How to dry plums

Drying plums is a great way to preserve these fruits for a long time and enjoy them as a snack or use them in recipes.

Here’s an easy way to dry plums using an oven or food dehydrator:

Ingredients:
Ripped plums (preferably fully ripe but not overly soft)

Prepare the plums:

Wash the plums thoroughly.

Cut the plums in half and remove the pits (seeds).

You can leave them in halves or cut them into quarters if you prefer them to dry faster.

Drying:
Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 60-70 degrees Celsius, or 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange the plum halves or quarters on the sheet with the cut side up, making sure to leave space between the pieces to allow air to circulate.

Baking:
Place the sheet in the oven and allow the plums to dry for 6 to 8 hours.

Turn the plums over halfway through the drying time to ensure they dry evenly.
The plums should be soft and dry when finished.

Cooling and Storing:

Once the plums are finished drying, allow them to cool completely.

Store the dried plums in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will keep for several months.

Using a food dehydrator:
Prepare the plums in the same way as above.

Arrange the plum halves on the food dehydrator trays so that the pieces are not touching each other.

Set the dehydrator to 60°C (140°F).

Leave it running for 8 to 12 hours until the plums are soft and dry.

Additional Tips:
Prepare the plums (optional): You can soak the plums in a solution of water and lemon juice to prevent them from changing color while drying, but this is not necessary.

Storage Life: To ensure long storage life, make sure the plums are completely dry before storing them. It is best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer if you plan to store them for an extended period.

Prune Ripening: Choose plums that are ripe but not too soft so they will dry well and retain their texture.

Dried plums are delicious on their own or can be added to oatmeal, salads, desserts, and even savory dishes.

• Methods of drying all types of fruits at home