Imagine the sweet, tangy burst of flavor that comes with every bite of homemade dried cherries—perfect for snacking, baking, or adding a gourmet touch to your salads! This delightful recipe for "Homemade Dried Cherries Two Ways" not only allows you to savor the essence of summer all year round but also empowers you to customize the sweetness to your liking. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can transform fresh cherries into a deliciously chewy treat that’s far superior to store-bought options. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into this simple yet rewarding recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 hrs
Total Time: 12 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by selecting 2 cups of fresh cherries. Ensure they are ripe, firm, and free from blemishes. Wash the cherries thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- After washing, remove the stems from the cherries. Using a cherry pitter or a sharp knife, carefully pit each cherry. If using a knife, cut the cherry in half and remove the pit, then place the cherry halves in a bowl.
- If you prefer a sweeter dried cherry, you can add 1/4 cup of sugar to the bowl with the pitted cherries. Stir gently to coat the cherries evenly with sugar. If you are looking for a more tart flavor, you can skip this step or adjust the sugar to your taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the bowl. The lemon juice will enhance the flavor of the cherries and help preserve their color during the drying process. Mix gently to ensure all cherries are coated.
- Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, typically around 150°F (65°C) to 170°F (77°C). If your oven does not go this low, you can prop the door open slightly to allow moisture to escape.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spread the prepared cherries in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow for even drying.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Allow the cherries to dry for approximately 10 to 12 hours. Check the cherries periodically; they should be shriveled and leathery but not hard. The drying time may vary based on your oven and the size of the cherries.
- Once the cherries are dried to your liking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
- After cooling, transfer the dried cherries to an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.
- For an alternative method, you can use a food dehydrator. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying fruits, typically setting the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and drying for 8 to 10 hours, or until the cherries reach the desired texture.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cherries: Opt for ripe, firm cherries that are free from blemishes. The quality of your cherries will directly impact the flavor of your dried fruit, so select the best you can find!
- Sugar Adjustment: If you’re unsure about the sweetness, start with a smaller amount of sugar and taste the cherries before drying. You can always add more later if you prefer a sweeter result.
- Drying Temperature: Keep your oven at the lowest setting possible to avoid cooking the cherries. If your oven doesn’t go low enough, propping the door open slightly can help moisture escape and maintain a low temperature.
- Monitor Drying Time: Check the cherries periodically during the drying process. Depending on your oven and cherry size, drying times can vary, so keep an eye on them to achieve your desired texture.
- Storage: Once cooled, store your dried cherries in an airtight container. They can last up to 6 months in a cool, dark place, or you can refrigerate them for even longer freshness.
- Dehydrator Alternative: If you have a food dehydrator, it’s a fantastic option for drying cherries. Set it to 135°F (57°C) and let it work its magic for 8 to 10 hours for perfectly dried cherries.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
