There's more than one way to dehydrate peaches. You don't even have to waste the money on expensive appliances if you don't have a dehydrator. Using one of three methods, you can dehydrate peaches for a sweet snack that should last for months. When dried the peaches turn out crisp and sweet -- eat them as is or rehydrate them later to use as you would fresh peaches.
Oven
Step 1
Preheat the oven to its lowest setting, under 140 F.
Step 2
Peel the skin from the peaches with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife.
Step 3
Cut the peaches in half and remove the pit.
Step 4
Slice the peach halves into equal sized pieces.
Step 5
Dunk each piece slice into an ascorbic acid solution in a bowl. These solutions are available at grocers and other home stores. Follow the specific instructions provided with the product to prepare. Most call for mixing the ascorbic acid solution with water.
Step 6
Place the peach slices in an even layer on a nonstick baking sheet.
Step 7
Set the baking sheet in the oven with the door slightly open.
Dehydrator
Step 1
Lay the cut peach slices evenly on the dehydrator trays.
Step 2
Place the trays inside the dehydrator's base unit.
Step 3
Place the lid on the dehydrator.
Step 4
Select the dehydrating temperature based on the dehydrator's specific instructions. Mose dehydrators have a setting around 130 F that is appropriate for drying peaches.
Step 5
Plug the dehydrator's power cord into the electrical outlet. The dehydrator may start automatically or you may have to turn on a power button.
Sun Drying
Step 1
Place the cut peach slices on a nonstick baking pan.
Step 2
Set the pan outdoors in a clean area free from animals.
Step 3
Place the pan in an area that receives a good amount of sunlight. Direct sunlight is not always best. Direct sun can become hotter than the recommended temperature for dehydration.
Tips and Warnings
- When oven drying, place a fan outside the oven door. Position the fan so it blows into the oven. This improves airflow and helps the peaches to dry quicker and more evenly. The peaches are dry when they feel completely dry. Drying times vary significantly by drying method, the size and thickness of the slices and the moisture content of the peaches.
Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Bowl
- Ascorbic acid product
- Nonstick baking sheet
- Dehydrator
