How To Dehydrate Apples | A QUICK Guide
Introduction to Dehydrating Apples
By dehydrating apples, they retain their lovely flavor and have a longer shelf life, making them an ideal camping snack. Dried apples are a great trail snack or camp food because they are easy to carry, don't take up much space in your bag, and are delicious and healthy.
As a Hiking Guide, this is a staple snack for me to pack on my trips. This article will show you how to dehydrate apples, how to season them, how to store them, and what to do with them when you go camping or hiking.
Benefits of Dehydrated Apples for Hiking
Dehydrated apples are an ideal hiking food for several reasons. Fresh apples are are always one of favorite foods therefore, they are one of my hiking must-haves. Learning how to dehydrate apples is a must for hiking snacks.
- Lightweight and Compact: They take up minimal space and are extremely light, making them easy to carry even on long hikes.
- Long Shelf Life: When properly stored, dried apples can last for months without refrigeration, making them perfect for extended camping trips.
- Energy Boost: Rich in carbohydrates, apples provide a quick source of energy and help replenish spent glycogen stores during physical activity.
- Versatile: They can be used in a variety of camping meals, from breakfast oatmeal to evening desserts.
What You Need: Tools and Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need a few basic tools and ingredients:
- Dehydrator: A quality food dehydrator is essential for evenly drying apples.
- Sharp Knife or Mandoline Slicer: For cutting apples into even slices.
- Apple Corer, Corer and Peeler: To prepare the apples before slicing by removing the seeds and core.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Prevents browning and adds a tangy flavor.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg (optional): For seasoning your apple slices.
What Types Of Apple Slices To Dehydrate
Types of Apples: Choose crisp, firm apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honey crisp for best results.
The best apples to use are not from the grocery store. Try farm stands over even picking your own!
Step-by-Step Guide to Dehydrating Apples
Prepare the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly.
Core apples before peeling and slicing. Make thin slices (I like 1/4’’-3/4’’ in. thickness) to ensure even drying. If you want more crispy apple chips, then slice them thinner.
Arrange apple slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring there is space between them for proper airflow.
Pre-Treatment:
Dip apple slices in a mixture of 4 ounces of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Seasoning:
Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on the slices for extra flavor before dehydrating.
Dehydration:
Follow the recommended settings for your dehydrator to dry the apple slices.
Cooling:
Allow the apples to cool completely before storing them to prevent moisture retention and spoilage.
How To Dehydrate Apples
Place apple chips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Allow space between them to ventilate properly
Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and let it run for 6-8 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices.
Once cool, store the dried apples in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and moisture. They should be consumed 1-2 weeks after dehydrating them.
Seasoning and Flavor Variations
While simple dried apples are delicious on their own, adding spices can enhance their flavor. Here are some popular variations:
- Classic Cinnamon Apples: Sprinkle slices with ground cinnamon before dehydrating.
- Maple Glazed Apples: Lightly coat apple slices with maple syrup for a sweet treat.
- Spicy Apple Chips: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Packing Dehydrated Apples Tips for Camping/Hiking Trips
Airtight Containers: To store the apple slices, pack them in zip-lock bags or vacuum-sealed containers to keep them fresh.
Portioning: Pre-portion the apple slices into daily snack bags to make them easy to grab and go.
How to Use Dehydrated Apples While Hiking or Camping
- Snacking: Eat them straight from the bag for a quick and healthy snack.
- Cooking: Rehydrate by soaking in water and adding to oatmeal or pancake batter.
- Desserts: Simmer rehydrated apples in a pot with cinnamon and sugar for a delicious campfire dessert.
FAQs About Dehydrating Apples
How long do dehydrated apples last?
Properly stored, they can last longer than 1-2 weeks, however we recommend consuming them within 1-2 weeks.
Can I use an oven instead of a dehydrator?
Yes, you can use an oven set to the lowest temperature, though a dehydrator provides more consistent results. Make sure the apples cool completely before trying.
How to Dehydrate Apples In The Oven
In this guide we recommend using a dehydrator, however you can dehydrate apples in the oven. Using the same previous preparation steps:
Place the baking sheet in the oven. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape and to help maintain a low temperature. This can be achieved by propping the door open with a wooden spoon or a similar object.
Bake the apple slices for about 6 to 8 hours, flipping them every couple of hours to promote even drying.
For a detailed dehydrated apple chips recipe, follow the same steps but use a dehydrator for more consistent results.
You can make healthy, tasty, and portable snacks for your outdoor trips by learning how to dehydrate apples.
Your homemade dried apples will last for many camping excursions if you prepare and store them properly. Improve your camping food selections with this simple preservation method! Get started today!
Do you have to pretreat apples before dehydrating?
The only pretreatment for apples, should be to wash them throughly, and make sure they are sliced thin enough to dry properly.
Do you dehydrate apples with the skin on?
No, you should not dehydrate apples with the skin on. You must peel your apples for dehydrating.
Why are my dehydrated apples not crispy?
They are not crispy for two reasons. The sliced apples are not thin enough, slice them very thin for added crispiness. The other reason, is they have not been dehydrated throughly.
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