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Are you always looking for a wholesome snack that is high in antioxidants? Dehydrating apricots are a perfect choice! It takes just a few hours to dehydrate apricots, and they can be stored at room temperature until you’re ready to eat them. Apricot dehydrated fruit makes an excellent addition to yogurt parfaits, granola bars, homemade granola bars, or salads.
A food dehydrator ( I like using the Excalibur 9 trays dehydrator)
Apricots ( I like using organic dried apricots from Trader Joe’s because they are soft and easy to dehydrate without additional preparation, but any fruit will work.)
A large bowl.
One cup lemon juice mixed with water to prevent browning during the dehydration process.
Sharp knife for cutting apricots into slices and a mandoline slicer or other method to slice the dehydrated apricot pieces.
Ingredients
A bunch of apricots.
One cup of lemon juice.
Four cups of water.
How to Find the Best Apricots for Dehydrating
Buy or pick your apricots when they are fully ripe and still a little hard; ripe fruit should have a firm texture with a slight give and a distinct orange color without any green. This is when they have the most flavor and are not too mushy to dehydrate successfully.
Look for plump apricots, well colored with an even skin color all over.
Choose ones without large cracks or spots of mold on their surface, indicating decay inside the fruit.
Look for sales when you are looking for fresh apricots so that you can save money.
Consider going to a local farmer’s market, fruit stand, or grocery store.
If this is not possible, purchase from your supermarket’s produce department when they have good sales on fresh fruits like avocados and peaches, which would make for an excellent dehydrating project.
Preparing Apricots for Dehydration
Preparing apricots for dehydration is a crucial step to ensure they dry evenly and retain their flavor and nutritional value. Start by washing apricots thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt, dust, or bacteria. Once clean, remove any stems or leaves from the apricots.
Next, cut the apricots in half and remove the pit. This will make it easier for the apricots to dehydrate evenly. To help preserve their vibrant color and prevent browning, soak the apricot halves in a solution of water and lemon juice. Use one cup of lemon juice to four cups of water and let the apricots soak for 10-15 minutes.
After soaking, pat the apricot halves dry with a clean towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential to ensure the apricots dehydrate properly and don’t become too sticky. Now, your apricots are ready to be placed on the dehydrator trays.
How to Dehydrate Apricots
Apricots dehydrate very quickly and can be eaten or reconstituted in water to make a delicious, healthy snack. Dehydrating apricot is easy enough for children to do with supervision from an adult.
Let’s get started dehydrating apricots.
First, to dehydrate the apricot, gather all of your ingredients and utensils in advance, so you don’t forget anything or have to stop midway through preparation.
Wash apricots thoroughly before dehydrating them so that they will not get moldy.
Dehydrating apricots is easy and fast. First, you slice them in half, remove the seeds, and remove apricots from the pits.
In a large bowl, combine water and lemon juice. Add the sliced apricots.
Remove from bowl and dry gently any water droplets or juice.
Put the apricots on dehydrating sheets and gently push them in a dehydrator so they’re flat on your Excalibur drying tray with their skin side down and flesh facing upwards.
Set at 135 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 24 hours so they will dehydrate evenly. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s manual for the appropriate drying times. Also, make sure to monitor your food.
After dehydrating is complete, store the dried apricots in airtight containers or plastic bags so that they will stay fresh longer. They can also be dehydrated for less time so that they are crispy and eaten as a snack.
Tips and Best Practices
Achieving delicious dehydrated apricots is easy with a few tips and best practices. First, always use ripe apricots for the best flavor and texture. Ripe apricots will dehydrate more evenly and result in a sweeter, more flavorful snack.
Set your dehydrator to a temperature between 135°F and 155°F (57°C – 68°C) and dehydrate apricots for 6-12 hours. Using a dehydrator tray with a mesh screen will allow for good air circulation and even drying. Be sure not to overcrowd the dehydrator trays, as this can prevent even drying and lead to spoilage.
The apricots should be slightly soft but leathery when they are done. If dehydrated apricots are dry to the touch with no moisture left on the surface, you may need to rehydrate dried apricots. To rehydrate dried apricots, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to soften the fruit. This makes them perfect for various uses, such as adding to fruit cocktails or trail breakfasts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dehydrating apricots can sometimes present challenges, but with a few troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common issues:
Apricots are not drying evenly: Ensure the dehydrator trays are not overcrowded and that the apricots are not touching each other. Proper spacing allows for better air circulation. Also, verify that the dehydrator is set to the correct temperature and that the apricots are being dehydrated for the recommended amount of time.
Apricots are developing off-flavors or textures: Make sure the apricots are being stored in a clean and dry environment, away from other foods or odors that could contaminate them. Additionally, ensure that the dehydrator is clean and well-maintained to prevent any unwanted flavors from developing.
Apricots are not rehydrating properly: When rehydrating dried apricots, use enough water and soak them for a sufficient amount of time. The water should be at room temperature, as water that is too hot or too cold can affect the rehydration process. Proper rehydration will restore the apricots’ texture and flavor, making them perfect for use in recipes or as a snack.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can ensure your dehydrated apricots turn out perfectly every time.
Apricots have antioxidants properties that can help fight free radicals in the body and are also a great source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential in maintaining healthy skin, teeth, and eyesight.
Another benefit of the apricot is that it helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.
Apricots dehydrated make a great snack. They are perfect for school lunch boxes, work bags, and as an after-school treat or dessert. In addition, you can add them to yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, and your favorite gluten-free bread! To enhance their texture and flavor, you can soak apricots in water solutions before using them in recipes like simple syrups and baked goods.
They are also great for dehydrating fruit leathers, trail mix, and desserts like apricot bars, pie crusts, and cookies!
They also make healthy additions to smoothies and other fruit drinks like lemonade or iced tea.
Dried fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber. It has been shown to improve blood flow, digestive health, reduce oxidative damage in the body, and lower one’s risk for diseases such as cancer or diabetes. The antioxidant polyphenols found within dried fruit are responsible for these effects!
Nutrition Facts about Dried Apricots
According to Food Data Central, just two fresh apricots (70 grams) provide:
Calories: 34
Carbs: 8 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Fat: 0.27 grams
Fiber: 1.5 grams
Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 8% of the DV
Vitamin E: 4% of the DV
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Apricots are a delicious, nutritious fruit that is best enjoyed in their natural form. The skin contains large amounts of fiber and nutrients, so discard the stone; it’s not edible!
A Sweet Ending: Embrace the Art of Dehydrating Apricots
If you’re looking for a great way to save money on your grocery bill, it’s time to start dehydrating fruits and vegetables. This is an easy process that will give you a plethora of healthy snacks throughout the week and provide you with some much-needed savings in your budget! So give this simple recipe from our blog post a try today, and soon enough, apricots will be all dried out.
How Long Does It Take to Dry Apricots in a Dehydrator?
Drying apricots in a dehydrator is a breeze, taking about 18 to 24 hours at 135 degrees Fahrenheit. This process transforms fresh apricots into a deliciously chewy treat, perfect for snacking anytime!
DannyContent Writer
Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!
