What You Will Need
- Apricots
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Food dehydrator
- Parchment paper
Step 1: Washing and Preparing Apricots
Start by selecting fresh and ripe apricots. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to clean off any dirt or debris. Then, cut each apricot in half and remove the pit. You can also slice them into smaller pieces if you prefer.
Step 2: Arranging Apricots in the Dehydrator
Place a sheet of parchment paper on each tray of the food dehydrator to prevent the apricots from sticking. Spread out the apricot halves or slices evenly on the trays, making sure they are not touching each other. This will help promote uniform drying.
Step 3: Dehydrating the Apricots
Set the temperature on the food dehydrator to around 135°F (57°C), as recommended for fruits. Leave the apricots to dry for approximately 8-12 hours, or until they become leathery and pliable. The exact drying time may vary depending on the moisture content of the apricots and the humidity in your environment.
Step 4: Checking for Dryness
To check if the apricots are adequately dehydrated, remove a piece and let it cool for a couple of minutes. If it feels dry and slightly tacky but not sticky, it is ready. If it is still soft or moist, return it to the dehydrator and continue drying for some more time.
Step 5: Storing Dehydrated Apricots
Allow the dehydrated apricots to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable bags. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly dehydrated apricots can stay good for up to a year.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make dehydrated apricots, you can enjoy their delightful flavors and nutritional benefits whenever you like. These chewy and naturally sweet treats are perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to your favorite dishes. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of delicious apricots all year round?
We hope you found this step-by-step guide helpful. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or if you’d like to share your own tips for making dehydrated apricots. Happy dehydrating!