If you love apricots but wish you could enjoy their sweet, tangy flavor year-round, making your own dried apricots is a fantastic solution! Drying apricots preserves their natural sweetness and nutrients, turning them into a chewy, delicious snack or a versatile ingredient for cooking and baking. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to do at home with just a few simple steps. Ready to learn how to make dried apricots? Let’s dive in!
Why Dry Apricots?
Apricots are juicy stone fruits that are perfect for drying because their natural sugars concentrate beautifully when dehydrated. Dried apricots are not only tasty but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re great for snacking, adding to oatmeal, baking into muffins, or even tossing into savory dishes for a touch of sweetness.
Drying apricots yourself means you control the quality—no added preservatives or extra sugar—and you can enjoy the fruits of summer all year long.
What You’ll Need
– Fresh, ripe apricots
– A sharp knife
– A food dehydrator or an oven
– Baking sheets or dehydrator trays
– Parchment paper or wire racks (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Dried Apricots
1. Choose the Right Apricots
Start with ripe apricots that are firm but juicy. Overripe fruit can become mushy when dried, while underripe apricots may turn out sour. If your apricots aren’t quite ripe, you can let them ripen at room temperature, ideally in a paper bag to speed up the process.
2. Wash and Prepare the Apricots
Give your apricots a good rinse under cool water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Using a sharp knife, cut each apricot in half around the pit and gently twist the halves apart. Remove the pit carefully.
3. Optional: Turn Apricots Inside Out
For faster drying and better texture, you can push the apricot halves inside out, exposing more of the flesh to air. This step is optional but recommended if you want your dried apricots to dry evenly and quickly.
4. Arrange Apricots for Drying
Place the apricot halves on your dehydrator trays or oven racks in a single layer. Make sure the skin side is facing down for best results. If using an oven, line baking sheets with parchment paper or use wire racks to allow air circulation underneath.
5. Drying Temperature and Time
– Using a Food Dehydrator: Set the dehydrator to about 135°F (57°C). Dry the apricots for approximately 8 to 12 hours. Check periodically; the apricots should be pliable but not sticky or wet.
– Using an Oven: Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature possible, ideally between 150°F and 175°F (65°C to 79°C). Dry the apricots for 6 to 12 hours, depending on their size and juiciness. Turn the apricots halfway through drying to ensure even drying. Keep the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
6. How to Tell When They’re Done
Your dried apricots are ready when they feel leathery and pliable but not sticky or moist. They should not be brittle or hard. If you gently press them, they should bend without breaking.
7. Cooling and Storing
Let the dried apricots cool completely before storing. Place them in airtight containers or resealable bags. Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate to extend shelf life. Properly dried and stored apricots can last for several months.
Tips for Perfect Dried Apricots
– Uniform Size: Try to select apricots of similar size or slice larger ones to ensure even drying.
– Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space between apricot halves for air circulation.
– Rotate Trays: If drying multiple trays, rotate them occasionally for consistent drying.
– No Added Sugar Needed: Apricots are naturally sweet, so no need to add sugar before drying.
– Use Sulfur-Free Apricots: If you want to avoid preservatives, dry your own apricots instead of buying commercial ones that often contain sulfur dioxide.
Creative Ways to Use Your Homemade Dried Apricots
– Snack Time: Enjoy dried apricots straight from the jar for a healthy energy boost.
– Baking: Chop and add them to muffins, cookies, or breads for a fruity twist.
– Cooking: Rehydrate dried apricots in warm water and use them in stews, tagines, or sauces for a natural sweetness.
– Salads and Cereals: Toss chopped dried apricots into salads or sprinkle over oatmeal and yogurt.
– Apricot Jam or Fruit Leather: Blend dried apricots into spreads or make fruit leather for a fun treat.
Final Thoughts
Making dried apricots at home is a rewarding way to preserve the taste of summer and enjoy a healthy snack year-round. With just fresh apricots, a dehydrator or oven, and a little patience, you can create delicious dried apricots that are perfect for snacking, cooking, and baking.
Enjoy the process and savor the sweet results!