Dried apples are the easiest way to preserve and store apples for longer periods making them a healthy snack or an add-on while cooking and baking. Dehydrators make this job quick and easy, yet it is not always necessary to have one to dry apples at home. This article will demonstrate the use of straightforward and effective solutions, already available in your kitchen tools, to avoid using a dehydrator when drying apples.
What’s The Importance Of Drying Apples?
Dried apples do not only serve as the most practical fruit sections to run while on a hectic day. It is one of the oldest methods of preserving any food item by removing moisture content. Dried apple slices are lightweight, easy to carry around, and don’t need refrigeration. And, of course, they have a very strong taste, suitable for pies or for eating on the go. These kinds of oats, have seven grains, beating the calories, and fiber concentration unlike the common dried apple around our time only, which for some reason most upper types class people choose to avoid since dieting away from gnarling sweeteners is not so easy.
Dried apple preparation
And before we get to the fun part of this post, let me explain how you need to cut your apples, one piece of work on each apple does need to be cut up. This includes washing, coring, slicing, and peeling, and selecting the apples for drying.
Step 1: Choose the Right Apples
Pick fresh, firm apple varieties for making apple slices. Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples are also nice choices because the sweetness is balanced by the firmness and crunchiness. Apples that are too soft may not hold while drying and may turn to mush during the drying stage.
Step 2: Washed and Peeled (optional)
Apples should be carefully washed to eliminate any clinging dirt and/or pesticides. Peeling is also possible but not many people opt to do so, as some find the peel invigorating as an added texture and nutrient. The only difference that may occur is that dried apple slices with the peel still attached may be slightly chewier.
Step 3: Core and slice
Once washing and peeling (if desired) have occurred, an apple venter or knife is used to core the apple. This is done so that the seeds and the hard made up of fibers center are removed. When the core is removed, cut the apple into thin rectangular pieces approximately 1/8 inches thick. For a uniform amount of water and distribution during the drying process, slices of uniform thickness are very critical as the thicker slices will take longer to dry and will not be crisp when done.
Step 4: Protect from Browning
Apples tend to turn yellow quickly as a result of the air reaction of the fruit. To avoid this, immerse the apple slices in water mixed with lemon juice for five to ten minutes. Use about half a cup of lemon juice for one cup of water. You can also combine water and apple juice or vinegar. Then remove the slices after soaking and place them on a clean towel to soak up water from them.
Drying Methods Without a Dehydrator
Supposing that your apples are ready to be preserved, the next step is the drying. Here are three recommended methods of drying your apples without a dehydrator: use of the oven, use of air, and sun.
1. Oven Drying
If you don’t have a dehydrator then this is one of the fastest techniques you’ll dry apple slices without a dehydrator. Here’s how to go through the process;
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
To start with, the very first pre-step of the whole procedure. Set your oven dial to the lowest temperature, about 140F degrees (60C). However, if your oven doesn’t reach that low then the lowest setting of the stove would do but just know that higher temperature tends to burn the apples and cook them instead of drying.
Step 2: Arrange Apple Slices on Baking Sheets
Take baking sheets cover them with parchment paper and lay out apple slices on it. Ensure that the slices do not cover each other because they won’t dry evenly if they do.
Step 3: Bake the Apples
After setting up the baking sheets, put them into the hot air oven at low heat and leave the door ajar so steam can properly dissipate. A dedicated wooden spoon or any oven heat-resistance utensil can be used for this purpose. Then bake the apples for 6 to 12 hours with an occasional turn about halfway through the drying period. The time can range depending upon how thick the slices are, and the temperature of the oven. It will be over whenever the apples are no longer sticky but still soft.
Step 4: Cool and Store
When the apples are dehydrated, take the apples out of the oven and onto the countertop to cool completely. When it comes to the dried apples, pack several ready-prepared pieces into containers with lids and put them in the fridge. This can be done for a few months if properly conducted.
2. Air-Drying
Air-drying does not need electricity and also eliminates any risk of pollution but it stands prolonged. Best for those residing in conditions with hot sun and dry wind and places with good air movement.
Step 1: Prepare a Drying Rack
A drying rack or a mesh screen will be necessary to permit air circulation around the apples. The slices must not be placed on top of each other and need to be arranged on the rack in a single layer.
Step 2: Hang or Place in a Well-Ventilated Area
Put the rack in an indoor place with good air circulation and not directly in sunlight. A string or a mesh can be used to hang up apple slices to keep them away from pests.
Step 3: Turning Slices Regularly
Air drying takes some days to a week based on the surrounding relative humidity. Make sure to flip the slices every two days to prevent any issues with uneven drying. Apples become leathery but flexible when dried adequately.
Step 4: Store Properly
For those that are well-dried, keep them in air-tight containers. Should you discover a small amount of condensation within the container after some days, it implies that the apples require more drying before placing them in a container.
3. Sun-Drying
Sun drying is the oldest of the methods and is mostly effective in extremely hot weather conditions. Under this method, it will take more time but uses solely the energy from the sun.
Step 1: Set Up Your Drying Area
Look for an area outside that is high up and blindingly hot where apples can be left out for days without being interfered with. Place the apple slices on a drying rack a mesh or a clean surface. To shield the apples from insects and dirt, place a thin fabric or gauze over the apples.
Step 2: Observe and Rotate as Necessary
Within one day, let the apples soak in sunlight for quite some time. During the night, it is best to store apples inside to keep them dry. Rotate the slices every day for more even moisture removal. Sun drying apples take about 3-7 days depending on the humidity conditions.
Step 3: Check for Doneness and Store
After that, inspect the apples for instance for any odd soft spots or moisture when the apples are in a dry state. If they are all right, pack the dried ones in covered containers just as how you treat the oven or air-dried apples.
Cooking With Dried Apples
Dried apples are an ingredient in various recipes. Chew them as they are, soak them in water for cooking, or include them in baking, on the usage of oatmeal, or cooking trail mixes. They can also be included in festive foodstuffs as well as presidential apple crisps or chutneys.
Apple Drying Tips & Canning Issues
Even Slicing: Uniform apple slices are very important for even drying since uneven thickness increases the drying rate of some while the opposite is true for others.
Proper Storage: Do not leave dried apple cuts exposed. Also, dry apple cuts should be put in proper refrigerator containers and not just left at room temperature.
Check for Dryness: The apples should not be completely yet a little dry but should be soft. This prevents the effect of making them tough and excess moisture which would cause the apple pieces to become too moldy.
Conclusion
Drying apples without a dehydrator is a quick and fun activity that is practical for anyone to do in their home. If you want to use your oven, air-dry, or even sun-dry them, it is worth doing it as it helps in flavor retention and can be consumed in a rather long period. Complete these steps, and you will have a fast and nutritious treat that can be appreciated at any time.
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