Fresh saw palmetto berries are picked in clusters from rugged palmetto fan palm trees that are native to Florida and grow in subtropical regions of southern and western states. The berries ripen, turning from a soft yellow color to deep bluish-black, in late fall to early winter. Drying saw palmetto berries prevents mold and bacteria growth and halts spoilage by significantly reducing the berries' moisture content. Preserved by drying, the berries are used in herbal treatments that may be effective for the non-cancerous, enlarged prostate condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Sun Drying
Step 1
Pick through fresh-picked, ripe saw palmetto berries to remove stem pieces and any debris. Rinse the berries in cool water, drain them in a colander and roll them gently in a towel to remove any remaining dampness.
Step 2
Spread the berries out in a single layer on a drying screen that has wood edges to keep the berries from rolling off. The screen should be made of Teflon-coated fiberglass, plastic or stainless steel.
Step 3
Set the drying screen on blocks that lift it up 1 to 2 feet to allow air to circulate from below. Position the block-and-screen setup on a concrete surface, like the patio or a walkway, to prevent moisture in the ground from slowing the drying process.
Step 4
Protect the berries from insects and birds by placing a single layer of cheesecloth over the drying tray and tucking the cloth edges under the screen.
Step 5
Bring the tray indoors overnight and during rain showers when the cooler air and moisture can rehydrate the berries, delaying the drying process.
Step 6
Remove the saw palmetto berries from the drying tray when they are dry to the touch and reduced in volume by about half their original size.
Food Dehydrator
Step 1
Wash ripe saw palmetto berries in cool water, removing any stems or other debris as you pick through the small fruit. Drain and dry the berries thoroughly with a towel.
Step 2
Distribute the berries evenly between several trays in a food dehydrator. Spread the berries out in a single layer on each tray.
Step 3
Turn the dehydrator on to activate the heating element and the fan, which circulates air around the berries. Most food dehydrator models may be run 24-hours a day, but if you prefer, you may turn the equipment off overnight.
Step 4
Stir the berries every four to six hours to ensure that they dry evenly. Gently press several berries on each tray each time you stir them. If one group feels like it is drying more quickly than the others, rotate the trays.
Step 5
Test one or two of the saw palmetto berries from each tray by cutting them open. If there is no visible moisture, if the berries are dry to the touch, and if they are about half their original size, remove them from the food dehydrator.
Tips and Warnings
- Allow dried saw palmetto berries to cool to room temperature after you have removed them from a food dehydrator before placing them in storage containers. This prevents any condensation from accumulating inside the container as the berries' temperature drops.
- Do not use galvanized metal, copper or aluminum screens when you dry saw palmetto berries in the sun. These materials may cause discoloration, oxidation and leave harmful residue on the berries.
Things You'll Need
- Colander
- Towel
- Drying screen
- Cinder blocks
- Wood blocks
- Cheesecloth
- Food dehydrator
References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Serenoa repens Saw Palmetto; Edward F. Gilman; October 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Saw Palmetto; Steven D. Ehrlich; February 2009
- Purdue University, USDA; The Herb Hunters Guide American Medicinal Plants of Commercial Importance; A.F. Sievers; July, 1930
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service; Preserving Food: Drying Fruits and Vegetables; Judy A. Harrison, Ph.D., et al.; July 2000
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