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Preserving Blueberries
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Freezing Blueberries
Select full-flavored, ripe berries. Remove the leaves and
stems as well as any unripe or imperfect berries.
I prefer to Dry Pack blueberries , although some people wash them
before freezing. Washing the blueberries. results in a
tougher skinned berry, you can wash them after freezing , when you
are ready to use them. Pack the berries into containers, leaving
minimal headspace. Berries can also be frozen first on a tray and
then packed into containers when they are frozen. Seal and freeze.
If you are going to crush, mash or Purée them. Wash the
blueberries. Crush and press the berries through a
sieve, or just purée in a blender . Mix 1 to 1 1/8 cups of sugar
with each quart of crushed berries . Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Pack into containers, leaving headspace. Seal and freeze.
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Dehydrating Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the easiest fruits to dehydrate . Unlike
many other foods they need very little preparation, no
blanching, no added sugar, no preservatives. Drying Blueberries can be done with a food dehydrator,
gas oven or the Sun.
I generally use the sun for
blueberries and a dehydrator for larger fruits and vegetables.
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To Sun Dry your berries place them on a clean
non-metallic framed screen, metallic objects will react with the
natural acids. Cover the screen or tray with cheesecloth or fine netting
to keep insects away. I also have have had success with seed drying
trays. Next, you'll need the cooperation of Mother Nature in providing
several days of hot sunshine, low humidity, and good air circulation.
After several days of hot summer sun ,the berries should be well dried.
Of course if it rains you're screwed, unless you get them inside or
covered in time. If using a dehydrator, you may want to cut the
berries in halves as this reduces drying time, It isn't
necessary, but is more expedient. Follow the manufacturers
instructions for the process using a dehydrator. Blueberries
take between 8-12 hours to dehydrate. After about seven hours ,
it is wise to check on your blueberries. The Berries on the
bottom racks will dry out sooner than the top racks , so you may
want to see if they need to be "harvested early" or rotated.
Dehydrated blueberries are added to muffins, pancakes, and
assorted pastries as well as sprinkled in cereal and other
snacks. They are also a tasty part of a healthy trail mix .
If drying larger fruits other
than berries , you'll need to bring them in at nighttime to prevent them
from collecting dew, which will not only hamper the drying process but
can lead to mildew.
Colorado
State University - Drying Fruits
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Fruit Leathers
a/k/a Fruit Rolls
or Fruit Jerky From Blueberries
Fruit Leathers are similar to Beef Jerky , they could be considered
"Fruit Jerky" .
Fruit leather is easily made if you have a blender /food processor.
The leftover fruit pulp from jelly making can also be made into fruit
leather.
You can store
fruit leather in an airtight container. Just roll up the fruit leather
into a roll after it has dried, wrap in plastic, and store them
altogether in an appropriate container.
Making Dried Fruit Leather - Oregon State University |
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The fruit leather is like a roll of
dehydrated pureed
fruit. Applesauce works great for fruit leather since it is already in
puree form. Overripe fruits can also be used since these are easily
pureed. For an added flare, you can add raisins, poppy or sesame seeds,
{Use your imagination} to the fruit leather. If you add
any type of garnish to your fruit leather however, you may have to
store them in the freezer or refrigerator.
Puree your berries. Pour the fruit puree about
1/4-inch deep on drying sheets, or drying trays
that have been lined with plastic wrap {Microwave safe wrap}. Since the center does not dry as
quickly as the edges, pour the puree thinner towards the center. Dry at
approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit until pliable and leathery. The
middle should also be dry and have no damp or tacky spots.
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