Nesco Food Dehydrator - Manual (Page 16)

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.
15