Drying apples in a sauna: temperature, time, humidity
Apples are one of the most affordable fruits that can provide the human body with vitamins at any time of year. Moreover, these fruits can retain their useful properties in dried form over a long period of time. Contrary to popular belief, which says that dried fruits Suitable only for making compote, this healthy product can be eaten raw or added to salads, porridges and baked goods.
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Is it possible to dry apples in a sauna?
Most homemakers prefer to store late-ripening apple varieties fresh during the winter. But what if the trees have produced a bountiful harvest that's physically impossible to store in storage? In this situation, a solution can help. drying Fruits. Apples stored this way take up much less space, and you'll be able to prepare much more of them.
However, another problem arises: the lack of drying conditions. After all, air humidity increases significantly by the time late varieties are harvested, and the sun no longer warms the air with the intensity of summer. Drying apples in a sauna can completely replace these natural conditions.
Not only will you be able to enjoy the aroma of these fruits while steaming, but you will also be able to get a large volume of dried fruit.
Advantages of the method
This drying method has a number of undeniable advantages. These include:
- long-term and trouble-free storage;
- retaining the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals in the finished product, since the fruits are not exposed to high temperatures, as when drying in an oven or microwave;
- the ability to simultaneously process impressive volumes of raw materials;
- independence from weather conditions.
Another priority of "bath" dried fruits is the speed of their preparation.
Flaws
Despite all the obvious benefits, this method of apple preparation also has some obvious drawbacks. Namely:
- the process is extremely labor-intensive – in addition to cleaning and cutting, a large amount of time is spent on arranging the slices;
- the need for additional production of frames on which the apples will be dried;
- At the end of the procedure, there is practically no valuable vitamin C left in the dryer.
No method of preparing dried fruit is perfect, but the one under consideration has the fewest drawbacks.
Which fruits are best to choose?
Not all fruits are suitable for drying in a steam bath. Typically, medium and small apples with small seeds and thin skins undergo this simple process. Preference should be given to late varietiesThis choice is due to the insignificant amount of waste during the fruit preparation process and the resulting production of the largest quantity of finished product.
Choose fruits from late-ripening, sweet-tart varieties. They should also have a higher dry matter content, rather than exceptionally juicy flesh. Compared to sweet varieties, they will retain their distinct flavor after drying and yield a larger yield.
Windfall and wild apple fruits are an excellent alternative.
How to dry apples in a sauna
Dehydrating apples in a steam bath couldn't be easier. The process is straightforward, but just follow the step-by-step instructions carefully and don't exceed the recommended temperature to avoid fruit chips.
Drying time and temperature for apples
The average drying time for apples in a steam bath depends on the individual characteristics of the apple variety you choose. Therefore, all recommendations regarding the amount of time required for high-quality dehydration are purely advisory and relative. Adjustments should also be made for ambient humidity and air temperature.
Late apple varieties usually take a little longer to dry.
You can tell the cloves are ready when the skin darkens slightly. The flesh will also become less sticky, indicating it's time to remove them from the steam bath and place them in a prepared storage container.
The maximum air temperature in the bathhouse should be at 90 degrees.
Instructions for drying apples in a sauna
One of the most convenient designs is a homemade wooden frame with gauze stretched inside, located in close proximity to the heat source.
This product can be replaced with a metal mesh or simply by stringing the prepared slices on a strong thread.
- Prepare and process the raw materials that will later become healthy and delicious dried fruits. Wash the apples and cut them into slices. It is better if their thickness does not exceed 5 mmThicker slices won't dry properly, while thinner ones will simply turn into fruit chips. The chopped raw material is spread out on frames, trays, nets, or strung on threads.
- For the success of the event the bathhouse should be heated for at least 3-4 hours Make sure the temperature doesn't drop below 90 degrees. Then leave the stove alone. The sauna will gradually cool down on its own, transferring heat to the food.
- After two hours of this process, it's recommended to lower the containers closest to the ceiling to the floor, otherwise you risk losing the aroma. It's best to keep the dried tea leaves in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few more days.
- You can additionally check the readiness by pressing hard on the pulp with your finger: if it does not separate under your finger, then the apples are already sufficiently dried.
To preserve the maximum amount of nutrients, prepare dried food in full compliance with the correct technological sequence, paying special attention to preparation and subsequent storage.
