How to Dehydrate Strawberries in a Dehydrator

Strawberries are among the tastiest and healthiest fruits, with plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. However, have you ever tried making or eating dehydrated strawberries? Dried strawberries are a great snack to mix with your cereals, smoothies, porridge, etc.

Dehydrated foods, like strawberries, offer exceptional longevity and versatility. They can be stored for extended periods while retaining their flavor and nutrients, making them perfect for snacking, baking, and cooking, especially when fresh produce is less accessible.

Try something new with your crispy strawberry snacks! Read on to learn the step-by-step procedure on how to dehydrate strawberries in a dehydrator.

Rinse the Strawberries

Strawberries have a higher risk of having pesticide residue since many are “conventionally grown.” The farming process, fumigation, also causes the strawberries to have high pesticide numbers. It is crucial to use fresh fruit for dehydration to maintain flavor and texture. Avoid washing the strawberries with detergent, soap, or commercial produce washes.

Do not wash the strawberries in advance since the moisture will cause them to go bad faster. Only wash the strawberries when you plan to eat or dry them. To properly clean the strawberries, place them in a colander and run them under cold water.

Once you’ve rinsed every strawberry, pat them dry with a towel. Consider double cleansing with a salt wash or using vinegar. Let the strawberries sit in the mix for five minutes to remove pesticides, dirt, grime, or bacteria.

Remove the Leafy Tops and Stem

After drying them with a towel, it’s time to hull the strawberries. Instead of simply slicing the top, you can start by completely removing the stem. Use the tip of your small knife and angle the blade to cut the top in a circular motion.

You can simply pick up the cone-shaped piece with the leaf and stem. Alternatively, use a straw to push out the top by inserting it at the bottom point. Although it’s an easy method to hull the strawberry, it leaves the berry hollow.

Slice the Strawberries Into Sliced Strawberries

Before making dried strawberries, you need to slice strawberries into ¼-inch thick pieces for optimal drying. Using a sharp blade, slice the strawberries either from top to bottom or crosswise, discarding the narrower ends and tops. Each slice needs to have approximately the same thickness.

With a similar thickness for each slice, the strawberries will have a more even way of drying. You can aim for quarter-inch portions when slicing the strawberries. It’s best to cut with a thin and sharp blade for easier cutting.

Let the Strawberries Dry

Now that you’ve washed and sliced them, it’s time to learn how to dehydrate strawberries. There are three ways to get dehydrated strawberries: using a food dehydrator, the sun, or oven. Learn how to dry them with these different options.

Using the Sun

Since strawberries contain sugar, they are the perfect fruit to dry under the sun. Strawberries have a low protein concentration, meaning they don’t attract much bacteria. If you want to dry strawberries outside, you need to have a temperature of at least 24 degrees Celsius or 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t try drying your strawberries outdoors if you live in a place with mid to high humidity. Unlike other fruits, strawberries don’t need an ascorbic solution to avoid discoloration.

When you place the strawberries outside, place a screen or cheesecloth to protect them from bugs and insects. It may take three to five days until the strawberries lose their moisture. Don’t forget to flip the strawberries on the second or third day.

Using the Oven

When using an oven, you need to use a baking sheet for the strawberries. Without the baking sheet, the water from the strawberries may cause a mess. You have to preheat the over 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit or max 100 degrees Celsius.

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even drying.

Preheating the oven will reduce the risk of losing too much sugar, resulting in burning. The strawberries will dry up in three to four hours. For the first couple of hours, remove the baking sheet from the oven to remove the moisture from the strawberries.

When you dry out the baking sheet, flip the strawberries to the other side. Test your dried strawberries by splitting them in half. If it looks gummy and firm with no signs of juices, then you’ve succeeded. If not, place the strawberries back in the oven for another thirty minutes.

Using the Food Dehydrator

Start by arranging the strawberry slices on the dehydrator trays with at least a half-inch space between each. It ensures that each slice has enough room for air and avoids sticking to each other. Set the dehydrator at 57 degrees Celsius or 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

The food dehydrator will fully dry the strawberries in eight to ten hours. If you want to have crispier dried strawberries, let them stay for two to four more hours. For the first hours, be sure to flip each strawberry to the other side.

This is arguably the best way to dehydrate your strawberries. It’s fast, keeps the strawberries clean, and ensures complete dehydration.

Checking for Dryness

How to Tell Dehydrated Strawberries are Done

Determining when your dehydrated strawberries are perfectly done is crucial for achieving that ideal texture and flavor. Dehydrated strawberries should be dry, leathery, and slightly flexible. To check for dryness, remove a strawberry slice from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool completely. If it still feels sticky or moist, continue dehydrating for another hour and check again. Another method is to cut into a strawberry slice; if it appears dry and not soft, it’s ready. Regularly checking for dryness ensures your dehydrated strawberries are neither over- nor under-dehydrated, giving you the best possible result.

Cool the Strawberries

If you use the food dehydrator or oven, you need to let the strawberries cool down. Turn the dehydrator or oven off and open it to let the warm air out. Let the strawberries cool down for 30 minutes to one hour.

Bring out the strawberries and let them sit out for another 30 minutes. If they feel cool to the touch, break them in half and check for moisture. Store the dehydrated strawberries in an airtight container where it’s dark and cool.

Condition Dehydrated Strawberries In Jars

Although you now have dehydrated strawberries, there are times when moisture leaks out. If there’s moisture, there’s a higher chance of your strawberries getting molds and bacteria. Conditioning will help you eliminate the moisture and achieve a tastier, better product.

Put the strawberry slices in a glass jar and fill it up about two-thirds full. Cover the jars and shake them a couple of times every day for one week. It will help redistribute the fruit pieces and bring out the moisture that they may have.

Storing Dried Strawberries

Storage Information

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and freshness of your dehydrated strawberries. Once fully dried, store your strawberry slices in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic container, to keep them fresh for an extended period. For even longer storage, consider using a freezer-safe bag or container, which can keep your dried strawberries fresh for up to six months. Always store your dehydrated strawberries away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. A cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard is ideal for preserving their flavor and texture.

Using Dehydrated Strawberries

Enjoying Dehydrated Strawberries

Dehydrated strawberries are a versatile and delicious snack that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Sprinkle them over your oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream for a burst of fruity flavor. They also make a fantastic addition to trail mix or granola recipes. If you’re into homemade goodies, use dehydrated strawberries to make jam or preserves, or incorporate them as a flavoring agent in baked goods and desserts. Need fresh strawberries for a recipe? Simply rehydrate your dehydrated strawberries by soaking them in water or lemon juice. You can even grind them into a powder to use as a natural food coloring or flavoring agent. The possibilities are endless with these tasty, dried treats!

Learn How to Dehydrate Strawberries Today

Dehydrated strawberries can last for a few years, making them the perfect snack to bring for adventures. These dried snacks are your healthy alternative to candy, providing a lot of Vitamin C. Learn how to dehydrate strawberries and stock up your pantry today!

Want to know more about food dehydrators or recipes for dried foods? Contact us or check out our other blog posts for more information.

Danny Content 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!

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