How To Dehydrate Apples!

Today I am going to show you how to make a simple recipe for a healthy snack that can be stored for a long time if stored right. All you need is organic apples, and acidic liquid(lemon, lime, pineapple, orange juice or ascorbic acid) to prevent the apples from browning. I used organic pure pineapple juice, a pearing knife, and a dehydrator. Cinnamon/nutmeg is optional. We have been snacking on these for some time, because Waynes mom has been making them for us. They will last 6-9 months in the pantry in an air tight bag, or jar. If stored in the freezer in freezer bags they will last much longer. You can rehydrate the apples by soaking them in warm/not boiling water for an hour. If you do so you can make cobblers, or pies!
First cut out the core of the apple. You can leave the skin on the apple for added fiber, or take it off with the pearing knife. Cut the apple into thin slices or rings. I have read 3/8'', 1/8'', 1/4'' slices. Just make sure they are all for the most part consistent in size. Place the sliced apples in the bowl of pineapple juice to soak for about 5 minutes, and then arrange the apples evenly on the dehydrator trays for an even air flow. This is where I sprinked the cinnamon. Next place the trays in the dehydrator and turned it on. There is no temperature gauge on the model I am using. But if yours does it is recommended around 130-140 degrees F. The apples can take anywhere from 4-10 hours(longer if yours were cut thicker). Turn the fruit, and rotate trays during this time. Mine will not take as long as I cut mine into very small pieces. They should be done to your standards- a fruit jerky or apple chips (chewy or crunchy). That is up to you. I read that alot of people do this before bed, and leave it on all night. When they wake up they have apple chips! Once done let them sit for 30 minutes to cool, and place them in a freezer bag for long term storage in the freezer. You can also keep them in an air tight container/food saver vacuum bags in your pantry. If kept in your pantry you can add them to your morning hot breakfast cerial, or take them on a day trip hiking. A grab and go snack!

There you have it. Let me know if you have questions. I am a beginner, so be easy on me. : )

Check out the websites where I found all of my information. Pubwages, eHow, & Seasonal Chef.