How to Make Apple Fruit Leather

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How to Make Apple Fruit Leather

 

Select ripe or slightly overripe fruit. Take care to use sound, unspoiled fruit.

 

There are two methods of preparing apples for fruit leather. The first method

uses homemade or canned applesauce. This may be blended with other fruit purees

or spices such as allspice, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Vanilla and light corn

syrup or honey may also be added. The second method uses a fresh apple puree,

with or without the peel. Cut the fruit into chunks and place it in a food

chopper or blender. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (2 tablespoons of Meyer

variety lemon juice) for each quart of fruit. Chop, grind or blend until at

thick puree is formed.

 

Line a cookie sheet or similar flat tray with plastic wrap, or plastic wrap

coated with a cooking spray. Make sure that the cookie sheet or tray has an edge

to prevent spillage of the puree.

 

Pour the puree onto the sheet or the tray about one-quarter inch deep.

Distribute evenly by tilting the tray; do not use a spatula or knife. When all

space are covered, the right amount of puree has been applied.

 

SUN DRYING

 

This will take from two to three days, depending upon temperature and humidity.

Test frequently for dryness.

 

If the weather is hot (above 85 degrees F) and dry (less than 60 percent

relative humidity) the trays can be placed in direct sunlight or behind a pane

of glass or Plexiglas to concentrate the heat. Cover or bring inside at night if

the nighttime temperatures vary more than 20 degrees F from daytime

temperatures, or if fog or humidity is common at night.

 

OVEN DRYING

 

Set oven at lowest setting (140 degrees F). Place the sheets or trays in the

oven and leave the oven door cracked open 2-6 inches, depending on the oven

door. The fruit leather will be dried in 4-5 hours.

 

DEHYDRATOR DRYING

 

Place sheets or trays in the dehydrator. Set temperature control at 140 degrees

F. Dry for 4-5 hours and test for dryness.

 

TESTING FOR DRYNESS

 

Properly dried fruit leather will be sticky to touch, but will be easily peeled

from the plastic wrap. Lift the edge, which will adhere lightly to the surface,

and peel it back about an inch. If it peels readily, it is properly dried.

 

STORAGE

 

After dehydrating is complete, roll the plastic wrap and the dried leather in

one piece in a loose roll.

 

The dried fruit roll can be stored for years in the freezer, for months in the

refrigerator, and for up to 30 weeks at room temperature.

 

HELPFUL HINTS

 

Freeze leathers containing nuts or coconut unless they are used right away. For

a special treat, spread apple leather with melted caramel, roll up and cut into

pieces.