Healthy Bits · Cooking & recipes
Dehydrated fruit
Store-bought dried fruit often has added sugar or oil, but it's easy to make your own with nothing but fruit. It's a sweet, chewy snack for lunchboxes and hikes, and a great way to use up ripe fruit.
- Choose ripe apples, pears, bananas, strawberries, mango or peaches.
- Slice about 1/4 inch thick. Dip apples, pears and bananas in lemon water to prevent browning.
- Arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dry at 135°F in a dehydrator for 6–12 hours, or in the oven at its lowest setting (about 170°F), door propped open a crack, for 3–6 hours.
- It's done when leathery with no wet spots. Cool completely and store in an airtight glass jar.
Drying concentrates the natural sugars, so a small handful makes a satisfying serving.
- snacks
- kids
- natural sweetener
Healthy Bits are for general education and aren’t medical advice. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing, take medication, or are managing a health condition.