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How to Dehydrate Berries

Susan Gast, founder of Easy Food Dehydrating

by: Susan Gast / Author, Blogger at Beesville Books, Bored Boomers, and a Food Dehydrating Fanatic!

When learning how to dehydrate berries, it takes a little more preparation.

Blueberries and Cranberries in small piles

You'll find that it's well worth the time and effort because you can then enjoy berries all year round!

Today, I'm going over two specific berries: Blueberries and Cranberries. (Strawberries are here).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Blueberries & Cranberries

How to dry blueberries?

This top question is answered on the page you're on, so just scroll down.

Are dried blueberries as healthy as fresh?

Dried blueberries are still very healthy, but fresh blueberries have slightly higher nutrient levels which isn't surprising.

Benefits of dried blueberries:

  • Antioxidants like anthocyanins and polyphenols remain largely intact through drying. These lower inflammation and disease risk.
  • Fiber levels concentrate during dehydration, benefiting digestion and weight management.

Some nutritional losses:Vitamin C and vitamin B6 see up to 50% nutrient degradation from heat and oxygen exposure during drying.

Can you dehydrate frozen blueberries?

Yes! And you can "skip the dip" of boiling water because the manufacturer has done that step for you!

Are dried cranberries good for you?

Yes, dried cranberries are a healthy and nutritious snack when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the main benefits of dried cranberries:

  • High in Antioxidants - Dried cranberries contain polyphenol antioxidants which help combat inflammation.
  • Rich in Nutrients - Cranberries deliver concentrated amounts of beneficial minerals like manganese, copper, vitamin E, vitamin K, and more despite their small size.
  • Aid Urinary Tract Health - Compounds like proanthocyanidins may prevent bacteria from sticking to surfaces, promoting UTI-fighting benefits.
  • Contain Prebiotic Fiber - The natural plant fibers feed healthy probiotic bacteria populations in the gut, boosting digestion.
  • Low in Calories - With only 80 calories per 1 ounce serving, dried cranberries are a smart snacking choice, especially in place of unhealthy chips or sweets.

Just know that some prepackaged brands have added sugars. Always check the ingredients list and choose unsweetened varieties when possible. And as with any dried fruit, moderating portion sizes is key to managing calories and carbs! Or better yet? Dry your own cranberries!

Can you dehydrate cranberries?

Yes, just follow our instructions further down this page.

How do you rehydrate cranberries?

Here are a few simple methods for rehydrating dried cranberries:

  1. Hot water or cranberry juice - Place dried cranberries in a heat-proof bowl and cover with hot (not boiling) water, cranberry juice, or an equal mixture of both. Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Steam method - Place dried cranberries in a steamer basket or colander suspended over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for 5-10 minutes, until plump.
  3. Soak in cold liquid - For a more gradual rehydration, cover dried cranberries with cool water or juice in an airtight container. Refrigerate, allow to soak overnight or up to 24 hours.
  4. Microwave - Microwave dried fruit in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with water or juice, for 30 seconds at a time. Stir and check after each interval to prevent overheating.
  5. Add to recipes - Dried cranberries can be rehydrated directly inside recipes like trail mixes, oatmeal, salads and more as they absorb moisture from the other ingredients.

Rehydrated cranberries work wonderfully in both sweet and savory dishes with their chewy texture. Enjoy their versatility!


A person with dehydrator, fresh food

Make Blueberry Tarts!

Blueberry TartCourtesy of Camtasia - Registered User

Use dehydrated berries in a beautiful blueberry pie—and dress up plain cereal in the morning! And cranberries at Christmas—who doesn't love cranberry sauce?

Recipes for how to make Blueberry Sauce and Cranberry Sauce are farther down this page.

Also, I have shared tips on how to grow blueberries and cranberries.

Blueberries Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, followed by Vitamin K. They have trace amounts of Folate, Choline, Niacin, Vitamin E, Betaine, Thiamine, and Riboflavin.

MINERALS: Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium, with trace amounts of Manganese, Iron, Zinc, and Copper.

These fantastic berries contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids too.

Cranberries Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, followed by Vitamin K, and Choline, plus trace amounts of Vitamin E, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, and Betaine.

MINERALS: Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium, with trace amounts of Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, and copper.

They also contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids too.

When Dehydrating Berries... Can I Skip the Blanching Dip?

There are a few key reasons for blanching many fruits, or vegetables, in boiling water prior to dehydrating them:

  1. Inactivates Enzymes - Blanching helps halt the action of enzymes that change colors, textures, flavors or cause undesirable ripening during drying. Blanching preserves quality better.
  2. Cleans the Surface - The hot water loosens dirt and debris to give produce a thorough surface clean before dehydrating. This includes removing wax residues.
  3. Precooks Slightly - Softening fibers through brief hot water baths lets moisture exit cells much easier when dehydrating - this means your berries dry faster.
  4. Improves Appearance - For vibrant foods like carrots, blanching locks in brighter pigments before drying.

If You Skip the Dip, Try This Instead!

Yes, skip the blanching dip in boiling water! How? Buy FROZEN blueberries and cranberries!

We can skip the step because the manufacturer has already done that (blanching) step for us. How neat is that? Plus, you won't get stained fingers ... :-)

How to Dehydrate Berries

If using a frozen variety, ignore steps 1 and 2

  1. Prepare your berries of choice by rinsing them in a sieve and removing the stems.
  2. Dip them into boiling water until you see their skins crack! This helps in the dehydrating process.
  3. Arrange them on your food dehydrator trays, making sure they don't touch each other so that air can circulate.
  4. Turn on your dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F (or per your food dehydrator's instructions).

Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

  • They will feel leathery when dried sufficiently.
  • Drying time: between 10-18 hours.
  • Remember to rotate your food dehydrator trays, for even drying.

The Old Farmer's Almanac is a great go-to for discovering the best berry-picking times. For blueberries click here. Learn how to harvest cranberries here at Wikihow.

What are the Different Types of Blueberries?

There are several different types of blueberries that you can grow. Some of the most popular varieties include:

Highbush Blueberry: This blueberry is the most common type of blueberry grown in the United States. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in pies or jams.

Lowbush Blueberry: This variety is native to Canada. Lowbush blueberries have a tart flavor and are often used in pies or sauces.

Blueberries growing in a field

How Do You Grow Blueberries?

Blueberries are grown in acidic soil and need full sun and moist soil to grow well.

Watering blueberry plants regularly is important, as they will not tolerate drought conditions.

They are typically harvested in the summer after the fruits have turned blue.

Blueberry sauce in a dish with plain yogurt

How Do You Make Blueberry Sauce?

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and water.
  2. Cook over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the blueberries are soft for about 10 minutes.
  3. Mash the blueberries with a spoon or an immersion blender.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the blueberry sauce and stir until thickened.
  5. Pour into a serving dish and refrigerate until chilled.


loose cranberries

Cranberries at Christmas!

Many of us love to eat Cranberries at Christmas time. I mean, what turkey dinner is complete without Cranberry sauce? So get busy dehydrating cranberries!

What are the Different Types of Cranberries?

There are several different types of cranberries that you can grow. Some of the most popular varieties include:

American Cranberry: The American cranberry is the most common type of cranberry grown in the United States. It has a tart flavor and is often used in pies or sauces.

Northern Cranberry: The northern cranberry is native to Canada. This type of cranberry has a sweet flavor and is often used in desserts or as a garnish.

Cranberries growing in a field

How Do You Grow Cranberries?

Cranberries are grown in wet, acidic soil and need full sun and moist soil to grow well.

Watering cranberry plants regularly is important, as they will not tolerate drought conditions.

They are typically harvested in the fall after the fruits have turned red.

Where are Commercial Cranberries Farmed?

Here are some of the major areas where cranberries are commercially farmed:

  • Massachusetts - This state is one of the top producers of cranberries in the world. The Cape Cod region has an ideal climate and terrain for cranberry bogs.
  • Wisconsin - Wisconsin is another major hub of cranberry production in the U.S., particularly in the central and northern regions of the state.
  • New Jersey - New Jersey has long been a leader in cranberry cultivation, with large operations in the Pine Barrens area.
  • Oregon - The Pacific Northwest, including coastal regions of Oregon, has significant commercial cranberry farms.
  • Washington - Washington state also produces sizable cranberry crops, benefiting from its moist climate.
  • Quebec - Quebec, Canada, is by far the largest producer with massive cranberry bogs.
  • Chile - Cranberries in the Southern Hemisphere: Chile is a major growing region.

Other significant cranberry farming areas include British Columbia in Canada, northeastern U.S. states like New York and Maine, and some European countries like Germany.

How Do You Make Cranberry Sauce?

Cranberry Sauce in a gravy boat-style jug

Here is an easy recipe to make your own Cranberry Sauce:

Ingredients:

  • 1 package fresh cranberries (12 oz)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup water

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
  2. Cook over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the cranberries are soft for about 10 minutes.
  3. Mash the cranberries with a spoon or an immersion blender.
  4. Pour into a serving dish and refrigerate until chilled.

Best Cranberry-Pineapple Pie on the planet!

Make this Cranberry-Pineapple Pie Today

A slice of Cranberry Pineapple Pie on a plate

Mom's Cranberry and Pineapple Pie.

Mom makes this decadent pie for special occasions—like birthdays—and always at Christmas time. So, now you know how to dehydrate berries. Make this a new holiday favorite at your house!

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Thanks for stopping by to learn all about how to dehydrate berries. Have fun!

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

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