Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Conditioning, Hints and Suggestions, Drying Fruit Rolls, Selection

Conditioning

Moisture will tend to equalize through- out a container of dried fruit when left at room temperature for several days.

If some pieces are drier than others, the conditioning process will allow the moisture to equalize. If any condensa- tion appears on the lid of the container, fruits are insufficiently dried. Return to the dryer and check periodically for dryness.

Hints and Suggestions

•Place a cup of dried apple slices in the blender with a cup of water for instant applesauce.

•Strawberries are perfect for malts, shakes and sundaes.

•Cantaloupe and watermelon slices become candy-like when dried.

•Dehydrate lemon and orange slices and powder for use in recipes calling for grated rind.

•Dehydrate grapes to make raisins that taste better and plump up in recipes better than store bought raisins.

•Dry banana slices until crisp, then powder in blender and use for flavor- ing in recipes.

•Slice bananas 1⁄4" thick and dip into a glaze of 1⁄4 cup of honey mixed with 1⁄4 cup water. Drain. Place on trays and dry. For variety add 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon to the glaze before dipping bananas.

Drying Fruit Rolls

Fruit rolls, also known as fruit leathers, are a favorite snack for young and old alike. It is a chewy fruit product made from puréed fresh fruit which has been dried and rolled into snack sized pieces. Fruit rolls are easy to make and cost less than those bought at the store.

Selection

Almost any fruit will make an excellent fruit roll. Most fruits can also be com- bined with others.

Some fruits, such as apples, are high in pectin and fiber and have an excellent texture when dried. The combinations are limitless. Use your imagination and have fun!

Use fresh fruits in season. You can also use slightly overripe fruits, irregularly shaped fruits, or slightly bruised fruits which would be unsuitable for canning or drying.

Some fruits, such as citrus, should be used in combination with other fruits because they have so much liquid and very little pulp. If you find that a fruit is too runny, combine it with apple, apple- sauce or a similar fruit which will give it more substance.

When fresh fruits are not available, canned fruits (either sweetened or un-sweetened) can be used. Simply drain the liquid, and pour the fruit into the blender. Applesauce can be taken directly from the container for wonder- ful fruit rolls. Frozen fruits can also be used, although they tend to be a bit more runny. Simply thaw and follow directions for using fresh fruits.

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