Dehydrated Fruits: How to Dehydrate Fruit at Home

Dehydrated blueberries deliver a tonne of health benefits and are super tasty too, making them a perfect choice to snack on when travelling or to keep you going throughout a busy day. Most of us know that fresh blueberries are filled with stacks of nutrients that support optimal health and well-being, and the great thing is that the dehydrated version contains much of the same! During the dehydration process, the water content is removed, but the minerals, fibre and many of the antioxidants remain. Being that blueberries are so small in size, you can dehydrate them whole, but the skin will need to be broken to ensure effective dehydration. This can be done either by blanching or cutting, or poking with a knife or skewer.

Dehydrated blueberries contain exceptionally high levels of antioxidants, which help to fight off damaging free radicals that cause illness and disease, and they also contain fibre, which helps to support a healthy digestive system, as well as potassium and vitamin C. Dehydrated blueberries also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, support blood and heart health, reduce signs of ageing and promote positive brain function and mental health there’s a reason why they’re considered a superfood!

Naturally low in fat, dehydrated blueberries can be used in various ways — see our suggestions below.

• A delicious addition to morning oats, granola, yoghurt and smoothies.
• Can be mixed with various nuts and other dehydrated fruits to create your own trail mix.
• Use in baked goods such as cakes, muffins or even pancakes.
• Mix through salads for a hit of sweetness.
• Make delicious fruit wraps (more on this later).

To speed up the dehydration process, the skin of blueberries should be broken prior to dehydration. You can do this by either piercing the skin of each blueberry with a sharp knife, blanching so the skin splits, or cutting them in half or even quarters — this will not only enable them to dry quicker but will result in a crispier finished product.

Like most other berries, fresh strawberries have a particularly short shelf life and are, unfortunately, not a fruit that you can enjoy all year round as their quality and flavour varies greatly when they’re out of season. Dehydrating strawberries is a great option if you can’t get enough of this sweet fruit, as it preserves both the nutrients and taste and you can store and use for up to 6 months, providing all the moisture has been removed during the dehydration process. To prep for dehydration, remove the green stems and slice across the strawberries to ½ cm thickness. This will allow them to dry quicker and more evenly.

Dehydrated strawberries provide significant health benefits and are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C, and also contain potassium and fibre. They’re naturally low in fat and free of cholesterol, and keep much of their fibre and mineral content once dehydrated. Dehydrated strawberries help to lower cholesterol, boost immunity, act as an anti-inflammatory, promote heart health and support healthy bowel function, plus, they help to keep you feeling fuller for longer preventing unhealthy snacking between meals. Being that dehydrated strawberries are also a good source of natural carbohydrates, they’re great to consume pre or post-exercise as they provide you with the energy needed to get through your workout or refuel after an intense session.

See below for our suggestions on how to incorporate dehydrated strawberries into your diet.

• Add to morning oats, yoghurt, granola or cereal for some sweet flavour.
• Mix with nuts for a homemade trail mix.
• Blend into your morning smoothie.
• Use as a garnish on various cakes and desserts, either whole, sliced or crushed.
• Add to glasses of champagne or as a garnish in various cocktails.
• Mix through salads for added sweetness.
• Dip in chocolate for a sweet treat.

That zesty, sweet flavour from fresh raspberries is just as present in the dehydrated version, making dehydrated raspberries a delicious snack on their own or great addition for both flavour and colour to various dishes. We recommend cutting raspberries in half prior to dehydrating, as this will speed up the dehydration process more than if they were dried whole.

Rich in vitamin C, fibre and manganese, dehydrated raspberries are also rich in antioxidants, contain minerals such as magnesium, potassium and copper, and provide multiple health benefits to both the mind and body. The high levels of antioxidants in raspberries make them a powerful superfood that fights against disease and illness, as well as boosts brain function and memory. This makes dehydrated raspberries a great snack not just for adults but for the little ones in your life too, as they can provide nutrients that support learning and brain development. Other benefits of dehydrated raspberries include improving vision, reducing signs of ageing, controlling blood sugar levels and promoting healthy digestion.

Whilst we love munching on dehydrated raspberries as is, there are many wonderful ways you can enjoy them. See below for our suggestions.

• Use for baking cakes, muffins, cupcakes, cookies and granola bars.
• Add as a topping on morning cereals, oats, porridge and granola.
• Mix through pancake batter or use as a topping.
• Combine with other dried fruits or nuts.
• Blend into your smoothie.
• Stir through salads for a burst of flavour.
• Add to water or other drinks/cocktails for flavour or garnish.

Dehydrated blackberries are much like dehydrated raspberries in that they deliver a burst of flavour just like their fresh version and can be cut to make the dehydration process quicker. A good source of vitamins C and K and rich in antioxidants, dehydrated blackberries are also naturally low in fat. They’re also high in fibre which promotes a feeling of fullness, therefore preventing unnecessary snacking on unhealthy processed foods, which can contribute to weight gain.

Other benefits of dehydrated blackberries include reducing cholesterol, assisting with digestion, supporting overall blood health, protecting the immune system, improving brain health and function, and producing collagen in the skin.

One thing to keep in mind when dehydrating both raspberries and blackberries is that they’re both filled with a heap of little seeds, which are very much still present in the dehydrated result. After enjoying the sweet, fleshy part of the berries, you’re left with the seeds, which are definitely more of a tart/bitter flavour. You will notice this more, of course, if you’re snacking on dehydrated blackberries on their own, but if you’re mixing them in various baked goodies or as a topping on breakfast dishes, it won’t be so obvious.

Some of our favourite ways to use dehydrated blackberries include:

• Add to salads for extra sweetness.
• Use in various breakfast dishes, including pancakes and waffles or as a topping on oats, cereal and granola.
• Blend into smoothies.
• Use in baking cakes, muffins and cupcakes.
• Perfect as a drink or dessert garnish.
• Stir through yoghurt or ice cream.

As with all other berries, cranberries need to be cut or have their skin broken prior to dehydrating to make their drying time more efficient and effective. Ensuring that berries are fully dried post-dehydrating will extend their shelf life to about 12 months if stored in a cool, dark pantry. In warmer and more humid climates, store them in the refrigerator or freezer instead (more on correct storage for dehydrated fruits later).

Dehydrated cranberries offer numerous health benefits, not just for adults but for children and young adults too. Rich in nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, dehydrated cranberries have anti-inflammatory properties that support heart health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Dehydrated cranberries also contain certain antioxidants that prevent bad bacteria from causing infections like UTIs, as well as improve oral hygiene by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to gums and teeth. Other benefits include boosting collagen and hydration in the skin, supporting weight loss and assisting with digestion.

Discover some of our favourite ways to use dehydrated cranberries below.

• Mix with nuts and other dehydrated fruits to make a nutritious trail mix.
• Use in desserts such as various cakes, muffins and cookies.
• Use to make a variety of bread, muffins and scones.
• Make homemade granola by mixing dehydrated cranberries with oats, nuts and seeds.
• Add as a topping on morning oats, porridge or cereal.
• Sprinkle into salads.

Firstly, to clear up any confusion, prunes are in fact, dehydrated plums. It should be said, however, that whilst all prunes are plums, not all plums can be made into prunes, and it’s usually the smaller, denser and less juicy varieties of plums that get turned into prunes.

Dehydrated plums or prunes deliver a super sweet flavour (more than fresh plums) derived from their concentrated content of natural sugars, so it’s important to be mindful of serving sizes and how many prunes you snack on throughout the day (too many can also cause an upset tummy and regular toilet visits!). Whilst they may have more sugars and carbs, they also have a higher concentration of nutrients following the dehydration process. Dehydrated plums provide multiple benefits to our health and well-being and contain a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients, including fibre, magnesium and potassium, as well as vitamin K and some B vitamins. Dehydrated plums help to reduce inflammation, support digestion and healthy bowel movement, improve bone and heart health and reduce the risk of illness and disease.

With most plums, we recommend pitting and then either slicing or cutting them into chunks prior to dehydrating. If you have a smaller variety of plums, you can dehydrate them whole and leave the pit in, but you’ll need to blanch them first to break the skin to allow for more effective dehydration.

Dehydrated plums are a delicious snack on their own, but there are many ways to use them — see below.

• Add chopped to cookies, cakes, muffins, scones or bread in replacement of raisins.
• Dip in chocolate for a sweet treat.
• Chop and mix with nuts and various other dehydrated fruits to create a trail mix.
• Use in a variety of meat dishes (chicken, pork or beef).
• Wrap in bacon for a delicious party favour.

Juicy peaches are delicious when dehydrated, giving that burst of flavour to any dish or as a healthy snack. When choosing peaches to dehydrate, there are a couple of things to consider. The firmer the peach, the quicker it will take to dehydrate, however, because they’re not as ripe, you likely won’t get the same sweet flavour that you would from softer peaches. Choose peaches with good colouring, a strong sweet fragrance and that are slightly soft to the touch — avoid peaches with any bruising or brown spots. It’s completely up to you if you wish to remove the skin pre-dehydrating or keep the skin on, but the best way to do this is by blanching or gently using a peeler.

We recommend removing the pits by cutting the peach in quarters (they should pop out easily this way) and slicing the peaches evenly to ensure consistency when dehydrating. You can also choose to pre-treat the peaches prior to dehydrating to prevent a change of colour, as they can brown when exposed to heat (more on this later).

Dehydrated peaches provide a lot of nutritional benefits and are a great source of energy, making them a perfect snack for athletes or those who exercise frequently and when hiking or riding. Dehydrated peaches contain vitamins A and C, some B vitamins and vitamin K, and minerals including iron, copper and magnesium. They also contain potassium and are naturally low in sodium, which supports optimal blood and heart health. Other health benefits of dehydrated peaches include protecting the immune system, strengthening bones, boosting skin and eye health and supporting digestive health.

Whilst dehydrated peaches are super delicious on their own, there are many ways you can use them in cooking to boost flavour. See our favourites below.

• Mix into a homemade trail mix.
• Use as topping on morning oats, cereal, porridge or yoghurt.
• Add to a cheese plate or charcuterie board.
• Mix through salads.
• Use in baked goods, including cakes, muffins, pies and scones.
• Perfect with chicken and pork dishes.
• Partners well with sweet potato and carrots.

Apricots are one of the most popular fruits found in dried fruit and nut mixes and are enjoyed as a sweet, healthy snack, but the benefit of dehydrating your own apricots over purchasing dried apricots is that they’re without the stacks of sugar you’ll likely find in the store-bought varieties. As with plums and peaches, choose apricots that have a little bit of give over the super firm, unripened ones, as these will deliver a sweeter flavour post-dehydration. To prep for dehydration, we recommend removing the pit and either halving or slicing, as suggested with peaches. If keeping in halves, push the back of the apricot inward so it exposes the flesh further, which will allow for a more effective and efficient dehydration process.

Dehydrated apricots are packed with so much goodness, making them undoubtedly one of nature’s super-powerful superfoods! Rich in antioxidants and a source of vitamins and minerals, dehydrated apricots are naturally low in fat and filled with flavour. A great source of fibre, potassium and vitamin A, dehydrated apricots help to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, boost brain function and memory, fight off illness and disease, strengthen bones and teeth and support weight control by keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

As mentioned, dehydrated apricots are a deliciously sweet snack, perfect for school lunchboxes or to keep in your handbag or office desk drawer. Here are some other ways you can enjoy them.

• Use for baking cakes, muffins, scones and various pies or pastries.
• Add to morning oats, granola, cereal, porridge and yoghurt.
• Dip in chocolate for a sweet party treat.
• Chop and sprinkle over desserts, ice cream or salads.
• Add to cheese boards.
• Mix with other dehydrated fruits and nuts to create a homemade trail mix.
• Use to make stuffing or in various meat dishes.

Mmmmm mangoes!! Is there a fruit that screams summer more than mangoes? The juicy, rich, sweet flavour of mangoes delivers a delicious treat and a high concentration of nutritional benefits when dehydrated, making it a favourite fruit to snack on or add to various dishes. Being that mangoes are seasonal in the warmer months, buying in bulk and dehydrating means you can store and enjoy them all year round!

Choose your mangoes for dehydrating the same way you would pick your other stone fruit — they shouldn’t be too firm, slightly soft to the touch, but not overripe. With mangoes, you want to remove the pit and the skin, gently cutting the flesh off the pit and peeling back the skin with a small knife. Whilst you can cut thicker slices (which will take longer to dehydrate), we recommend cutting the fruit lengthways, just over ½ cm in width.

Like other dehydrated fruits, dehydrated mangoes offer a more concentrated source of benefits, however, they are high in natural sugars and calories, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation to avoid high blood sugar or weight gain. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, with vitamin A and B vitamins as well, dehydrated mangoes also contain folate, fibre, calcium, iron and potassium, which all deliver a tonne of benefits for both the mind and body. Some of these include improving eye health, boosting immunity, supporting digestive health, promoting healthy skin, increasing energy and reducing stress. Being high in fibre also means they will keep you feeling fuller for longer, therefore, preventing unnecessary snacking.

Some ways to enjoy delicious dehydrated mangoes? Check out our list below.

• Before dehydrating, sprinkle with chilli powder, lime juice and sea salt to make dehydrated chilli mango.
• Add to your morning smoothie.
• Use as a topping on yoghurt, cereal, desserts or ice cream.
• Chop and mix through salads.
• Use in baking cakes, muffins, cupcakes, cookies and scones.
• Make various chutneys, jams or sauces.
• Create energy balls or dip slices in chocolate and crushed pistachios for a sweet treat.
• Combine with pork and various meat dishes.

Last on our list of favourite dehydrated stone fruits are dehydrated cherries. In Europe, cherry season peaks in the height of summer typically June through August and lasts only a short few months. Because fresh cherries have such a limited season and can be expensive, purchasing them in bulk when they’re more affordable and preserving them through dehydration allows you to enjoy their sweet flavour throughout the year.

Prior to dehydrating, discard any overly soft cherries — we don’t want them overripe — and remove the pit. Because cherries are rather small, de-pitting them can be a tedious task, but we recommend cutting them in half and then into quarters — you can keep the stem in whilst cutting if this makes them easier to hold, then remove it before loading onto the dehydrating trays. Although whole cherries are delicious, cutting them ensures a faster drying time and a more even result. It may require a little more prep work, but will save you hours when dehydrating.

Dehydrated cherries provide many benefits and are a source of vitamin C, potassium and fibre, along with small amounts of minerals such as calcium and iron. They’re high in antioxidants which help to prevent illness and have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. They can assist in lowering cholesterol, improving digestion, and even supporting relaxation and better sleep.

As with other stone fruits, there are many ways to use dehydrated cherries to add flavour and fun.

• Add to morning oats, granola, porridge or yoghurt.
• Use in baking cakes, muffins, scones, cookies and Black Forest-style desserts.
• Mix with nuts and dark chocolate pieces for a homemade trail mix.
• Add to cheese and charcuterie boards — they pair beautifully with soft cheeses.
• Make rich sauces for duck, pork or game dishes.
• Use as a garnish for cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
• Stir through salads, rice or couscous for a hit of sweetness.

We all know how quickly bananas can turn bad, so if you’re not freezing them for smoothies or waiting for them to go super ripe for banana bread, then why not preserve them through dehydration — preventing unnecessary food wastage and creating a healthy snack in the process.

If you’re buying bananas in bulk specifically for dehydrating, choose bananas that have slight brown speckling rather than overripe or bananas that are still too green. This will ensure you get maximum sweetness from your dehydrated banana chips. The prep for dehydrating bananas is super easy — simply peel and slice bananas across, anywhere from just under ½ cm to just over. You can cut them in wedges, but slicing them this way will allow them to dry easier and faster.

Being that the water content is removed during dehydration, dehydrated bananas have a high concentration of nutrients. Rich in potassium, with fibre, magnesium and vitamin B6 as well, dehydrated bananas are also high in antioxidants which boost immunity and improve mental well-being. Other benefits include supporting heart and blood health, increasing energy and endurance, promoting healthy digestion and maintaining healthy skin and bones.

Ways to enjoy dehydrated bananas? See below.

• Use as a topping for cereal, oats, porridge or yoghurt.
• Dip in yoghurt or peanut butter for added sweetness.
• Mix with nuts and other dried fruits for a healthy trail mix.
• Dust with cinnamon or sugar for added flavour.
• Use in cakes, muffins, banana bread or homemade bars.

Dehydrated apples provide a sweet, nutritious snack that’s perfect for the kids’ lunchboxes or in a variety of dishes. You can dehydrate apples, so they’re more crispy — think dehydrated apple chips — or take them out a little earlier for a chewy texture (still just as delicious!).

When apples are cut, it doesn’t take long for the flesh to discolour and turn brown — this is called oxidation. Whilst this is mainly cosmetic, you can pre-condition sliced apples in lemon juice prior to dehydrating to minimise the discolouration or get them in your dehydrator quickly after cutting, which will preserve the colour too. To prep for dehydration, cut in quarters to remove the core, then slice or cut into rings approximately ½ cm in thickness. Sort out and discard any apple that shows decay, bruising or mould. [1]

Dehydrated apples, like other fruits, have high levels of nutrients that provide a heap of health benefits. Dehydrated apples contain vitamin C along with some B vitamins, which boost metabolism and nourish the skin. Packed with fibre and potassium, dehydrated apples improve blood and digestive health, support mental focus and well-being and keep teeth and gums healthy. You know the saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away!

Whilst you can grab apples year-round in Europe, apple picking season typically runs from September through to October — this makes it a perfect time to stock up when apples are in their prime and dehydrate them to enjoy their benefits throughout the year. Whether you’re dehydrating Red Delicious, Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples, they will all deliver a slight variance of flavour, but their sweet or tart taste will be intensified following dehydration.

As mentioned, dehydrated apples are a fantastic snack for kids and adults alike and can be used in a variety of ways to add flavour to dishes. See some of our suggestions below.

• Chop and add to mixed nuts or homemade trail mix.
• Dip in yoghurt or peanut butter as a snack.
• Add on top of oats, cereal, muesli, porridge or yoghurt.
• Use in baked goods like pies, bread, scones, muffins or cakes.
• Add as a garnish to hot drinks like a Hot Toddy, mulled wine or cider.
• Use in Christmas decorations or add to potpourri.
• Include on a cheese board.

No other fruit screams summer quite like juicy, fresh pineapple, and it’s one of our favourite fruits for dehydrating! In Europe, pineapple is imported and available all year round, but the peak season for enjoying the freshest fruit is from March through to July. When buying fresh pineapple, it’s recommended that you eat it within 2 days if kept at room temperature or no longer than a week if refrigerated. Tinned pineapple is also a great option if fresh isn’t available, offering convenience and consistent quality for dehydration. Drain tinned pineapple well, and choose fruit in juice rather than syrup so the slices don’t stay sticky.

Dehydrating pineapple not only maintains all that incredible, zesty, sweet flavour of fresh pineapple with minimal mess, but it also provides a much longer shelf life — meaning you can enjoy it for months on end. To prepare pineapple for dehydration, remove all of the outer layer and core before cutting it into pieces or ring slices of anywhere between ½ cm thickness to 1¼ cm thickness — keep in mind that the thinner the slice, the quicker it will take to dehydrate. Dehydrated pineapple will have a slightly chewy texture and is one of those fruits that consistently dehydrate well.

Dehydrated pineapple contains manganese, vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as calcium, potassium and fibre, providing numerous health benefits to both the mind and body. Some of these benefits include increasing collagen levels in the skin, boosting the immune system, strengthening hair and bones, supporting gum and dental health, and assisting with digestion. Dehydrated pineapple also contains antioxidants, protecting the body against illness and disease.

Although super delicious and one of our favourite dehydrated fruits to enjoy on its own as a snack, there are many ways to enjoy dehydrated pineapple. See our suggestions.

• Add to breakfast dishes like oats, porridge, cereal and yoghurt.
• Combine with nuts and other fruits to add flavour to trail mix.
• Use in desserts such as puddings — delicious in rice pudding or chia seed pudding!
• Add to baked goods, including muffins, scones, cakes or cupcakes.
• Perfect in savoury dishes such as stir fries, curries, pork dishes or sweet and sour sauces.
• Add to herbal teas for extra sweetness or as a garnish for cocktails.

Kiwi fruit is one of the easiest fruits to dehydrate — perfect if you’re a beginner or just dipping your toe in the dehydrating pool. Simple to prepare, you can peel off the skin if you wish or keep it on, but ensure you thoroughly wash the skin if you choose to do so (the skin is actually edible!). We recommend slicing at approximately ½ cm thickness to maintain efficient and effective dehydration, and the result should be a soft, chewy texture.

In Europe, kiwi fruit is in season from November through to May, making it the perfect time to stock up and dehydrate them when they’re at their peak, so you can enjoy their benefits all year round. Depending on which kiwi fruit you dehydrate, some will deliver a super sweet flavour, whilst others will be slightly sour and tart. Either way, both provide a delicious flavour, making them a perfect nutritious snack for the whole family.

High in vitamin C, a good source of vitamin K and fibre, and rich in antioxidants, kiwi fruit supports the immune system, boosts the skin’s appearance, strengthens hair and bones, and assists with weight management by reducing feelings of hunger. Dehydrated kiwi fruit also helps with digestion, lowers blood pressure, and can even assist with sleep and mental wellness.

There are many ways to enjoy dehydrated kiwi fruit — some of our favourites are listed below.

• Sprinkle with sugar pre or post-dehydration to add sweetness to more sour kiwi fruit.
• Add as a topping to breakfast dishes such as oats, porridge and cereal.
• Use as topping on smoothie bowls for added crunch.
• Perfect as a cocktail or drink garnish.
• Add to water for a hint of flavour.
• Chop and stir through salads for a touch of sweetness.
• Use to decorate desserts or cakes.

Whilst fresh figs are only in season for a very short time in Europe (late summer to early autumn), dehydration allows you to preserve and enjoy them for much longer periods. When it comes to dehydrating figs, you can keep them whole or choose to half or quarter them, keeping in mind that when they’re cut, they will dry quicker and keep longer, as more moisture has been removed from the fruit. You can, of course, slice figs too, which ensures even faster and more effective dehydration and makes them a perfect lightweight snack or addition to breakfast dishes.

Dehydrated figs are rich in calcium, potassium and fibre and contain vitamin K and antioxidants. Dehydrated figs help to improve digestion, boost the appearance of skin and hair, strengthen bones, improve mental focus, and protect the immune system. Being high in fibre and containing natural sweeteners, dehydrated figs can also support weight management by curbing hunger cravings and increasing feelings of fullness. It is important to be mindful, however, that dehydrated figs are more concentrated in calories and sugars, so should be enjoyed in moderation. That being said, they are perfect as a post-workout snack to replenish glycogen levels and support muscle recovery.

We all know figs are delicious on their own, but they make a great addition to various recipes and dishes. Here are some of our favourite ways to use dehydrated figs at home or if you’re running a business.

• Add to cheese and charcuterie boards for added colour and flavour.
• Use in desserts and baking, including cakes, muffins, cheesecakes, pies, tarts, puddings and cookies.
• Delicious addition to various salads.
• Use as a topping on morning oats, cereal, porridge, granola or yoghurt.
• Wrap in prosciutto for a delicious sweet/savoury combo.
• Perfect as a drink or cocktail garnish.
• Add on top of pizza or toast with ricotta.