Dehydrated fruit is readily available at supermarkets, and this food provides numerous health and nutritional benefits. Eating dehydrated fruit will supply you with vitamins and minerals you need to create a healthy diet. Not all fruits can be dehydrated with good results, but if you are interested in making your own dried fruit, there are many options that will hold up well to the process. Choose the freshest varieties available for the best results.
Apples
An apple will supply you with fiber, vitamin C and potassium, and is a healthy fruit to include in your diet. Apples can be dehydrated while retaining much of their nutrition. Wash and core your apples, slice into rings and bake at 135 degrees Fahrenheit until they are dried, which can take up to 15 or 16 hours. A fruit dehydrator will achieve similar results. Dried apples can be eaten plain or added to trail mix.
Berries
Most berries can be dehydrated, and provide vitamin and minerals like fiber and vitamin C, as well as protective antioxidants. To dehydrate berries, wash them first. Slice strawberries into smaller pieces, if desired, to make them easier to eat. Dehydrate the berries at 125 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit until pliable, which can take between 8 and 12 hours. Dehydrated berries can be added to muffin or bread batter or stirred into a bowl of oatmeal.
Apricots
Fresh apricots are a healthy source of potassium and fiber, and a portion of these nutrients are retained during the dehydration process. Wash the apricots and remove the skin and pit. Slice into pieces or small chunks and dehydrate at 135 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 16 hours, or until leathery. Dehydration time will depend on the size of the pieces, as well as how juicy the apricots were to begin with. Dehydrated apricots are a healthy snack on their own, but can also be combined with nuts for a nutritious trail mix or sprinkled over a bowl of cereal.
Pineapple
Rich in vitamin C, pineapple is a healthy fruit to include in your dehydration recipes. Pineapple retains its sweetness through the dehydration process and is a healthy way to add fruit to your diet. Remove the skin from the pineapple and cut the fruit from the core. Cut the pineapple into chunks and dehydrate at 135 degrees for 10 to 18 hours, or until pliable. Dehydrated pineapple is a tasty accompaniment to trail mix or can be added to muffins or bread.
References
- Centers for Disease Control; Fruit and Vegetable Benefits
- Harvard School of Public Health; Vegetables and Fruits; Get Plenty Every Day
- "Backpacker"; Cut and Dried; Diane Bailey; April 2001
