How to Make Dried Cranberries: Tips on Drying Fruits
It’s been a cold winter, and how many of us have been craving some fresh fruit? Cranberries are harvested in the fall, making it the perfect time to make your own dried cranberries at home. If you are looking for the great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still living in a chilly environment, try dehydrating cranberries. Making your own dried cranberries lets you control the ingredients and avoid the added sugars or artificial sweeteners often found in store-bought craisins. It is challenging to find sugar-free dried cranberries in stores, so making them at home ensures a healthier option. Homemade dried cranberries are less sweet than commercial craisins and have a more natural flavor and texture. You can also make a sugar free recipe by using alternative sweeteners for a healthier snack, and sweeteners can be added to adjust the flavor or prevent sticking without using added sugar. Dehydrating fruits is an excellent way to preserve them so they can be enjoyed all year round. In this blog post guide, we will discuss how to dehydrate cranberries and how long it takes to dry completely.
- What Are Cranberries
- Why Dehydrate Them?
- Ingredients and Equipment
- Preparing Fresh Cranberries
- Using Frozen Cranberries
- How to Condition Cranberries
- Storing Dried Cranberries
- Creating Cranberry Powder
- Dehydrated Cranberry Recipes To Make
- What Do Dried Cranberries Taste Like?
- Some Health Benefits of Dried Cranberries
- Tips for Drying Fruits
- FAQs about Drying Cranberries in Dehydrator
- Conclusion:
What Are Cranberries
Cranberries are a very tart, red berry commonly used in jams, juice, and other desserts. Whole cranberries have a firm exterior and are often used for eating fresh or for making unsweetened dried cranberries. Cranberries are thoroughly cleaned before eating or drying to remove any pesticides, waxes, or residues. Unsweetened dried cranberries are naturally tart and can be made at home for a healthier option. They grow on vines during the summer months throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. They can be eaten fresh or dried
Why Dehydrate Them?
Dehydrating fruits like raw cranberries instead of canning them provides you with a healthy snack that’s perfect for the winter months. Additionally, dried cranberries are perfect for baking and cooking because they’re less expensive than buying them in the store.
You can also store cranberries for longer periods by dehydrating them. To store dried cranberries and maintain their freshness, keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, or freeze them for extended shelf life. Homemade dried cranberries should have a soft and chewy texture, making them ideal for snacking or adding to recipes. Dried cranberries can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 1 month, ensuring they remain fresh and ready to use.
Dehydrating them is also an excellent way to preserve the fruit for future use, whether you want to enjoy them in your salad or add some flavor and color to muffins.
Ingredients and Equipment
- Fresh cranberries
- Food dehydrator
- Airtight container
- Large bowl
- Piece of parchment paper
- Sugar (or alternative sweeteners such as allulose, erythritol, or Swerve)
- Sharp knife
- First, you need to wash the organic cranberries. Place them in a pot or large bowl and pour hot water over the fruit. Leave them to soak for ten minutes to help clean and prepare them for drying.
- Put the cranberries in a colander, then gently cover them in dish towels to remove any excess water on the fruit.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the cranberries in half. This helps the cranberries dry more evenly and efficiently.
- Next, make the syrup by using two parts water and 1 part sugar, or use your preferred sweeteners for a sugar free recipe. Stir 1/4 cup of syrup with the cranberries in the large bowl. The cranberries should be tossed in the bowl to evenly distribute the syrup and sweeteners.
- Before dehydrating your produce, cover the bottom of the dehydrator (under the lowest tray) with a sheet of parchment paper to catch any food drips (Look for a food dehydrator that can use drip trays for a better experience).
- Spread out your halved, syrup-coated cranberries on the trays. If any of the fruit are still whole, they’ll need a little help with piercing by using a paring knife before being placed in the dehydrator.
- Make sure not to overlap your fruit on the trays. You want each piece to have 1/2 inch space for maximum dehydration.
- Gently coat the cranberries with a light layer of avocado oil or syrup to help with the drying process.
- Put the trays in your food dehydrator, set the temperature to 150 Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, and then decrease the temperature to 135 Fahrenheit to dehydrate cranberries.
- Drying time will vary from how wet your fruit is to how long it takes to dry, but generally around 8-10 hours or longer. Check at the 8-hour mark to see how they look.
- Make sure the cranberries have completely cooled before testing for doneness. Turn off the food dehydrator and open it to let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- When cooled, break the fruit in half; it should not have any moisture when broken.
Preparing Fresh Cranberries
Getting your fresh cranberries ready is a key step for the best results when drying. Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries thoroughly in cold water to wash away any dirt or debris. Next, sort through the berries and remove any stems or damaged cranberries to ensure only the best make it into your batch. If you’d like to mellow out the tartness, try soaking the cranberries in a mixture of water and a natural sweetener such as honey or maple syrup for about 30 minutes. This not only helps reduce bitterness but also adds a subtle sweetness to your dried cranberries. Cutting cranberries in half before drying helps them to dehydrate more quickly. After soaking, drain the berries and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture at this stage helps the cranberries dry more evenly and prevents them from sticking together during the drying process.
Using Frozen Cranberries
If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries are a fantastic alternative for making your own sugar free dried cranberries. To use frozen cranberries, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or leave them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat the cranberries dry with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. You can then use these frozen-thawed cranberries in your favorite dried cranberries recipe, whether you’re aiming for a sugar free snack or a classic sweetened version. Keep in mind that frozen cranberries tend to be a bit softer than fresh, so they may break apart more easily and could require a slightly shorter drying time. With a little adjustment, frozen cranberries work just as well and let you enjoy dried cranberries any time of year.
How to Condition Cranberries
- Add the dehydrated, cool berries into a glass jar. Make sure to fill in only 2/3 of the container. Shake the jar a couple of times daily for a week. If there’s moisture on the side of the jar, your fruit is not thoroughly dried, and you need to dehydrate them longer until they’re dehydrated .
- Once they are fully conditioned, place the dehydrated cranberries in an airtight container. Keep the fruit away from direct sunlight or heat.
Storing Dried Cranberries
Proper storage is essential to keep your dried cranberries tasting fresh and delicious. Once your dried cranberries have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Label your jars with the date and contents so you can keep track of freshness. Store the containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage, you can freeze dried cranberries in airtight containers or freezer bags—this way, they’ll stay fresh for up to a year. Dried cranberries can be frozen for up to 12-18 months, making them a convenient option for year-round use. When you’re ready to use your dried cranberries, simply let them come to room temperature or rehydrate them by soaking in a little water or apple juice for a few minutes. This will plump them up and make them perfect for baking, salads, or snacking.
Creating Cranberry Powder
Transforming your dried cranberries into cranberry powder is a great way to add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your recipes. To make cranberry powder, place your dried cranberries in a food processor, blender, or spice grinder and blend until you achieve a fine powder. For an extra smooth texture, sift the powder through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces. Store your cranberry powder in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This vibrant powder can be used as a natural sweetener or flavor enhancer in oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, and baked goods. It’s a simple way to enjoy the benefits of cranberries in a convenient, versatile form.
Dehydrated Cranberry Recipes To Make
Some great recipes to make with dehydrated cranberries are granola, trail mix, fruit leather, cranberry sauce, homemade cookies, bread, and cakes. These ideas will help you how to use dried berries in your cooking or baking.
What Do Dried Cranberries Taste Like?
They have a very tart flavor.
Some Health Benefits of Dried Cranberries
Dried cranberries make for a tasty snack, either on their own or mixed with other dried fruits like raisins. They are also helpful to have around when you want some fruit but don’t have any fresh ones on hand.
Even though they’re not typically eaten as part of a healthy diet, dried cranberries still have many health benefits. Here are some of them:
- They might help prevent urinary tract infections.
- They boost the immune system.
- They’re low in calories.
Tips for Drying Fruits
For the best sugar free dried cranberries, a few simple tips can make all the difference. Always dry your cranberries at a low temperature, whether you’re using a dehydrator or your oven, to preserve their color and flavor. To prevent the cranberries from sticking together, toss them lightly with a small amount of coconut oil or avocado oil before spreading them out on your baking sheet or dehydrator trays. Homemade dried cranberries can be chewier than store-bought varieties when made with a little oil. Drying the cranberries in batches ensures even airflow and consistent results. Keep an eye on the drying time and temperature, adjusting as needed to achieve the perfect chewy texture. With these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious, sugar free dried cranberries and experiment with drying other fruits for healthy, homemade snacks.
FAQs about Drying Cranberries in Dehydrator
How long does it take to dry cranberries?
It can take up to 10-18 hours or longer to dry cranberries; this depends on the dehydrator appliance you have, humidity, and the fruit’s water contents.
How many pounds of cranberries can be dried at one time?
You can dry up to two pounds of cranberries at once, but it depends on how many trays your dehydrator has.
What is the best dehydrator for drying fruits, especially cranberries?
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator is the best dehydrator for drying fruits because of its adjustable thermostat, timer, and seven stainless steel dehydrator trays.
Conclusion:
Dehydrating cranberries is a great way to enjoy this delicious fruit all year round. They also make for perfect additions to your favorite baked goods, breakfast cereals, or yogurt toppings! So give dehydrated cranberries a try, and you won’t be disappointed. Don’t stop to reach out if you have any questions about how to get started with dehydrating your cranberries or you want advice on which recipe would best serve their purpose in cooking. We’re always happy to help!
