When fall rolls around, most of us find ourselves with a massive harvest of fruit. If you want to keep enjoying those delicious pears well into the winter months, drying them is a fantastic option. Here’s a quick guide on how to get it done!
Prepping Your Pears
Before you start, keep in mind that pears are about 80% water. For the best results, you’ll want to avoid using overly juicy varieties—those are actually much better for juicing . You also want to make sure your fruit is in tip-top shape; stay away from anything with mold or insect damage.
Once you’ve harvested your pears, give them a good wash. Quarter the fruit and remove the cores. After peeling, slice them into thin wedges or strips. To keep those slices from turning brown, give them a quick dip in pure lemon or lime juice. Alternatively, you can mix up a bowl of water (about a quart) with four teaspoons of ascorbic acid and soak the slices in there for a moment.
The Drying Process
You’ve generally got two great ways to dry your fruit:
- Using your oven
- Using a food dehydrator
Drying in the Oven
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread your prepared pear slices across the tray. Make sure they aren’t overlapping so they dry evenly.
- Set your oven to a low temperature, between 100°F and 130°F (40-55°C).
- To let the moisture escape, prop the oven door open just a crack. A wooden spoon handle works perfectly for this!
- The process usually takes about 18 to 22 hours.
Using a Food Dehydrator
A dehydrator is definitely the easiest and most gentle way to go. Just lay your prepared slices in a single layer on the drying racks. Every machine is a little different, so check your manual for specific settings—many modern dehydrators will even calculate the ideal time and temp for you.
Testing for Doneness and Storage
You’ll know your pears are done when they feel flexible or slightly brittle, but definitely not damp. The surface should feel rough and firm to the touch. Let the fruit cool down completely before you tuck it away. For storage, airtight glass jars (like Mason jars) are your best bet.
Pro Tip: Pears lose about ¾ of their weight during the drying process, so don’t be surprised when your big harvest shrinks down! Even though they get smaller, the flavor stays incredibly sweet and intense. It’s totally worth the effort.