How to Use Food Dehydrators to Make Raisins
Dehydrate grapes to make raisins. Grapes are often picked in the early fall, and people lay them out in the sun to dry and dehydrate. Although sun-drying grapes is a common way to make raisins, it is not a guaranteed method. Make your own raisins by placing them in a food dehydrator. It is essential to prepare the grapes properly to ensure that they dehydrate into raisins. Raisins require a long dehydrating time, but they are rewarding to make and eat. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose grapes that are fully ripe. Discard any that appear damaged. Remove the stems and seeds from the grapes.
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Thoroughly clean the grapes. Run them under warm water, and remove any dirt and debris.
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Blanch the grapes. Fill a pot with enough water to cover them and bring the water to a boil.
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Once the water is boiling rapidly, add the ripe grapes. Leave them in the water for 30 to 60 seconds.
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Remove the grapes from the boiling water and immediately run cold water over them. Drain them and allow to dry on paper towels.
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Set the food-dehydrator thermostat to 140 degrees. If your dehydrator does not have a thermostat, the time it takes for your grapes to dehydrate will probably be longer.
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Place the grapes on the trays of the dehydrator. Try to leave space around each grape, and do not allow them to touch. Leave them in the dehydrator for two hours to start the raisin-making process.
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After two hours, lower the temperature to 100 degrees and set the timer for 12 to 15 hours.
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Check the grapes periodically. Grapes are considered to be raisins once their skin is tough and their centers are no longer moist. Continue to dehydrate the grapes if they are still moist.
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When the raisins are finished dehydrating, store them in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place.
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Tips & Warnings
Store raisins with bay leaves to keep them fresh.
