Nobody in this country can really complain about a shortage of apples. At harvest time there are sometimes so many apples on the tree that good advice is needed. What to do with all the fruit? How about making your own snacks? Dried apple pieces are delicious, and not just in muesli.

Apples can be dried in the oven or air dried

Suitable apple varieties

In principle, all types of apples are suitable for drying. In doing so, one can look for the availability of the apples or their price correctly. But your own preferences can also influence the selection. If you like it sweet, for example, you can choose Braeburn or Pink Lady. Jonagold and Elstar also have a sour note, while the Boskop has hardly any sweetness, but a lot of aroma. The only important thing is:

  • use healthy apples
  • without rotten spots and wormholes

However, it should also be considered that apples from conventional cultivation are sprayed very frequently and some of the harmful substances can also adhere to the skin after washing. The peel should therefore only be left on if the apples come from your own garden without being sprayed or are expressly offered as organic goods.

Dry whole or pieces?

Have you ever seen a whole dried apple? No, not a dried apple, but a dried apple that is also edible? The fruits are just too big to dry whole. Before the drying process begins, apples are therefore washed, peeled and cut into smaller, quick-drying pieces that are even more bite-sized.

  • slices
  • rings
  • little pieces

Apple slices have the advantage of being an even thickness, but small pieces are ideal as an ingredient in muesli.

The common methods for drying

Do you want to dry fast or slow? Or is the focus on maintaining healthy nutrients? From the methods listed below, choose the one that works best for you.

  • Air drying
  • drying in an oven
  • Dehydrating in a dehydrator
  • microwave drying

Air drying

Air drying is possible, but requires consistently high temperatures and low humidity. You should note the following points:

  • only dry on hot and dry summer days
  • thin, even slices dry faster
  • Spread apple slices on wire rack
  • turn in between
  • bring in at night

If drying in the air is slow, you can finish drying the apple slices in the oven at any time.

drying in an oven

The oven is a good alternative to air drying, because you can eat dry apple rings after just a few hours.

  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper
  • Spread apple slices or pieces on top in a single layer
  • dry at max. 80 °C circulating air
  • leave the door open a crack
  • Turn the apple pieces over and over again

tips

Shortly before the end of the drying process, you can sprinkle the apple pieces with a little cinnamon to refine their taste.

Dehydrating in a dehydrator

The dehydrator is a useful appliance when drying large quantities of fruit and vegetables on a regular basis.

  • can be dried on several floors at the same time
  • low temperatures preserve vitamins
  • works automatically, without supervision

Various models are available on the market, some of them also at a very reasonable price.

microwave drying

The microwave can only be an emergency solution when only very few pieces of apple need to be dried or when things have to be done quickly. It's important to keep at it all the time because moisture evaporates very quickly in this device. If the right time is not timed, the apple rings will burn.

  • dry on a low setting
  • only short periods of time
  • Turn apple pieces between two drying cycles
  • keep opening the door to let steam escape

storage and shelf life

As soon as the apple pieces feel dry and no moisture escapes when they are broken, they are sufficiently dry and can be stored. The cooled apple pieces are collected in a tightly sealed container and stored in a cool, dry place. Under these conditions, they remain edible for a whole year.

Conclusion for fast readers

  • Suitable fruits: All healthy fruits are suitable; without rotten spots and wormholes
  • Aroma: Sweet: Pinklady and Braeburn; sweet and sour: Jonagold and Elstar; aromatic: Boskop
  • Preparation: washing; peel; cut into slices, rings or pieces
  • Drying Methods: Air, Oven; dehydrator, microwave
  • Air Dry: On warm, dry days only; spread on grating; turn regularly
  • Oven: several hours at max. 80 °C; single layer on baking paper; slightly open door; turn
  • Food dehydrator: add pieces of apple and switch on; dries automatically and gently
  • Microwave: small amounts; at low level; multiple passes; turn
  • Storage: Cool and dry in a sealed container
  • Shelf life: 12 months

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Trees