How to Sun Dry Fruit

Reviewed by Ashley Crawford

Last Updated: November 12, 2023 Approved

Using the sun to dry food is the oldest known method of food preservation, and making nutritious and delicious dried fruit this way is easy to do. The ideal climate for sun drying has strong sunshine, with a minimum temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Centigrade) and low humidity. This article will tell you how to sun dry fruit without electricity or the purchase of expensive equipment.

Steps

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Crisscross string on the back of the frame and staple it in the corners to prevent the cheesecloth from sagging.
Select fruit that is free from blemishes.^{[1]
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Go to source} Thinly-sliced fruit will dry more quickly. By keeping all the pieces about the same size, they will dry uniformly.
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Prevent oxidation, or darkening of the fruit, after slicing.^{[3]
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- Dip the fruit in salt water. Use 6 tablespoons of pickling salt to 1 gallon (3.5 liters) of water. Drain and dry the fruit.
- Blanch apples or apricots by steaming the slices for 5 minutes, and then putting them in ice cold water. Thoroughly drain and dry the fruit.
- Make a honey dip for peaches, pineapples or bananas by mixing 1 cup sugar, 3 cups water and 1 cup honey.
- Combine warm water, pineapple juice and lemon juice for a juice dip.^{[4]
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- Mix 2 tablespoons ascorbic acid into 4 cups (1 liter) water for any fruits.^{[5]
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- Boil 1 box of pectin dip with 1 cup water and ½ cup sugar for peaches, cherries or berries.
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Place a piece of glass above the food to intensify the sun on the fruit, but make sure there is enough space above the fruit for good air circulation.
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Set the tray in the sun for approximately 2-4 days. The actual drying time depends on the type of fruit and outdoor conditions.^{[7]
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National Center for Home Food Preservation
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- Take the fruit indoors if it is raining and at night to prevent moisture from collecting on the fruit.
This can be done by stirring the pieces for a few days or by placing them in paper bags, hanging the bags on a clothesline and shaking the bags a few times a day for a couple of days.
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Store the dried fruit in a container with a tight-fitting lid or in a zipper-seal bag.^{[8]
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- If the containers are kept in a cool, dark place, the fruit will last for at least 6 months.^{[9]
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- Check the fruit regularly for mold during the first few weeks of storage and discard any doubtful pieces.

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Question

I want to dry grapes. What is the best way to do this?

Awesome samantha

Community Answer

You can use a food dehydrater to dry out the grapes or use the oven on a low temperature.

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I want to sun dry figs, what are the steps?

Community Answer

First, wash the ripe figs. Cut them in half. Lay them on a rack with plenty of holes. Cover them with a cheesecloth and secure it tightly around the rack. Place the rack under the sun and let the figs dry for 2-3 days.

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Can a white handkerchief be used in the absence of cheesecloth?

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If it's thin and gauzy, maybe - the key here is that cheesecloth has a very loose weave which allows moisture and air circulation.

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Tips

If you want to store the dried fruit for a longer time, pasteurize it to destroy insect eggs. To pasteurize it, freeze the dried fruit for a few days in a deep freezer or heat in an oven for 10-15 minutes at 175 F.^{[10]
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Store dried fruit in small batches so if a piece did not thoroughly dry and begins to mold, it will not ruin the entire batch.

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Dust the fruit before storing with sugar or spice to prevent the fruit from sticking together.

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Warnings

Do not use screens made from galvanized metal, which can oxidize and leave a residue on the fruit.

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Do not sun dry fruit where there is a lot of air pollution, as the food can be contaminated.

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