Preparation

Wash fruits and cut away any bruised or spoiled portions. Purée fruit in a blender until it is very smooth. In some blenders with some fruits, you may want to add a little juice or water to start the blending process.

Fruits generally need no added sweetening, but if fruits are under ripe or particularly tart, you may add light corn syrup or honey. Add 1 or more tablespoons sweetening for each quart of purée, depending on your preference (sugar added to fruit leather tends to become brittle during storage).

Garnishes

For added variety, sprinkle different garnishes on fruit rolls before they are dried. Try coconut, chopped dates, nuts, raisins, granola, poppy seeds, sesame seeds or sunflower seeds. When these garnishes are used, fruit rolls should always be stored in the refrigerator

or freezer.

Drying

Place a Fruit Roll sheet on dehydrator tray and spray lightly with a vegetable spray to prevent sticking. Purée should be about 1⁄4 to 3⁄8" thick and evenly spread and dry at 130° - 140°F ( 55°- 60 °C) until fruit feels leather-like and is pliable, approximately 4 to 8 hours. There should be no sticky spots on top or underneath the fruit. Remove the leather while it is still warm, roll, cut into smaller sized pieces (if desired) and wrap in plastic wrap.

Storage

Individually wrapped pieces of fruit leather should be stored in larger air- tight and moisture proof containers. See Packaging, page 11.

Fruit Roll Recipes

Strawberry Rhubarb Leather

1 cup rhubarb

1⁄4 cup water

2 cups strawberries

1⁄2 cup honey

Combine 1⁄4 cup water and 1 cup rhubarb. Simmer on stove over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Add 2 cups strawberries and 1⁄2 cup honey. Purée to smooth consistency in blender. Pour on a Fruit Roll sheet and dry.

Boysenberry Leather

1 quart of boysenberries.

Purée boysenberries in a blender. Strain through cheesecloth to remove seeds. Place on Fruit Roll sheet and dry.

Yogurt Leather

Spread home made or store bought yogurt on a lightly sprayed Fruit Roll sheet (approximately 1⁄4" thick.) Dry at 130° F (55° C) for approximately 12 to 14 hours. Experiment until you find the brand which dries most evenly.

Applesauce Leather

2 lbs. apples, peeled, cored and quartered

1⁄4 cup lemon juice

1⁄2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Simmer apples in a saucepan with 1⁄2 cup water until softened (about 15-20 minutes). Place lemon juice in blender and gradually add the apples. Purée.

Add sugar and cinnamon. Mix well, pour on a Fruit Roll sheet and dry. If you are going to rehydrate into apple- sauce, measure purée when putting it on tray.

To rehydrate, add 1 cup of water to each cup of leather.

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Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Garnishes
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Food Dehydrator specifications

The Nesco Food Dehydrator is a versatile kitchen appliance that enables home cooks and health enthusiasts to preserve food efficiently. With a reputation for reliability and quality, this dehydrator stands out in the market for its innovative technologies and user-friendly features.

One of the most notable features of the Nesco Food Dehydrator is its patented Converge-Flow technology. This unique drying system utilizes a top-down airflow, which ensures that hot air is evenly distributed throughout the dehydrator. This design prevents the need for rotating trays, resulting in consistent drying without the hassle of manually rearranging food items. This technology allows for higher efficiency, leading to better results in less time.

The dehydrator boasts adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to control the drying process based on the type of food being processed. Ranging from 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, these settings cater to various foods, from herbs and fruits to meats and vegetables. This flexibility makes the Nesco Food Dehydrator suitable for a variety of preservation needs.

Another characteristic of the Nesco Food Dehydrator is its capacity. With multiple trays that can often be expanded, users can customize the amount of food they wish to dehydrate at once. Many models come with five to twelve trays, providing ample space for large batches of fruits, jerky, or granola. Additionally, the trays are typically made from food-grade plastic, ensuring that they are safe for food contact and easy to clean.

The Nesco Food Dehydrator also typically includes a clear lid, allowing users to monitor the drying process without disrupting airflow. This design advantage not only enhances convenience but also contributes to energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss.

In summary, the Nesco Food Dehydrator is an excellent choice for those looking to extend the shelf life of their food while maintaining essential nutrients. Its advanced drying technology, adjustable temperature settings, ample capacity, and practical design features make it an indispensable tool in any kitchen. Whether you are preparing healthy snacks or creating homemade jerky, the Nesco Food Dehydrator guarantees a reliable and efficient drying experience.
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