Dry apricots with a sulfur solution to keep the fruit fresh and flavorful.
When you decide to dry apricots, always use fresh and high quality fruits that are at the peak of ripeness. Apricots need treated in a sulfur solution to help prevent them from browning while they dry. A sulfur treatment helps to protect the fruit flavor, texture and shelf life of the apricots. Sulfur treatments also retain vitamins A and C so that they apricots remain full of nutrients after they dry completely.
Instructions
1. Wash the apricots under cool running water to remove debris and dirt. Cut away any bruises or discolorations.
2. Slice the apricots into uniform 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices. You can also slice the apricots in halves. Cutting the apricots into even slices ensures that they dry quickly and at the same time.
3. Combine 1 tbsp. of ascorbic acid with 1 qt. of cool water. Soak the apricots in the solution for up to one hour while you prepare the pretreatment liquid. The holding solution helps keep the apricots fresh.
4. Dissolve 1 1/2 tsp. of sodium bisulfate for every 1 qt. of water. Soak the apricots in the solution for five minutes.
5. Remove the apricot slices and place them into a colander. Rinse the slices under cold water lightly and then arrange them on drying trays in a single layer.
6. Set the dehydrator to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry the apricots for six hours if you sliced them thinly. Apricot halves may take up to 36 hours to dry completely. Stir the apricots or turn them over every four hours.
7. Test the apricots to determine if they are ready to store. The apricots will feel soft and pliable and no moisture will remain when you slice them open.
8. Condition the apricot slices to determine if they dried properly before you store them. Place the apricot slices in a large plastic container so that it remains two-thirds of the way full. Cover the container loosely and store it in dry, ventilated and warm location for up to 10 days. Stir the apricots daily and examine the container for moisture. If you notice moisture in the container, continue to dry the apricots.
9. Store the dried apricots in glass jars or moisture proof containers. Place the container in a dark, dry and cool location such as the refrigerator. The dried apricots will last for up to 12 months.
Tags: apricot slices, apricots into, apricots solution, apricots will, determine they, dried apricots, Soak apricots