Help needed drying blueberries

[Dee62]

I have a dehydrator which I do use an awful lot but can never seem to get it right when it comes to drying blueberries.

A 3oz bag of dried bluberries over here costs $3 and we get through loads!

 

I've managed to get some fresh ones on special and I have 2 bushes in the garden for later in the year.

 

The ones I've just bought I've frozen,along with a pile of cherries which were on special the week before *can't resist a bargain!*

 

I need the freezer space back so plan on drying them both.Any tips on how long/what they need to 'feel like' to be successful? I either end up with 'bullets' or softer ones which mould...

Thanks

Dee

[Violet]

You need to dry berries until they are dry and "rattle" when you shake them on the trays. If you want them softer, then you will need to be sure to freeze them so they don't mold.

Here is a link to a booklet you can print out. It should help you.

http://info.ag.uidaho.edu/Resources/PDFs/PNW0397.pdf

[Dee62]

Thanks Violet thats a great little booklet.

I'll try some tomorrow

[Violet]

You are welcome. That is the one we sell here at the extension office. It is a nice one, I think, too.