Does anyone know how to make dried fruit

[chickengirlnm]

I would like to make some dried fruit decorations for gifts this christmas, I see them at craft stores and craft fairs but they cost way to much money, I am sure I can make themself and was wondering if anyone here knew how to dry them.
I finally learned how to make those stuff animals that are dipped in candle wax that make wonderful room freshners and will last for years ( easier to make than I thought ).
Hopefully someone here knows how long I should dry the fruit in the oven.

Thanks
Julie

 

[Crazy4Chicks]

I was just wondering if anyone had come up with any ideas - I plan on making some christmas gifts using things like dried sliced oranges, apples and cinnamon sicks and bayleaves, but I dont know how long I should put the fruit in the oven and at what temp to dry them without cooking them

any ideas would be great thanks

Julie
( I had a name change from chickengirlnm )

 

[herechickchick]

OK here is my friend Chef Jimmy Hoxie to tell you how to dry fruit!

Take it away Jimmy:

It really all depends on the type of fruit you are drying and if it will be a whole small fruit, as in cherries or apricots, or sliced larger fruits, like apples or pears. In any case you will need a screen on a frame to dry them on, something like what goes into window, but will fit into your oven and are completely metal, no artificial products like polyester or silicone. For small whole fruits, wash and dry well, arrange on the drying rack so the fruits are not touching and evenly spaced. If drying apricots or cherries, you may want to pit them now, or you can wait and pop out the pits after drying is complete, the drying may take a little longer. Simply place the rack into the oven at a temperature of about 120-140 until the fruit is leathery. You do not want to over dry them or they will be difficult to chew. Allow them to come to room temperature before sorting them in an airtight container. Now for larger fruits. You will want to toss your sliced (about 14 inch thick) apples or pears in a little lemon juice before drying, to help with dis-colorization. All fruits will change color as they dry. Arrange as you would for small fruits and dry and store the same way. For Citrus (not really great for eating but make good decoration) slice about 1/8 inch thick and arrange so the fruit doesn't touch and dry until a little beyond leathery. Citrus tends to get brittle when dry, but looks great in wreaths or potpourri.

I hope this helps!

 

[Crazy4Chicks]

thank you, thank you ,thank you
I am going to be drying sliced oranges tonight and making some decorations for some family and friends along with dipping stuffed animals in wax to make air freshners.
I cant wait to see how these turn out.

Julie

 

[lacyloo]

get a good dehidrater from walmart about $ 40 bucks

 

[joanc]

Browse through the small appliance sections at WalMart, Target or whatever stores you go to and check out the dehydrators. You might also try doing a search on the internet for them-that might let you compare what the different types/sizes will do for you. Good luck-dried fruit is a great gift for eating/decorating.