Strawberry Fruit Leather Recipe (with Beets) (2024)

FAQs

Why is my fruit leather not drying? ›

If the surrounding air is humid, then drying will be slowed down. Avoid drying fruit leather during rainy or humid weather. Increasing the air current speeds up drying by moving the surrounding moist air away from the fruit leather. To speed the drying time, increase the air flow.

If your fruit leather is brittle and cracking easily, that could be a sign that it's too dry. If you are having trouble peeling the fruit leather from the pan, try moistening it to help prevent it from cracking.

Using Non-Stick Silicone Mats ensures the fruit leather will peel off easily and makes for easy cleanup.

Line the trays with parchment paper, as sometimes the puree can leak through. We start with the wrap and remove it after a few hours when it has started to dry. I've shared three of our favorites, but the flavor combinations are endless.

Dry fruit leathers at 140° degrees F. It will dry from the outside edge toward the center. Test for dryness by touching the center of the leather. It should not feel moist at all.

You cannot overdry foods you plan on putting into storage. The drier it is, the better it will store. You might over dry fruit leather or jerky a little more than your taste preference is, but you cannot overdry food meant for food storage.

Drawbacks may include changes in sensory qualities and decreased levels of certain vitamins.

How Long Does Fruit Leather Last? You can easily store fruit leather, rolled up and placed in a large lidded jar or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 1 month. For longer storage (up to 6 months), refrigerate your fruit leather. For even longer storage (up to 1 year), you can freeze your homemade treats.

Runners sometimes like fruit leather, but we think the freeze dried version of fruit leather is even better because there's nothing chewy to get stuck between your teeth. Just puree your favorite combination of fruit in a blender or food processor, spread on the freeze drying trays and run the cycle.

Did you know you can make your own fruit leather? All you need is applesauce, parchment paper, and a really low oven! As long as you're making one batch, go ahead and make two—it won't really take any longer, and you'll have more for giving (and eating yourself).

What is another name for fruit leather? ›

Pestil, also known as bastık or pastegh (Armenian: պաստեղ) is dried fruit pulp, best exemplified in the English term "fruit leather." Fruit leather is made from mechanically pulverizing fruit, then spreading it out to dry into a tough, yet flexible and edible material which can be kept preserved for several months in ...

Consider cooking spray

I've heard cooking spray like Pam can be used on trays if you spray lightly. Make sure to use the non-flavored kind. If you do not like to use anything in a spray can, moisten your fingers with oil and rub on the trays or pour on a paper towel then wipe a thin coating on the dehydrator trays.

The tacky feeling in fruit leather is due to added sweeteners (eg. honey or syrup) or even just the natural sugars present in fruit.

Pouring the Leather

Spread pureé evenly, about 1/8-inch thick, onto drying tray. Avoid pouring pureé too close to the edge of the cookie sheet. The larger fruit leathers take longer to dry. Approximate drying times are 6 to 8 hours in a dehydrator, up to 18 hours in an oven and 1 to 2 days in the sun.

TO REHYDRATE

Take one leather, place it in a small heatproof bowl, and pour 1 cup boiling water over it. Let sit 15 to 20 minutes. One leather will make 1 cup tomato puree.