Capture the fleeting flavor of summer by dehydrating peaches! Dehydrated peaches are great for storing seasonally harvested peaches for long-term storage or for easy snacking.
Ingredients
Ripe peaches
Instructions
Start with clean hands, equipment, and countertops.
Wash the peaches and peel if desired. Remove the pit by slicing each peach in half and pulling out the seed (a spoon can be helpful in easing out stubborn pits).
Slice the peaches into ¼"-½" thick slices using a sharp knife. The thinner they are, the crispier they will become in the dehydrator.
Arrange peach slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays, ensuring there is space between pieces to allow airflow.
Dehydrate at 135F/57C for 6-12 hours, until dry (see note).
Storage Tips
Let the dried peaches cool completely before storing.
Short term storage: If the peaches will be consumed within a week or two, store in a ziptop bag or sealed container on the counter or in a pantry.Long-term storage: Condition by loosely packing the dried peaches in a transparent, airtight container. Leave it on the counter for a week and check it daily for signs of moisture. If condensation appears, return the peaches to the dehydrator (unless there are signs of mold—then, throw out the whole batch). Shake occasionally to keep the peaches from sticking together.
After conditioning, store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Vacuum sealing will help extend the shelf life and quality of the peaches.
Notes
Total time will depend on your machine, total dehydrator load, humidity in the air, air temperature. 6-12 hours is a range and you should rely primarily on the feel and texture of the peaches to determine doneness. Peach slices should be leathery and pliable in texture when properly dried.To test, remove a slice and let it completely cool. They may have some bend but if you tear one in half and squeeze it, there should be no moisture that seeps out. If they have any signs of remaining moisture, put them back into the dehydrator to dry longer.