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.

Outlines

00:00

🍇 Making Fruit Leather with Plums

Angela from foodstorageandsurvival.com introduces a project to make fruit leather using plums. She explains that fruit leather is a popular snack among children and is a great way to utilize overripe or less attractive fruits that are not ideal for canning. Angela uses Santa Rosa plums from her own tree, which are a bit overripe and squishy, perfect for this purpose. She emphasizes the use of a food dehydrator, specifically an Excalibur model, and a food processor, which she has been using for about 15-16 years. For those without specific fruit leather trays, Angela suggests using non-stick foil or Saran Wrap on the dehydrator trays. She also mentions the importance of removing pits and bad parts from the fruit before processing. To make the fruit leather, Angela adds lemon juice to preserve color and corn syrup for sweetness, but she notes that the amount of sweetener can be adjusted based on the fruit's natural sweetness.

05:01

🍯 Blending and Dehydrating the Fruit Leather

In this part of the script, Angela demonstrates how to blend the plums with the sweetener until a thick, liquid consistency is achieved. She advises pouring the mixture onto the dehydrator tray, ensuring it doesn't spill over the edges, and spreading it evenly to avoid overly crispy edges. Angela mentions that the drying time and temperature may vary depending on the climate and the dehydrator's efficiency. She uses 135° for about 12 hours in her dry climate. After the fruit leather is dehydrated, Angela shows how to carefully remove it from the tray, preferably onto plastic wrap, and roll it up for storage. She also provides a tip for softening the fruit leather if it becomes too crispy by exposing it to humidity. Lastly, she suggests cutting the rolled fruit leather into chunks for easy snacking and mentions that viewers can find more information on her blog.

Keywords

💡Fruit Leather

Fruit leather is a thin, pliable sheet of fruit that has been dehydrated to remove moisture, resulting in a sweet, chewy snack. In the video, Angela uses plums to make fruit leather, which is a great way to utilize overripe fruits that might not be suitable for other food processing methods like canning. The process involves blending the fruit with a sweetener and then spreading it onto a dehydrator tray to dry.

💡Dehydrating

Dehydrating is the process of removing water from food to preserve it and extend its shelf life. In the context of the video, dehydrating is used to make fruit leather by reducing the moisture content of the fruit mixture, which allows it to become a leathery texture. Angela mentions using a dehydrator for this purpose, setting it to 135° for about 12 hours.

💡Overripe Fruits

Overripe fruits are fruits that have passed their peak ripeness and are starting to soften or show signs of decay. Angela discusses using overripe plums for making fruit leather, as they are perfect for this purpose because they are softer and have a higher sugar content, which can enhance the flavor of the leather.

💡Cling Stone Plum

A cling stone plum is a type of plum where the flesh of the fruit clings tightly to the pit, making it more difficult to remove compared to freestone fruits where the flesh separates easily from the pit. Angela mentions that her plum tree produces cling stone plums, which are 'obnoxious to work with' but can still be used effectively for making fruit leather.

💡Food Processor

A food processor is a kitchen appliance that can chop, mix, and puree food. In the video, Angela uses a food processor to blend the plums with a sweetener to create a smooth mixture for the fruit leather. It's a versatile tool that simplifies the preparation process for recipes like this one.

💡Non-stick Tray

A non-stick tray is a surface used in dehydrators or ovens that prevents food from sticking to it. Angela uses non-stick foil on her dehydrator tray to facilitate the removal of the fruit leather after it has dried. This is important because it ensures that the fruit leather comes off in one piece without tearing.

💡Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is a sweetener made from cornstarch, used in cooking and baking to add sweetness and moisture. In the video, Angela adds corn syrup to the plum mixture to sweeten the fruit leather and prevent it from becoming too tart. She notes that corn syrup is less likely to crystallize compared to sugar, which can affect the texture of the fruit leather.

💡Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a citrus fruit juice used for its sour taste and preservative qualities. Angela adds a tablespoon of lemon juice to the plum mixture to help preserve the color of the fruit and prevent browning during the dehydrating process. This is a common technique in food preparation to maintain the vibrant color of fruits and vegetables.

💡Dehydrator

A dehydrator is an appliance used to remove moisture from food through the use of heat and air circulation. Angela uses an Excalibur dehydrator for making fruit leather, setting it to 135° for the drying process. The dehydrator is essential for achieving the desired texture and preservation of the fruit leather.

💡Storage

Storage in the context of the video refers to the process of keeping the finished fruit leather in a way that maintains its quality and freshness. Angela demonstrates how to transfer the dried fruit leather onto plastic wrap and roll it for storage, which helps to prevent it from sticking together and makes it convenient for future use.

Highlights

Introduction to making fruit leather with plums, a great project for dehydrating fruits.

Fruit leather is loved by kids and can be made quickly at home.

Using overripe fruits is ideal for fruit leather, unlike canning which prefers slightly underripe fruits.

Fruit leather is a good way to use up excess or less-than-perfect fruits.

Equipment needed includes fruit, a dehydrator, and a food processor.

Angela uses a Santa Rosa plum tree, but any type of plum can be used.

Non-stick trays or foil are used to prevent the fruit leather from sticking during the dehydrating process.

Instructions on how to prepare the plums by pitting and chopping them.

Adding lemon juice to the fruit mixture to preserve color.

Sweetening the fruit leather with corn syrup, but other sweeteners like sugar or honey can be used.

Blending the fruit and sweetener until it reaches a thick, liquid consistency.

Pouring the fruit mixture onto the dehydrator trays, ensuring an even spread.

Dehydrating the fruit leather at 135° for approximately 12 hours.

Tips on how to remove the dried fruit leather from the trays without breaking it.

Transferring the fruit leather to plastic wrap for easy storage and handling.

Cutting the fruit leather into rolls or chunks for convenient snacking.

Final thoughts on the process and where to find more information on food storage and survival.

Transcripts

hey everyone it's Angela with food

storage ands survival.com and today we

are making fruit leather with some plums

now fruit leather is a fantastic project

for dehydrating fruits kids love it love

love love it my kids will just eat this

stuff about as fast as I can produce it

so um we try and make it and then hide

it so that they're not eating it all

right away but you can use the fruit

that is a little over ripe if you're

canning fruits you want them almost ripe

or a little under so that they hold

their shape really well when they're

canned once they go through the the

processing that heat process but when

you're making a fruit leather it's okay

if they're kind of mushy and soft and so

this is a great way to use up the excess

fruits the ones that are not as perfect

and not as pretty pretty and maybe a

little overripe to be using for some of

the other food processing procedures

like

canning all right so let me show you

what you're going to need you're going

to need some fruit and like I said we

have plums and these are plums off of my

Plum Tree um this is the end of them so

they're we are down to the ones that are

not pretty and they're kind of little

squishy they might be a little

overripe uh these are Santa Rosa plums

and

unfortunately I wasn't paying attention

when I planted this tree 10 years ago

and it's a cling Stone Plum so they're

really kind of obnoxious to work with

but I have them so we make it work you

also will need a dehydrator and mine's

an ex Calibur

dehydrator and I really really love it

but you don't have to splurge for this

you can use any dehydrator that you've

got and it will still work all right the

next thing you also need is a food

processor and mine's just a mid

mid-range Hamilton Beach and it's been

good for me so we just keep using that

and then you either need your um not

some type of non-stick tray to put your

fruit leather pour your fruit leather

onto so if your dehydrator came with

fruit leather trays use those mine had a

couple I have no idea where they went

I've had this thing I don't know lots of

years probably about 15 16 years that

I've had this dehydrator so the fruit

leather trays I only had a to begin with

and I have no idea where they've ended

up so what I do is I take the tray and

oo that's shiny I put non-stick foil on

it so it's wrapped around the the

plastic part of the tray the inner part

of the tray anyway so you can use

nonstick foil you can use um I've used

Saran Wrap before and that works

okay but when it heats up it tends to

tighten up and so it'll sometimes it'll

stretch and warp your trays a little bit

and just kind of makes the fruit leather

kind of wonky but it's still works it's

all good it just you don't want to put

that on tight because it will shrink up

when it starts getting hot uh this

non-stick foil is great but it's really

really great for one use if you try and

reuse it you might have some stickage so

swap those out if you do another batch

all right let's get started I'll show

you how to make your fruit

leather all right I pitted and chopped

well they kind of chopped themselves as

I got them off the pits you normally

don't have to do any chopping just get

the pits out get the stems off and um

make sure you cut off any bad parts as

you're doing that so whatever fruit

you're using make sure that it's just

fruit in there peels are fine if you

really want to peel your fruit go ahead

but peels are okay in this cuz you're

just going to chop it to death now to

this approximately one uh bowl full this

this is all just um kind of to taste

here so to one bowl

full I add a tablespoon of lemon juice

and that is just to help preserve the

color and then I add 3/4 of a cup of

corn syrup and that's for for sweeteners

so this is totally optional you can put

this in if you want you canot put it in

it's pretty tart with some of these

fruits without adding a little bit of

sweetener so you can use corn syrup you

can use regular uh sugar white sugar um

it I've from what I've read it can tend

to crystallize and make your fruit

leather not quite as pliable uh one

reason that I'm using the corn syrup you

can also use brown sugar or honey or Ste

IA or whatever you want to use if you

want to sweeten it so like I said this

is all to taste and I've tested this one

out it's about 3/4 cup with these plums

and the apricots were the same but if

you doing a sweeter fruit like

strawberries or peaches you probably

wouldn't need quite as much sweetener in

there okay so we get that added and then

we're going to blend it up until it is

nice and

liquidy

okay we've Blended that up it's a nice

thick

liquid and then we're going to pour it

on our

tray when you pour it on the tray just

you just don't want it to fall off the

edge so pour kind of towards the

middle and what we were going for with

the liquid is it's it's going to be

thick because it is just um fruit

pulverized fruit and the sweetener in

there so I like to um push it to where I

want it and it usually just stays there

you don't have too much run with it if

you get it a little thicker at the edges

than in the middle then as it dries the

edges won't get too crispy

but okay I don't have quite enough here

I haven't measured how much goes on here

it does go on fairly

thick like wipe it to the edges make a

nice little rectangle out of

it just kind of even it

out and that is ready to put in your

dehydrator any thin spots are going to

dry a little faster uh thicker areas

might take a little bit

longer all

right okay now we're going to load it

into the dehydrator and I dry mine at

135° for about 12 hours and we are in a

fairly dry climate so your mileage may

vary on that you might need to dry a

little bit longer um and then by the

magic of TV right magic of YouTube we're

pulling one out that is already done and

I'll show you how that comes off and

what we do with it next here in just a

second all right the next step is to get

this off of the foil or the the whatever

your tray was that you used and make it

so that you can store it now uh one

little thing is if you cooked it too

long if it dried too long and it got

crispy on the edges just leave that on

the trays and if you're in a humid

environment it's going to soften up a

little bit as you leave it there or you

leave it on the trays and then you do

some can or you do some cooking of soup

or something that puts humidity into the

air run your swamp cooler uh anything

that kind of humidifies your air and

then your um your fruit leather is going

to soften up and be able to roll

again all right now this is the second

time on this foil so hopefully it'll

peel off okay so before I peel it off

this foil what I do is I lay a p piece

of plastic wrapped down on the counter

next to

it um because I'm going to transfer this

from the foil to the plastic

wrap oh that one came off nice so there

you have the fruit leather okay and this

is just so that I'm able to store it so

I lay it on the plastic wrap

there kind of try and get it on flat

It's Tricky cuz everything's a little

bit

sticky and then I roll it and I like to

roll it the short way because uh after I

roll it I cut it

and then that way the the pieces just

aren't quite so long I get more of them

I get more pieces and my kids will have

a few more even though volume wise it's

the same amount of food okay so roll it

up like that and then it

is ready to store you can store it like

this or um a second let me grab one

here what we normally do is to cut them

and I just use my kitchen shears and cut

chunks

off like so and it's it's a little hard

it does give your hands a

workout to cut them off and then they're

ready for the kids to eat little fruit

leather rolls all right there's your

making of fruit leather with Plums and

if you have any questions just let me

know in the comments and I will answer

them and uh you can always catch more

from me on my blog food storage ands

survival.com

thanks