Dehydrated strawberries are incredibly easy to make and are a great way to capture the freshness of this early summer berry.Choose berries that are fully ripe, plump, and bright red without any bruising.
Ingredients
1 ½lbstrawberriessee note 1
Instructions
Start with clean hands, equipment, and countertops.
Wash the strawberries and remove the tops with a knife or strawberry huller.
Slice the strawberries into ¼"-⅜" thick slices (either cross-wise or pole-to-pole).
Arrange strawberry 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 2).
Storage Tips
Let the dried strawberries cool completely before storing.
Short term storage: If strawberries will be consumed within a few weeks, store in a ziptop bag or sealed container on the counter or in a pantry.
Long-term storage: Condition by loosely packing the dried strawberries 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 strawberries to the dehydrator (unless there are signs of mold—then, throw out the whole batch). Shake occasionally to keep the pieces 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 strawberries.
Notes
Note 1: You can dehydrate any amount of strawberries that will fit in your dehydrator. 1½ pounds represents about two pints.Note 2: 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 strawberries to determine doneness.Strawberry pieces should be pliable or crisp (depending on thickness) 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 or oven to dry longer.