Choosing the Right Fruits for Drying
When making eco-friendly dried fruit snacks, it’s crucial to find the right type of fruit. Opt for fruits high in natural sugars and with a robust flavor that won’t disappear during the drying process. Apples, cherries, peaches, or berries are excellent choices. Keep a keen eye on seasonality. Buying fruits when they are in full bloom means that they are at their peak, both in taste and nutrition.
Organic fruits are the perfect choice for this process, as you avoid the potential presence of harmful pesticides which can harm both human health and the environment. The finest organic fruit can be found at your local farmer’s market. Better yet, use fruits from your backyard if you have fruit trees. Engaging in direct farming methods, even on a small scale, greatly contributes to reducing your carbon footprint.
Preparing the Fruit
Once you’ve decided on your fruit, preparing them is the next step. Thoroughly wash your chosen fruit, and then peel (if applicable), and slice. Certain fruits, like grapes, berries, or cherries, don’t require slicing. Armenian-style preparation, as seen on Heghineh’s Cooking Show, offers a unique approach to drying watermelon where the fruit is cooked in sugar syrup for preservation. This method intensifies the flavor as the fruit dries, so your kids get to enjoy the sweet nectar of the fruit in every bite. Remember to use organic sugar.
Drying the Fruit
Drying methods can range from sun drying, air drying, oven drying, and using a food dehydrator. For our nature-concerned audience, sun drying is the most ecological method and has been used for centuries. It’s energy-free, relying entirely on the heat of the sun. However, this method may take several days, and the weather must be consistently hot and dry. If you have an oven or a food dehydrator, ensure they are energy efficient to maintain eco-friendliness.
Storing Dried Fruit Snacks
Storing your eco-friendly dried fruit snacks is equally important in maintaining freshness and flavor. Glass containers or biodegradable bags are your best options, aligning with an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Ensure they’re properly sealed to prevent moisture from creeping in, which could shorten the shelf life of the snacks. Stored properly, dried fruit can last up to a year, providing a constant healthy snack for your kids.
Getting Kids Involved
The process of making dried fruit snacks can be an engaging learning experience for kids. They can help choose the fruit,, assist in washing and cooking, and even in the drying process. It’s an extraordinary way for them to understand where their food comes from and the effort involved in food preparation. Safety is paramount when kids are involved. Ensure they’re supervised, especially when slicers or heat sources are in use. The reward of their efforts is getting to enjoy their delicious homemade snacks.
