How to Dry Grapes in a Dehydrator

Dehydration is one of the oldest forms of preserving the harvest of fruits and vegetables. While earlier cultures used the sun, today most fruit drying is done in an electric dehydrator. Most fruits and vegetables can be dried for later use, and the seedless grape is no exception. The dried grape is better known as a raisin, and seedless varieties of grapes are the preferred type of grape to dry.

Things You'll Need

• Seedless grapes
• Saucepan
• Slotted spoon or colander
• Dehydrator

Instructions

1. Wash and stem seedless grapes under cool, running water.

2. Fill a large saucepan or stockpot half full of water and bring to a boil.

3. Dip the grapes into the boiling water for 30 seconds to break the skins. Use a slotted spoon to remove the grapes from the water or drain through a colander.

4. Place the grapes in single, even layers on dehydrator trays.

5. Dry the grapes in the dehydrator for 12 to 24 hours or until the centers are free of moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• If the grapes are too large to fit in the dehydrator trays, you can slice the grapes in half. Soak the cut grapes in a solution of 1 cup lemon juice and 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Drain the grapes through a colander and dry as normal.

• Raisins can be made with any variety or color of seedless grapes.

• Grapes with seeds can be used also, but the seeds must be pressed out of the dried grape before storage. This leads to stickiness and the raisins will clump together in storage.

• Store raisins in airtight containers. Canning jars with lids and rings are a good choice, as are clean, empty gallon jars with lids.

• Raisins will store for up to one year, or more, if kept in a cool, dry place.

References

• Raisins.org
• Colorado State University
• Virginia Tech University