it as your foundation: just as you can't build a sturdy house on shaky ground, you can't make premium dried fruit from subpar fresh ingredients.

Choosing Quality Fruit

Each fruit has its perfect moment of ripeness for dehydrating - that sweet spot between firm enough to handle and slice easily, yet ripe enough to deliver maximum flavor.

When you understand how to select fruits at their peak and prepare them properly, you're already halfway to creating dried fruits that are leagues above anything you can buy in stores.

Whether you're working with summer peaches, autumn apples, or tropical mangoes, the principles of selection and preparation remain your crucial first steps.

Ripeness Guidelines

Ripeness Guidelines TIPS:

Under-ripe: Less sweet, harder to dry evenly
Perfectly Ripe: Ideal sugar content, best flavor
Over-ripe: Higher moisture, harder to preserve

Seasonal Selection Guide

Spring: Strawberries, apricots, early cherries
Summer: Peaches, plums, berries, cherries, figs
Fall: Apples, pears, grapes
Winter: Citrus fruits, imported tropical fruits

Quality Indicators

• Firm flesh without bruising
• Vibrant, appropriate color
• No signs of mold or decay
• Consistent ripeness
• Fresh, pleasant aroma

Fruit-Specific Guidelines

Preparation Techniques

Cleaning

Cutting Techniques

Pre-treatments

The Dehydration Process

Dehydrating fruit is both a science and an art - a delicate balance of temperature, time, and environmental conditions.

Success depends not just on your equipment and preparation, but also on understanding how your local climate affects the process.

Whether you're drying fruit in the humid Southeast or the arid Southwest, knowing how to adjust your approach based on your environment is crucial for consistent results.

Environmental Considerations

Climate Impact on Dehydration
Different climates present unique challenges and opportunities for fruit dehydration:

In Humid Climates

Extend drying times by 25-35% from standard recommendations
Run a dehumidifier in your drying space if humidity exceeds 60%
Consider using an air conditioner to reduce ambient moisture
Add extra desiccant packets during storage
Check progress more frequently for signs of fermentation

In Dry Climates

Reduce drying times by 15-25% from standard recommendations
Watch carefully for case hardening (tough exterior, moist interior)
Consider solar drying as a cost-effective option
Maintain basic storage protocols without extra moisture control
Check progress more frequently in first few hours

At High Altitudes (above 3,000 feet)

Decrease temperature settings by 5°F for every 1,000 feet above sea level
Adjust drying times (usually shorter due to lower air pressure)
Monitor moisture levels more frequently
Consider humidity levels alongside altitude effects

Temperature Guidelines

Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

Time Expectations

Process Details: The Art of Monitoring and Testing

Your role doesn't end once the fruit's in the dehydrator - successful drying requires attention and a bit of intuition.

Like learning to cook without a recipe, you'll develop a feel for when your fruit is perfectly dried.

The process involves regular checking, testing, and sometimes adjusting your approach based on what you observe.

Testing for Doneness

Signs Your Fruit Isn't Ready

Storage and Preservation Methods

The way you store your dried fruit can mean the difference between six months of enjoyment and a disappointing discovery of mold.

Proper storage starts the moment your fruit comes out of the dehydrator and involves a crucial step many people skip: conditioning.

The Conditioning Process

Your dried fruit needs a short adjustment period before long-term storage. This step ensures any remaining moisture evens out among the pieces, preventing future spoilage.

Storage Solutions

Different storage methods suit different needs. Here's your guide to choosing the right approach:

Creative Ways to Use Your Dried Fruit

Dried fruit isn't just for snacking - it's a versatile ingredient that can transform your cooking and baking. Here's how to make the most of your preserved harvest. Here are some quick usage ideas:

Advanced Techniques

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to explore some advanced methods that can take your dried fruit to the next level.

Pro-Level Techniques:

Troubleshooting Guide

Even experienced dehydrators run into occasional challenges. Here's how to identify and solve common issues.

Common Problems & Solutions:

Climate-Related Issues

Whether you're capturing the peak of harvest season, creating healthy snacks for your family, or exploring new culinary horizons, fruit dehydration connects you to an ancient tradition while opening up modern possibilities.

With attention to selecting, preparing, drying, and storing your fruit, you'll soon be creating preserved treats that showcase nature's sweetness in a whole new way - with nothing but fruit and time.

Thanks for taking the time to read all about fruit dehydration processes and storage.

Learn a heckuva lot more about storing dehydrated food safely here.

Don't forget to get your free "Six Simple Steps" eBook where I share how to dehydrate food safely!