| |
Conditioning
Fruits
Susan Reynolds, M.S.
The moisture content of home dried fruit
should be about 20 percent. When the fruit is taken from the dehydrator, the
remaining moisture may not be distributed equally among the pieces because of
their size or their location in the dehydrator. Conditioning is the process used
to equalize the moisture. It reduces the risk of mold growth.
To condition the fruit, take the dried fruit
that has cooled and pack it loosely in plastic or glass jars. Seal the
containers and let them stand for 7 to 10 days. The excess moisture in some
pieces will be absorbed by the drier pieces. Shake the jars daily to separate
the pieces and check the moisture condensation. If condensation develops in the
jar, return the fruit to the dehydrator for more drying. After conditioning,
package and store the fruit according to the directions found in "Packaging
and Storing Dried Foods."
Footnotes
This document is Fact Sheet FCS 8498, a
series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Publication date: June 1998. First published: February
1994. Reviewed: June 1998. 2. Written by Susan
Reynolds, M.S., former Extension Foods Specialist, University of Georgia,
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Athens. Reviewed for use in
Florida by Mark L. Tamplin, associate professor, Food Safety Specialist,
Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension
Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL 32611.
Florida Cooperative Extension Service /
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Christine
Taylor Waddill, Dean
Disclaimer
The use of trade names in this publication is
solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not
guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this
publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of
suitable composition.
Path:
Home>Education>Food
and Nutrition Information>Conditioning
Fruits
|
|
