Preserving the abundant flavors of berries gathered in the summer months is easily done through the process of dehydration, which removes the water element in the berries for longer storage capability. Dehydrated berries may be enjoyed throughout the year dried or reconstituted. Berries typically contain an abundance of antioxidant properties and an abundance of vitamin A, C and K. You can dehydrate berries with the help of the sun or a home oven.
Sunshine Technique
Step 1
Select fresh, ripe berries without blemishes. Thick berries, such as strawberries, will need to be sliced in half or in quarters to hasten the dehydration process. Smaller berries, such as raspberries and blueberries, may be left whole.
Step 2
Mist berries with lemon juice to prevent browning. Lemon juice contains ascorbic acid, which is a natural preservative.
Step 3
Sprinkle berries with a dusting of unrefined granulated sugar. Sugar will help to extend the shelf life of your dehydrated berries.
Step 4
Arrange berries on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and place in a protected area where sunshine is dominant throughout the day. To protect the berries from ants and other crawling insects, be sure to elevate the tray and place it away from populated insect areas. A sunny window may also be used if bugs are a problem outdoors.
Step 5
Turn the berries once daily until they are dry and leathery. This may take up to a week. Store the dehydrated berries in an airtight container for up to four months.
Oven Method
Step 1
Select ripe, fresh berries without blemishes or scars. Slice thick berries, such as strawberries, into thin slices. Leave smaller berries whole.
Step 2
Spray with lemon juice and dust with unrefined sugar.
Step 3
Arrange berries on a wire rack placed on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If berries are too small to be placed on a wire rack, simply place directly on the parchment paper or aluminum foil. The wire rack is ideal for larger slices of berries to encourage quicker drying.
Step 4
Bake on the lowest oven setting, turning every 20 minutes, until berries are dry and leathery. Cool berries completely.
Step 5
Store berries in an airtight container for up to 4 months.
Tips and Warnings
- Refrigeration of dehydrated berries is not necessary, but it may extend the shelf life of the berries from four months to seven months. Adding grapefruit seed extract to the lemon water spray will prevent food-borne bacteria from forming prematurely on dehydrated fruit.
- Always rinse all berries before consumption. Berries are the most absorbent food due to their soft flesh and may contain high levels of pesticide residue that cannot be washed away. For this reason, it is advisable to obtain organic or un-sprayed berries. If this is not possible, limit quantities consumed by small children to prevent excessive pesticide buildup.
Things You'll Need
- Berries
- Sharp knife
- Lemon juice
- Unrefined sugar
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheet
- Airtight container
- Wire rack
- Aluminum foil
References
- "The Encyclopedia Of Healing Foods"; Michael Murray, N.D.; 2005
- "The Nutrition Almanac"; Luvanne Dunne; 2001
- "Julia's Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking"; Julia Child; 2009
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