How to Make Fabulous Fruit Leather (even if you dry it too long!)

Summary

In this video, Angela from foodstorageandsurvival.com demonstrates how to make fruit leather using overripe plums. She explains that fruit leather is a great way to utilize fruits that are not ideal for canning due to their softness. Angela uses a food processor to blend the plums with lemon juice and corn syrup for sweetness, then spreads the mixture onto a dehydrator tray lined with non-stick foil. She dehydrates the mixture at 135° for approximately 12 hours. Afterward, she carefully removes the fruit leather and rolls it in plastic wrap for storage, creating a healthy and delicious snack for kids.

Takeaways

• 🍇 Fruit leather is a great way to utilize overripe or less-than-perfect fruits that might not be suitable for other food processing methods like canning.
• 👶 Kids love fruit leather, making it a fun and healthy snack that can be made at home with ease.
• 🍯 The recipe calls for the addition of sweeteners like corn syrup, but you can also use sugar, honey, or other sweeteners based on personal preference.
• 🍋 Lemon juice is used to preserve the color of the fruit, ensuring the fruit leather maintains its vibrant hue.
• 🍽️ A food processor is necessary to blend the fruit and sweetener until it reaches a smooth, thick liquid consistency.
• 🔥 The use of a dehydrator is essential for drying the fruit mixture into a leathery texture, with specific temperature and time settings provided.
• 🍽️ Non-stick trays or foil are recommended for pouring the fruit mixture to prevent sticking during the drying process.
• ⏱️ The drying time in the dehydrator may vary depending on the climate and the specific fruits used, so it's important to check the fruit leather's texture for doneness.
• 🗜️ Once dried, the fruit leather should be carefully peeled off the trays and transferred to plastic wrap for rolling and storage.
• 📦 The fruit leather can be stored by rolling it up and cutting it into pieces, making it convenient for snacking and easy to pack for on-the-go.

Q & A

What is fruit leather and why is it a good project for dehydrating fruits?

Fruit leather is a dehydrated snack made from pureed fruit that is spread thinly and dried until it becomes a pliable, sheet-like form. It's a fantastic project for dehydrating fruits because it's a way to use up fruits that are overripe or not perfect for other food processing methods like canning, and it's loved by kids for its sweet and chewy texture.

What type of fruit is used in the video to make fruit leather?

In the video, plums, specifically Santa Rosa plums, are used to make fruit leather. These fruits are chosen because they are a little overripe and not as perfect for canning, making them ideal for fruit leather.

Why is it okay to use overripe or mushy fruits for fruit leather?

It's okay to use overripe or mushy fruits for fruit leather because the dehydrating process doesn't require the fruit to hold its shape as it does in canning. The softness of overripe fruits actually works well when pureed for fruit leather, and any imperfections are not as noticeable in the final product.

What equipment is necessary to make fruit leather according to the video?

To make fruit leather, you will need a dehydrator, a food processor, and a non-stick tray or non-stick foil to pour the fruit puree onto. The video specifically mentions using an Excalibur dehydrator and a mid-range Hamilton Beach food processor.

Can you use other types of trays or materials instead of the ones that come with the dehydrator?

Yes, if the fruit leather trays that come with the dehydrator are not available, you can use non-stick foil or even Saran Wrap. However, it's noted that Saran Wrap can tighten and warp the trays when heated, so non-stick foil is recommended for better results.

What is the purpose of adding lemon juice to the fruit puree in the recipe?

Lemon juice is added to the fruit puree to help preserve the color of the fruit leather. It acts as a natural preservative and prevents the fruit from browning during the dehydrating process.

What sweeteners can be used in the fruit leather recipe, and why is corn syrup recommended?

The recipe suggests using corn syrup as a sweetener, but you can also use white sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Corn syrup is recommended because it doesn't tend to crystallize, which can make the fruit leather less pliable. However, any sweetener can be used based on personal preference.

How long and at what temperature should the fruit leather be dehydrated?

The fruit leather should be dehydrated at 135° Fahrenheit for about 12 hours. However, the exact time may vary depending on the climate and humidity levels, so it's important to check the fruit leather for doneness.

What should you do if the edges of the fruit leather become too crispy after dehydrating?

If the edges of the fruit leather become too crispy, it's recommended to leave them on the trays. In a humid environment, they will soften up over time. Alternatively, you can introduce humidity into the air, such as by cooking or using a swamp cooler, to help soften the fruit leather.

How do you store the finished fruit leather, and what are some tips for making it easier to handle?

After removing the fruit leather from the dehydrator, it should be transferred to plastic wrap and rolled up for storage. To make it easier to handle, roll it the short way and cut it into chunks using kitchen shears. This makes it more manageable for kids to eat and also gives more pieces, even though the volume of food remains the same.