This guide to drying apricots three ways shows how to dry dry apricots in the oven, using a dehydrator and naturally outside in the sun with step by step instructions.
Drying apricots is a great way to preserve apricots from your tree or when they are in season. Depending on the variety and climate this is usually from mid summer through to fall (autumn).
Local orchards may sell direct from the farm gate which is where the best prices will be found.
Culinary Uses for Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are wonderful chopped up in cereal or on their own as a healthy snack. They are a commonly used item in baking and can be re-hydrated then added to your favorite apricot chicken recipe.
Drying Apricots at Home
The ripest apricots will have the best flavor when dried. Under ripe apricots are best ripened in a brown paper bag or leave on the windowsill in the sun.
Apricots will need to be washed, dried then halved to remove the stone before drying. They do not need to be peeled which saves a lot of time.
It depends on the moisture content of the apricots and the method used. Oven drying will take 8 to 12 hours, dehydrating will take 18 to 24 hours and sun drying will take 2 to 3 days depending on your climate.
They will be still soft but feel like leather on the outside.
To soften the dried apricots simply cover with water then leave overnight. To completely re-hydrate apricots it is best to let them soak in water for 2 hours then bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Knife
- Tray
- Rack (which will fit in the tray)
- Oven (For oven drying) – This oven safe Baking Sheet and Rack Set is perfect drying fruit in the oven. It is made from high quality stainless steel and is highly rated on Amazon. (Paid link)
- Dehydrator (For this method)
- Cheesecloth (For drying outside) – This premium quality Cheesecloth is great value, washable, unbleached and is made from 100% Mediterranean cotton. (Paid link)
- Airtight Container or Bag
- Label
Instructions
Guide to drying apricots three ways at home.
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Wash then Dry the Apricots
Place 1 to 2 inches of cold water in a sink then wash the apricots in the water. This method uses less water than washing under the tap. Leave the apricots in a drainer to dry or dry with a clean cloth.
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Halve then Remove the Stone
With a sharp knife cut the apricots in half then pull apart. Remove the stone then set the apricots cut side up on a rack placed in a tray for the oven and natural drying methods.
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Drying Apricots in the Oven
For oven drying apricots; place the tray in a fan forced oven preheated to 200°F (95°C). The apricots will take 8 to 12 hours to dry.
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Drying Apricots in a Dehydrator
For drying apricots in a dehydrator; place the apricot halves cut side up on the dehydrator trays making sure they aren’t touching. Use the highest setting. They will take from 18 to 24 hours to dry.
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Sun Drying Apricots
For drying apricots naturally in the sun; make a tent over the tray with wire then place the cheesecloth over the top completely covering the tray. The cheesecloth will keep bugs off of the fruit as they dry. Set in the sun and off the ground such as on a table. Bring the tray in at night. It will take 2 to 3 days for the apricots to dry depending on the humidity.
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Storing the Dried Apricots
Once dried store the apricots in an airtight container or bag labeled with the contents and the date dried. To get the longest shelf life it is best to store home dried apricots in the fridge. They be good for 6 to 12 months.
Tip
Dehydrators are a good investment when you have fruit trees in your garden and you find you have a lot of excess fruit at once. They are able to dry more at once than the oven making drying fruit more economical.
This premium stainless steel Food Dehydrator is highly rated, designed in California and is easy to use with digital timer and temperature control. (Paid link)
For more information on drying, canning and freezing produce see this guide to Preserving Food. You might also be interested in these guide to drying Figs, Apples or Bananas.
This guide to Homesteading is a great place to start to get more out of your home and garden from growing vegetables to creating your own home wares.
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