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market-farming - Re: Drying Strawberries

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  • From: "Ava Devenport" <essenheal AT iname.com>
  • To: market-farming
  • Subject: Re: Drying Strawberries
  • Date: Tue, 23 May 2000 11:21:3


I have some experience with drying strawberries, but only for personal use,
not resale.

Quality when dried is excellant. The sweeter varieties which have full red
color and firm texture dry best. Choose firm, ripe, red berries with a
solid color and pick them when fully ripe. They will not develop natural
sugar if picked when slightly green and will not continue to ripen off the
vine. Water content before drying is approximately 90%. Gently wash the
berries (about a quart at a time) in plenty of cold water then drain in a
colander. Remove the cap and cut into 1/2 inch slices (berries sliced too
thin will stick to the drying surface), smaller berries in half. No
pretreatment is necessary but they may be dipped in a solution of 1/2
teaspoon of ascorbic acid per cup of water to increase the vitamin C
content. Dry at 150 degrees for 1-2 hours, then 130 degrees until dry.
The berries should be pliable and leathery when dry, with no pockets of
moisture. They are not good when rehydrated, as they lose the firm
texture, so use them as they are.

Blessings,
Ava




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