EN
MAKING FRUIT LEATHER
Sometimes referred to as Fruit Rolls, Fruit Strips, or FruitJerky, fruitthat is pureed and
dried in thin sheets becomes a tasty, chewy, candy-like snack we will call fruit leather.
You have probably sampled the commercial versions from the market, but once you've
tasted it made fresh at home with quality fruit, you'll never go back to store bought! Fruit
leather is a good way to make use of left-over or overripe fruit that might otherwise be
discarded.
Making Fruit leather is very easy. Start by thoroughly washing the fruit in cold water
and remove any stems or leaves left on the fruit. Remove the peel, skin, pits, or seeds
as necessary. Then just puree the fruit or fruit combination of your choice, and add just
enough liquid to the blender to make a smooth thick puree. Honey, fruit juice or water
can be used but don't make the mixture tooth in or it won't stay put on the dehyd rator
shelf. With fruits that have a high moisture level little or no liquid needs be added at all.
Since you are the cook, you get to taste the puree as you are making it. lt is not only
your privilege but an important part of the process, because if the puree tastes good, the
leather will taste even better! Remember that the flavours and sweetness will concentrate
when the leather is dry, so don't make it too sweet!
lt is best to use a fruit leather sheet designed for the purpose but if not available, you
can line one half of each drying tray with plastic wrap. To maintain adequate circulation
only half of each tray should be covered. If using more than one tray, place the plastic
on alternate halves ofthe trays in the stack. Remember thatthe trays only go in one way,
so stack the trays properly on the counter before lining them to assure proper placement
of the plastic wrap.
When drying sticky purees (bananas, for instance) spray a small amount of vegetable
oil spray on the fruit leather sheet or plastic wrap. After all fruit leather sheets are filled,
stack the drying trays atop the base. Dehydrate until the fruit puree is the texture of
leather. lt should be easy to peel off of the fruit leather sheet. Wrap in plastic wrap and
store at room temperature. Spices, chopped nuts or coconut may be added to the puree
for extra flavour. For further variation, puree several types of fruit together.
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