Dehydrated Strawberries
It was 80 degrees here in TX today and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to say good bye to winter’s chill and embrace the warmth of spring! There’s no better way to welcome the warmer seasons than with a taste of summer encapsulated in Dehydrated Strawberries.
These “chips” offer a burst of flavor and a crunch that evokes memories of lazy days under the sun and picnics in the park. Added bonus: kids not only love helping to make these but also eating them too – it’s a great family activity!
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Try them sprinkled over yogurt for a nutritious breakfast, mixed into trail mix for an energizing snack, or simply enjoyed on their own as a guilt-free treat. Their vibrant hue also adds a pop of color to any dish, making them a visually appealing addition to culinary creations.
Other ways to use the Dehydrated Strawberries:
- in oatmeal
- alone as a snack
- in baking recipes
- add them to trail mix
- on yogurt parfaits
Strawberries are packed with vitamins (especially Vitamin C), antioxidants, and fiber and their low calorie and sugar content make them a guilt-free treat for health-conscious snackers.
Kitchen Tools to Use:
Dehydrator:
When I took the photos for this recipe, I had a Excalibur Dehydrator that I loved but it now has a new home with my mom. I loved it because of the square shape (you commonly see the circle type with the hole in the middle). I prefer the square or rectangle shape because not only do you have more room for whatever it is you’re dehydrating but also because you can make fruit leathers and cut them into uniform strips. The Excalibur Dehydrator is about 6 years old and still going strong.
We’ve since purchased a folding Brod & Taylor Dehydrator. It works just as well but we’re able to save on space as it collapses and comes with a nice storage bag. We also like the stainless steel trays that are super easy to clean.
Slicer:
I’ve found the egg/fruit slicers are easiest for making uniform slices. Of course, you can do it by hand but this saves you a few minutes!
Shelf Life:
When dried and stored properly, Dehydrated Strawberries can stay fresh for up to a year! (Disclaimer: Ours never last that long!)
To store correctly, simply allow the strawberries to completely cool before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry, dark place.
Dehydrated Strawberries
Equipment
- dehydrator
- paring knife
- fruit slicer reccomended
Ingredients
- 2 lbs strawberries
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries and pat dry.
- Remove the hulls and slice the strawberries using the fruit slicer. If you are using a knife to slice them, cut the slices about 1/8 inch thick. You want the slices to be as uniform as possible so that they dry evenly in the dehydrator.
- Line each tray with the strawberry slices. Be careful not to overcrowd the trays. The warm air needs room to circulate.
- Close the dehydrator and set on 135℉. Let the dehydrator run for a minimum of 6 hours but it could take up to 10. After 6 hours periodically check on them. They should feel a bit rubbery but not wet. They will firm up once they cool completely.
- Once they are completely cooled. Store the slices in an airtight container and place them in a cool/dark place (like a pantry or cabinet).