Nectarines are the tangy, hairless cross between a peach and a plum. These tender, juicy fruit are sweeter and more flavorful when dried. However, nectarines do require special considerations when they are being dried as they become an unappealing brown color if they are not treated in sodium metabisulfate beforehand. Despite the extra preparation, the resulting dried nectarine slices are worth the effort because they are sweet and have a pleasant chewy texture that makes them the perfect snack for the trail or a school lunchbox.
Preparation
Step 1
Pour the water into a large bowl and add 2 tsp. sodium metabisulfate.
Step 2
Slice the nectarines into 1/2-inch slices, cutting around the pit.
Step 3
Gently detach each slice from the pit and place the slices into the sodium metasulfate mixture. Soak the slices as you cut up all of the nectarines.
Step 4
Soak the slices for between 10 and 15 minutes total.
Step 5
Drain the nectarines into a colander and rinse the slices in cool water.
Dehydrator Method
Step 1
Arrange the nectarine slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
Step 2
Insert the trays into the electric dehydrator and dry the nectarine slices at 130 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours or until they are completely dry and leathery.
Step 3
Pack the nectarine slices into resealable containers or plastic storage bags until you are ready to use them.
Oven Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If your oven does not have a setting that low, set it to its lowest setting or "Warm."
Step 2
Arrange the nectarine slices in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 3
Place the baking sheet into the oven and dry the nectarine slices for eight hours or until they are completely dry and leathery.
Step 4
Pack the nectarine slices into resealable containers or plastic storage bags until you are ready to use them.
Things You'll Need
- 1 gallon water
- Large bowl
- 2 tsp. sodium metabisulfate
- 3 lbs. nectarines
- Knife
- Colander
- Food dehydrator or baking sheet
- Resealable containers or plastic bags
