It takes some patience, but making peach fruit leather in a dehydrator is a fun way to use up surplus fruit.
You've got a bumper crop of peaches on your hands and need some way to polish them off, especially the overripe ones -- if you've got a dehydrator, you're in luck. You can make peach fruit leather! Although the process can take up to 12 hours, the "fruits" of your labor will be a healthy stash of ready-to-eat snacks you can take on the go or nibble on anytime. Experiment with variations on peach leather by making several batches and adding or omitting ingredients.
Instructions
1. Peel peaches and cut into chunks, removing any bruised parts and optionally, placing them in a double boiler to steam for about 15 minutes or until a food thermometer reads 160 degrees F. Use a glass container for microwaving: cook peaches on high for six to eight minutes for every two cups of peaches, stirring after two minute intervals.
2. Transfer the cooked or uncooked peaches to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Add condiments, such as lemon juice, to protect the color. Add about two tablespoons per two cups of fruit to prevent discoloration. Add sweetener, about one or two tablespoons of sugar or honey per two cups of peaches to enhance the flavor. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to liven up the puree, if desired.
3. Lightly coat the plastic wrap or dehydrator sheets with cooking spray, pouring the peach puree onto them to a depth of 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch. Spread with a spatula for uniformity. Set the dehydrator temperature to your manufacturer's recommended temperature, or 115 to 145 degrees F. Dehydrate the product from five hours to as long as 12 hours.
4. Test for doneness by lightly touching the leather in several places: It should feel tacky and look translucent and your touch should leave no indentations. Peel away the fruit from the plastic or dehydrator sheet; if it peels away easily, it is dry, but if the leather chips or cracks, you have probably dried it too long, although it will still be edible.
5. Roll the peach leather in its entirety in plastic wrap or cut into strips and store at room temperature for as long as a month, in the refrigerator for several months or up to a year in the freezer. If storing at room temperature, store in a cool, dry, dark place.
Tags: about tablespoons, cups peaches, fruit leather, peach fruit, peach fruit leather
