Are you tired of reaching for sugary snacks when you're feeling peckish? Why not try making your own fruit leathers? These tasty treats are easy to make, and they're a much healthier option than processed snacks. In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to make your own fruit leathers at home.
Hint: There's a recipe guide for making Strawberry and Banana Fruit Leather in the end...
Step 1: Choose your fruit
The first step in making fruit leather is to choose your fruit. You can use any kind of fruit you like, but some good options include apples, strawberries, and blueberries. If you're using fruit with tough skins, like apples or pears, make sure to peel them first.
Step 2: Prep the fruit
Next, you'll need to prep the fruit. Wash it thoroughly and cut it into chunks. If you're using berries, you can leave them whole. If you're using fruit with large seeds, like peaches or plums, you'll need to remove the seeds.
Step 3: Cook the fruit
Cook the fruit in a saucepan over medium heat until it's soft and mushy. If you're using apples or pears, add a little water to the saucepan to help them cook. If you're using berries, you won't need to add any water.
Step 4: Puree the fruit
Once the fruit is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before pureeing it in a blender or food processor. You can add a little honey or agave nectar to sweeten the puree if you like.
Step 5: Spread the puree
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread the fruit puree evenly over the paper. You want the puree to be about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 6: Dry the fruit leather
Place the baking sheet in a warm, dry place to dry the fruit leather. You can use a dehydrator or an oven set to the lowest temperature. Leave the fruit leather to dry for 6-8 hours, or until it's dry to the touch.
Step 7: Cut and store the fruit leather
Once the fruit leather is dry, remove it from the baking sheet and cut it into strips. Roll the strips up and store them in an airtight container. Your homemade fruit leathers will keep for several weeks in the pantry.
And here's a recipe guide for making Strawberry and Banana Fruit Leather!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups of ripe strawberries
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions:
-
Wash the fruit and chop the bananas and strawberries into small pieces.
-
Add the chopped bananas, strawberries, and honey to a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the fruit is soft and mushy.
-
Let the cooked fruit cool for a few minutes before pureeing it in a blender or food processor. Add honey to taste.
-
Line a baking sheet or dehydrator tray with parchment paper. Pour the fruit puree onto the parchment paper and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. You want the puree to be about 1/4 inch thick.
-
Place the baking sheet or dehydrator tray in a warm, dry place to dry the fruit leather. If using a dehydrator, set it to 135°F (57°C) and leave the fruit leather to dry for 6-8 hours, or until it's dry to the touch. If using an oven, set it to the lowest temperature and leave the fruit leather to dry for 6-8 hours.
-
Once the fruit leather is dry, remove it from the baking sheet or dehydrator tray and cut it into strips. Roll the strips up and store them in an airtight container. Your homemade Strawberry and Banana Fruit Leather is now ready to enjoy!
Tips:
- Make sure to choose ripe, high-quality fruit for the best flavor and texture.
- If the fruit leather is too thin or too thick, adjust the amount of fruit puree.
- You can experiment with different fruit combinations and flavorings to create your own unique fruit leathers.
Conclusion:
Making your own fruit leathers is a fun and easy way to create healthy snacks that you can enjoy at any time. By using fresh fruit and avoiding processed ingredients, you'll be treating your body to a nutritious and delicious snack. Give it a try, and see how easy it is to make your own fruit leathers at home!
