Drying plums is a great way to preserve them for future use, as it will extend their shelf life. Dried plums are chewy and sweet, and they can be added to a variety of foods such as salads and trail mixes. They are also a great addition to soups, stews and other dishes that require dried fruit.
How to Make Dried Plums
To start, you’ll need fresh plums (you can also use prunes). Choose ripe ones with skin that is smooth and tight without bruises or wrinkles. They should also smell slightly sweet and give when squeezed.
Wash them well to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the flesh. To wash them, place them in a bowl of water and gently swish them around. Rinse them in cold water and then pat dry with a paper towel or cloth.
When plums are fully dry, they should be flexible and somewhat springy. They should not have any moisture in the thickest part, and they should feel chewy.
The best way to tell if plums are fully dry is to test them using the “doneness test.” To do this, hold one half in your hands and press the flesh side of the plum upward with your thumbs. If the resulting pieces are very pliable, yet there is still moisture in the thickest part, they are not dried enough and need to be placed back in the dehydrator for a few more hours.
If you want to make your dried plums softer, you can add a small amount of water or apple juice during the drying process. But it’s important to be careful, as too much moisture can cause the dried plums to mold or become brittle.
Once you’ve finished the drying process, store your dried plums in an airtight container or in a glass jar. Be sure to shake up the jar once a day to redistribute any extra moisture that may have collected on the plums.
Dried plums are very similar to raisins in texture, so they can be added to a wide variety of dishes. They are perfect for adding to grain salads, in granola and as an addition to a fruit-heavy smoothie.
Drying plums is easy and can be done at home with any kind of dehydrator. For best results, use a high-quality model that has a temperature range and timer.
Depending on the type of plums you use, they can take between 12 and 18 hours to dry completely. You can also speed up the process by turning the trays more often, which will help dry the plums quickly and efficiently.
You can use any variety of plums to make dried plums, but European and Italian plums are preferred for this method since they are freestone cultivars, which mean they’re easy to remove the pit.
Dried plums are a healthy and tasty treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. They can be used in a variety of recipes such as granola, baked goods and simmer pots. They are also delicious as a snack.