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Show Proper preparation key to 'fruit leather' Almost any type of fruit can be made into a "fruit leather" or a fruit roll or taffy and eaten "as is". If properly prepared, a dried fruit roll can be held at room temperature (70 degrees or less) for up to 30 weeks. It may also be stored for years in the freezer, or for many months in the refrigerator. "Dried fruit leathers," formerly used primarily by campers and hikers, may also be made into beverages by adding five parts of water to one part of leather . . . and put into a food blender. Fruit leathers can also be used in pie fillings, in cooking, and in toppings for desserts. Certain modifications to the process would also make it possible to dry grapefruit, lemons, persimmons, per-simmons, and rhubarb. To prepare the leathers, make a thick purpe from the fruit, add a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice and 2 tablespoons of sugar per quart (if you are using orange or pineapple pulp. Other fruits do not need the sugar). Bake in slow oven (about 140 F) for about 4 or 5 hours. You may also prepare dried fruits by the sun-method or the home dehydrator. Vegetables and fruits may be dried for home use by Carefully following either of the methods outlined in the book, "Drying Foods at Home," Home and Garden Bulletin No. 217, available for 45 cents from the Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20250. It was originally published by the University of California. A complete chart is also included on how to build your own portable electric food dehydrator. |
