Making dry cherry fruit, also known as dried cherries, is a straightforward process that allows you to preserve their sweet and tart flavor for extended enjoyment. You can achieve this using either an oven or a food dehydrator, with both methods requiring a low and slow drying process.
Essential Preparation for Dried Cherries
Before drying, proper preparation ensures the best results.
- Washing: Thoroughly wash fresh cherries under cool running water.
- Stemming: Remove all stems.
- Pitting: Pit the cherries using a cherry pitter, a knife, or a straw. This is a crucial step for easy consumption later.
- Halving/Flattening: For faster and more even drying, consider halving larger cherries or gently flattening them slightly. This increases the surface area for moisture evaporation, especially important when drying on parchment paper in an oven.
Drying Methods for Cherries
There are two primary methods for making dried cherries at home: using an oven or a food dehydrator.
Oven Drying Method
The oven method is accessible for those without a dehydrator, though it requires more active monitoring.
- Setup:
- Preheat your oven to the lowest possible setting, typically between 150°F (65°C) to 200°F (95°C). The goal is to dry, not to cook.
- Arrange the prepared cherries in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not overlapping to promote even drying. Flattening them slightly on the parchment can aid in the drying process.
- Drying Process:
- Place the baking sheets in the oven. To allow moisture to escape, prop the oven door open slightly (e.g., with a wooden spoon). This prevents the cherries from steaming instead of drying.
- Dry the cherries for several hours, typically 3 to 6 hours or more, depending on their size, juiciness, and your oven's efficiency.
- Periodically check and rotate the baking sheets, and flip the cherries occasionally, to ensure uniform drying.
- Doneness: Cherries are fully dried when they are leathery and pliable, with no visible moisture, but still somewhat soft. They should not be sticky or brittle.
Food Dehydrator Method
A food dehydrator provides a more controlled and energy-efficient way to dry cherries.
- Setup:
- Arrange the prepared cherries in a single layer on your dehydrator trays. Ensure there is adequate space between them for air circulation.
- Drying Process:
- Set your dehydrator temperature to 135°F (57°C) for fruits.
- Dehydrate the cherries for 8 to 24 hours, or even longer. The exact time will vary based on cherry size, humidity, and your dehydrator model.
- Rotate trays if your dehydrator doesn't have even heat distribution, and check for doneness periodically.
- Doneness: Similar to oven drying, the cherries should be leathery and pliable.
Comparing Drying Methods
| Feature | Oven Drying | Food Dehydrator Drying |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Standard kitchen oven, parchment paper | Dedicated food dehydrator |
| Temperature | 150-200°F (65-95°C) | ~135°F (57°C) |
| Time Required | A few hours (e.g., 3-6 hours or more) | 8-24 hours or longer |
| Energy Use | Can be higher, oven door slightly ajar | Generally more energy-efficient for long periods |
| Monitoring | More active, flipping and rotating required | Less active, set-and-forget for longer periods |
| Results | Excellent, but potentially less uniform | Consistently even, professional-quality dried fruit |
Conditioning and Storage
After drying, proper conditioning and storage are crucial for preventing mold and maintaining quality.
- Cooling: Allow the dried cherries to cool completely to room temperature.
- Conditioning: Place the cooled cherries loosely in airtight jars for 7-10 days. Shake the jars daily. This distributes any residual moisture evenly and helps identify any pieces that weren't fully dried (which will show condensation and need further drying).
- Storage: Store fully conditioned dried cherries in airtight containers (jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or freezer bags) in a cool, dark, and dry place. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze them. Properly stored, they can last for several months to a year. For more information on food preservation, consult resources like the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Tips for Perfect Dried Cherries
- Choose Ripe Cherries: Use firm, ripe cherries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- No Added Sugar Needed: Cherries are naturally sweet; you typically don't need to add sugar, though some recipes might suggest a light syrup for candied dried cherries.
- Prevent Sticking: Ensure parchment paper or dehydrator trays are clean. A light dusting of flour or cornstarch can sometimes help if cherries are particularly sticky, though usually not necessary for pitted cherries.
- Experiment with Doneness: The ideal dryness can be a personal preference. Some prefer them softer and chewier, while others prefer them more dried out.
Making dried cherries is a rewarding way to enjoy this seasonal fruit year-round, perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to cereals and salads.
