How to Make Fruit Roll-Ups

Turn leftover fruit into fruit leather.

Fruit Roll-Ups is a General Mills brand name for fruit leather. Fruit leather is the result of pureed and dried fruit. Introduced to the public in 1983, Fruit Roll-Ups have become a tasty addition to American pantries across the country because they are both inexpensive and convenient snacks for those on the go and at home. However, you have no control over what is used to make them. Take charge of what you consume by making your own fruit leather. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• Cooking oil spray
• Baking sheet
• Watermelon
• Knife
• Blender
• Food processor
• Measuring cup
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a baking sheet with cooking oil. Because you are drying the watermelon, do not cook it at a higher temperature.

2. Slice the watermelon away from the rind and remove all the seeds. Cut the remaining watermelon into cubes.

3. Put the cubed watermelon in a blender and press "Puree" until the watermelon is smooth.

4. Remove some of the excess watermelon juice to reduce the drying time. You will be drying the watermelon pulp and the juice extends the drying time.

5. Pour 2 1/2 cups of watermelon puree on the oiled baking sheet. Tilt the pan to different angles to spread the puree across the baking sheet evenly.

6. Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door open to allow the moisture to dissipate. There is no set time for drying fruit leather because it depends on the size of the oven and thickness of the puree. Expect the puree to dry for several hours; it is done when the puree around the edges of the baking sheet begin to peel away.

7. Pull plastic wrap out until it is slightly longer than the baking sheet. Set it on the counter. Peel the fruit leather off of the baking sheet and place it on the plastic wrap. Slice the fruit into squares and roll each one up.

Tips & Warnings

• Add 2 tbsp. honey to the watermelon puree for a sweeter piece of fruit leather.

• Dust your knife with corn starch prevent it from sticking to the dried fruit.

• Store the fruit leather in a plastic bag or aluminum foil.

• Over dried fruit leather is brittle and will crack.

References

• Simply Recipes: Fruit Leather Recipe
• Easy Fun School: Homemade Fruit Roll Ups
• General Mills: Fruit Snacks
• General Mills: Fruit Snacks Product List
• New World Almanac: Farming for Artists: Seven Ways to Use a Watermelon