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Apricots are a source of vitamins and other nutrients. You can preserve their properties by drying their pulp. First, they choose high-quality fruits that are cleaned of dirt and seeds. You can dry apricots naturally or using kitchen appliances.
How to choose and prepare
Before starting work, it is important to know how dried apricots differ from dried apricots. If small fruits with seeds are dried, the result is an apricot. Large fruits with seeds left in them are called whispers. Seedless dried fruit is kaisa.
When choosing apricots for drying, the crop variety matters. For dried apricots, large fruits with a minimum juice content are suitable. Such fruits are characterized by dense pulp and a high concentration of sugar.
To obtain dried apricots, varieties are chosen that are grown in Central Asia with a sugar content of more than 20%. If apricots are grown in the middle lane or in the south, then you need to find specimens of varieties containing 10% sugar or more.
For drying, ripe fruits are selected without traces of rotting and other damage. The fruits are washed well so as not to expose them to moisture in the future. Then they are divided into halves, the bones are removed.
In industrial conditions, apricots are treated with sulfur dioxide. The procedure ensures the presentation of dried apricots.
Pre-processing of fresh fruits will help preserve the bright orange color of dried apricots:
- Place the apricot halves in a colander.
- For 5-10 minutes, the colander is held over the steam. If the apricots have a hard skin, boil them for 5 minutes.
- The fruits are laid out on a piece of cloth that will absorb excess moisture.
- After 2-3 hours, the fruit is ready for drying.
Another way to keep the fruit vibrant is to use citric acid. For 1 liter of water add 1 tsp. citric acid. The fruits are placed in the solution for 1-2 hours.
How to dry apricots in an electric dryer
To dry fruits at home, you can use a special device - an electric dryer. Its design includes a large container in which several trays are located. Fruits are laid out on them for drying.
The electric dryer operates in one or more temperature conditions, depending on the model of the device. When choosing an electric dryer, take into account its capacity, the number of pallets and power.
Drying takes place under the influence of infrared radiation or by heating the air. When using infrared heaters, the beneficial properties of apricots are preserved. In this case, the fruits are cut into small pieces.
In devices with heating elements, the fruits lose some of the vitamins and change their color. Such devices are suitable for drying large fruits.
The procedure for processing apricots in an electric dryer:
- The fruit is washed and prepared for the drying process.
- The halves of the fruit are laid out on pallets in one layer.
- The trays are installed in an electric dryer.
- The device is turned on at 50 degrees.
- Pallets are swapped every hour. In the middle of the process, the temperature is raised to 60 degrees.
- After 8-12 hours, the apricots are removed from the dryer. The processing period depends on the quality and variety of the fruit.
- Dried apricots are placed in a box or wooden box. They are placed in a cool place for 3-4 weeks to complete the drying process. As a result, a redistribution of moisture will occur in the pulp.
Drying in the open air
In warm climates, apricots dry well naturally in the fresh air.High temperature and low humidity are required for successful drying. It is best to leave the fruit in direct sunlight.
In urban conditions, it is important to protect dried apricots from pollution. It is not recommended to start drying close to roads or working enterprises.
The procedure for drying apricots in the fresh air:
- The prepared fruits are laid out on a wire rack and covered with gauze to protect them from insects and dirt.
- The grill is left in a dark, ventilated place.
- Within 6 hours, the pulp will begin to dry out and the fruit will dry up.
- Then the fruit is transferred to a place well lit by the sun.
- Dried apricots are kept until completely dry, then put away for storage.
To check the readiness of the fruit, their consistency and condition are assessed. The fruits need to be taken in hand and squeezed a little. If there is no release of juice, and the pulp remains firm and soft, then it is time to remove the dried apricots for permanent storage.
The period of drying dried apricots in the fresh air depends on their quality and size, as well as on weather conditions. On average, this process takes 1 to 2 weeks. In windy weather, the fruits dry out faster.
Conveniently hang dry apricots. The fruits are strung on a string or thin rope, which is fixed in a horizontal position. In this way, dense fruits with a low juice content are dried. Soft fruits are strung on wooden twigs or skewers.
Drying apricots in the oven
In urban settings, it is easier to dry apricots in a gas or electric oven.
The oven drying process includes several stages:
- Baking trays are covered with parchment paper.
- Lay the halves of the apricots on top so that the cut is at the top.
- The oven is turned on at 50 degrees.
- Baking trays are transferred to the oven.
- The door is left ajar to allow air to flow. If you close the oven, the apricots will bake.
- After 10 hours, dried apricots are taken out of the oven and sent to storage.
Microwave drying
Using the microwave is not the best way to dry apricots. During the drying period, it is important to provide the fruit with air. If this is not done, then as a result, you can get boiled fruits.
If no other drying options are available, you can place the fresh fruit in the microwave and turn it on for 2 minutes. Then the fruits are removed from the device. The procedure is repeated several times until the desired result is achieved. This method does not completely dry the apricots.
How to store
Dried apricots are stored under certain conditions:
- humidity not more than 70%;
- lack of direct sunlight;
- temperature from 10 to 20 degrees.
It is best to keep dried apricots at home: in the kitchen cabinet along with cereals and other products. A refrigerator (vegetable compartment) is well suited for storage.
Dried apricots are transferred to a glass or plastic jar and covered with a tight lid. It is not recommended to store dried apricots in plastic bags indoors.
The shelf life of dried apricots is from 3 to 4 months. Dried fruits can be stored in the freezer for up to one and a half years. Dried apricots are thawed gradually at room temperature. After freezing, the fruits will partially lose their beneficial properties.
Dried apricots are a source of nutrients. For drying, ripe fruits of sweet varieties that do not have defects are chosen. Apricots can be left to dry naturally. Using an electric dryer or oven will help speed up the process.
