While I stirred jam in the kitchen DH sat out in the shade cutting apricots in half and filling the dehydrator. We've had that thing for many years but it has been a few since last we actually used it.
As you can tell it has 4 trays and holds quite a lot of fruit.
At this moment it has been 9 1/2 hours that they've been drying but they are still very moist. Worse yet is the fact that they get more and more tart as they dry. I had not expected this to happen. I know I'll be able to use them ( I now plan on freezing them when they cool off) but had hoped they would be a nice snack. WAY too sour, I'm afraid.
Guess I'll stick to drying apples. I've never had a problem with apples at least.
Luckily apples aren't ready just yet because we have our hands full right now.
Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow....and the next day....and maybe even the next......
Granny Marigold
I bought a dehydrator a couple of days ago. I was surprised how long the process takes. I'm going to start with apple slices and bananas. I was hoping to make a dried fruit trail mix.We shall see!
ReplyDeleteOh, my, you do have your work cut out for you. Sorry about the apricots not drying well but your jam is beautiful!!! Nancy
ReplyDeleteI think I have the same dehydrator....somewhere. I think I used it for herbs once. I have great plans, but they often wither on the vine. Weird about the apricots, you'd think they would be getting sweeter rather than the opposite. I just cut some of mine in half and froze them on cookie sheets before bagging them up for winter treats. The rest are frozen in jam recipe portions squished together in bags. 10 cups per bag for the apricot jam.
ReplyDeleteNow, to my dismay, I find that some but not all of the apricots have a musty taste. I am rather disappointed.
DeleteYour jam looks lovely! I didn't know apricots got tarter as you dried them. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI have the same dehydrator but mine has 8 trays, not that I've used it much but it was a $2. garage sale purchase. What do you do with all the peaches that you freeze? Do you make a peach pie filling that you freeze? Hmmmm, I think I'd hydrate those tart apricots in some apricot brandy and use them chopped up in scones.....
ReplyDeleteEllabie
I use the peaches that I freeze for winter jam or as a sauce for crepes or peach crisp..... BTW nice to see you back here. I've missed your comments.
DeleteEvery seed or plant you put in the ground grows just beautifully! The gourds look so big and healthy. Wish I knew more about them. Like you I can tell the last one is a gourd. I love the pictures from your little trip in your last post.
ReplyDeleteI have that same dehydrator , it must have been a popular gift! Apricots are hard to deydrate, I have cut them into very small bites and it has worked...think marble size:)
ReplyDelete