The classic red gems known as strawberries are this week’s feature of my dehydration project series.
I was one of those kids who always wanted the strawberry flavored thing: strawberry lollipop, strawberry chapstick, strawberry gum ball, and even the strawberry flavored fluoride at the dentist office. Ironically enough, I like strawberries in every form except eaten raw. I know, it seems ludicrous! I have internally battled with this myself. I love strawberry ‘everything’ so much, so I don’t know why it is difficult for me to love eating them in their most plain and natural state. I have tried several times to like them raw but it is something I can’t force. Fortunately, there are many other ways to enjoy these delicious delights.
That sets the precedent for today’s dehydration project trial: dried strawberries. Dried strawberries are the perfect little snack or can be added as a nice touch to cereals or homemade granola bars.
The Dehydration Project: Strawberries
Ingredients:
- Ripe Strawberries (it’s best to get them when they are in season)
Method:
- First wash the strawberries and remove the hull (the green part)
- Cut into 1/8-1/4 inch slices. Be consistent with the width to ensure they dry evenly.
- Set the dehydrator to 135 degrees F. It took me 8 hours for mine to dry to a nice crispness- but I think a range from 6-10 hours would be appropriate. You will need to monitor them until your desired state is achieved.
- Let cool sufficiently- then store, eat plain, or add to cereal or granola
Lessons Learned:
- My husband tried one and commented they need sugar if they are to be eaten plain. To satisfy some taste buds, a sweetener may need to be added if you are going to eat them like ‘chips’
- There is no need for any pre-treatment before drying- they keep their natural color just fine!