How to make dried apples (apple chips)?

Best apple varieties for drying

All apples can be dried, but for better flavour, favour tasty, sweet varieties such as Reine des Reinettes, Fuji, Golden or Ariane.

Varieties ‘Reine des Reinettes’, ‘Fuji’ and ‘Ariane’

Where, when and how to dry apples?

You can dry apples at home in an oven, or, if you have one, with a dehydrator. If you live in a sunny region, you can also try it outdoors in the sun and therefore, of course, in summer!

Drying removes the water from fruit and is carried out at low temperature around 40 to 50°C to dry without cooking the fruit pieces.

Prepare apples

• Harvest ripe apples
• Wash them, pat them dry, then peel them
• Cut fruit into thin slices 1 to 5 mm thick. For apple chips, cut slices even thinner
• Dip slices in lemon juice to prevent them from browning
• You can then dry them using one of three methods: in an oven, in a dehydrator or outdoors in the sun.

Different drying techniques

Drying in the oven

• Place apple slices on a baking tray lined with baking paper or in a dish
• Ensure slices do not touch
• Dry at low temperature (50°C). If oven gets too hot, leave door slightly ajar to reduce heat.
• After 1 hour, turn slices over and continue drying. Drying time depends on oven; on average allow 2 to 6 hours.
• When wrinkled, remove from oven and leave to cool.

Drying in a dehydrator

• Place slices on dehydrator tray
• Set temperature and dry according to manufacturer’s instructions

Drying outdoors in the sun

• If you’re lucky enough to be in a sunny, rain-free area in summer, take the opportunity to dry apples outdoors!
• Arrange apple slices on a tray, spacing them out, and cover them with muslin or fine mesh to protect from insects and birds
• Leave in full sun during the day and bring inside in the evening
• Turn slices to dry both sides and remove damaged fruit as you go
• Drying takes from 2 days to several days, depending on weather and region where you live

How to store them?

• You can store your dried apples in an airtight plastic box or bag, or in a glass jar, keeping them dry and protected from light.
• Ensure no condensation appears, as this can cause mould.
• You can eat your dried apples between 6 months and one year!

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