How to Dry Blueberries in a Dehydrator

Always use firm, fresh blueberries, free from blemishes, for drying applications.

Drying blueberries in a food dehydrator has several benefits. The blueberries can be purchased in-season, when they are at their lowest yearly cost, dried and stored for later use. The preservation qualities that accompany removing the moisture from the berries allow for up to six months of storage when kept in a cool, dry place. When ready for use, simply rehydrate the dried blueberries in cold water -- 1/2 cup for every cup of dried fruit -- and use as you would fresh. Does this Spark an idea?

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1 lb. fresh blueberries
1 lemon
Sealable food-storage bags or airtight food storage container

Instructions

- 1
  
  Sort through the blueberries and discard any with mold, blemishes or bruising. Rinse the blueberries and allow them to air dry. Place the blueberries in a nonreactive mixing bowl.
- 2
  
  Squeeze the juice from one lemon in the bowl and gently stir to coat. Lemon juice prevents oxidation during the drying process. Use one lemon for every pound of blueberries.
- 3
  
  Place the blueberries in a colander and drain any excess lemon juice.
- 4
  
  Distribute the blueberries in an even layer on the dehydrator tray. Place the dehydrator tray in the dehydrator and secure the door or cover.
- 5
  
  Adjust the dehydrator's thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and turn the power on.
- 6
  
  Dehydrate the blueberries for a minimum of six hours; check for the desired consistency and continue if needed. Do not dehydrate blueberries for more than 10 hours. Gage the dryness of the blueberries by cutting one in half and checking its internal moisture content. The blueberries should be free of all moisture.
- 7
  
  Store dried blueberries in a sealable food storage container or sealable food-storage bag with a folded paper towel placed inside. The paper towel will collect moisture that naturally enters the container during storage.