Dehydrating Strawberries

Dehydrating strawberries is easy to do. Ideal for snacks, baked goods, and cereal topping. Add them to smoothies to add color!

Strawberries are very easy to dehydrate, take very little prep, and are delicious dried! If strawberries are out of season and you want to have some 'put away,' you can dehydrate frozen strawberries. If you can wait until they're buy-one-get-one (BOGO), it makes them an even greater value, obviously.

Many people wonder why you would dehydrate frozen foods? Two words: Power outages. When the freezer goes off, the frozen foods inside it thaw. We've been through that scenario so many times down here in Florida with rampant hurricanes. Having dehydrated foods stashed away means you don't have wasted food.

Make Strawberry Preserves...

Strawberry Preserves Photo and Recipe from Allrecipes

and Strawberry Shortcake!

Strawberry Shortcake Photo and Recipe from Allrecipes

For the Strawberry Preserves, and Strawberry Shortcake recipes, simply click their links or on their respective photos, above! Both recipes are from Allrecipes.com

Strawberries Nutrition Info.

Strawberries are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, followed by Choline and vitamin K. There are trace amounts of vitamin E, Betaine, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin and vitamin B6.

In the mineral department, strawberries are high in Potassium, followed by Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, and Fluoride.

Strawberries have trace amounts of Selenium, Manganese, Iron, and Copper. Strawberries contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids too.

You Pick 'em Farms!

Getting great fresh strawberries from "You Pick 'Em" farms is probably the best way to go of obtaining sweet big strawberries... so long as you don't 'put your back out' bending down!

It's a great activity for the kids (read: have the kids do the bending down!) Strawberries are easy to grow in pots, or in beds, no matter the size of your backyard. Don't forget to check out how easy it is to dehydrate all kinds of fruits. Check out our main Fruit page here.

What's the Best Area to Grow Strawberries?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as climate and soil type. However, some general tips for growing strawberries include planting in an area that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Additionally, it is important to space the plants properly so that they have room to grow.

How Do You Grow Strawberries?

Strawberries can be grown from seeds, runners, or plants. Runnerless varieties are typically the easiest to grow. To plant strawberries, dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the roots. Then, place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Water the area well and continue to water regularly. Strawberries typically bear fruit in the spring or summer.

Here's Gardening Mentor's post that goes into great detail on how to grow strawberries, from preparing the bed to plucking them and Kevin says, "Bear in mind that strawberries don't produce fruit until their second year. "

Dehydrating Strawberries is Easy!

Let's get going with dehydrating strawberries:

If using frozen strawberries, slice them when partially thawed—then go to step 2.

1. Wash fresh strawberries, cut off the top, and cut into 1/4" slices or into halves
2. If you cut your strawberries in half, place them on your food dehydrator trays with the cut-side up to prevent drips on the lower trays!
3. Turn on your dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F
   (or per your food dehydrator's instructions).

• Drying time: between 6-15 hours.
• Dehydrated strawberries will be crisp and leathery when dried.
• Remember to rotate your food dehydrator trays, for even drying.

What Are the Different Types of Strawberries?

There are many different types of strawberries, including June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral varieties. June-bearing strawberries produce a large crop all at once, while ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties produce smaller crops throughout the season.

When Are Strawberries in Season?

The strawberry season varies depending on the type of strawberry. June-bearing strawberries are typically in season from late May to early July, while ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties can produce fruit from spring to fall.

How Did Strawberries Get Their Name?

The name "strawberry" is thought to come from the straw-like material that was used to mulch the plants. This practice was common in Europe during the 18th century.

After Dehydrating Strawberries,
Add Water To Re-Hydrate Them
For Adding To Smoothies!

Photo by Permission Camtasia 2018 for Susan Gast / Easy Food Dehydrating

How about this (it's a great way to get your vitamins)—start eating more fresh fruit and take fewer vitamin pills! The body needs the "good carbs" and NOT the "refined carbs" that are prevalent in cookies, cakes, and pasta—and bread.

Add strawberries to morning smoothies—delicious!

After you've dehydrated your strawberries, you'll want to pack them away safely. Learn how to do just that by reading our Storing Dehydrated Food page. We cover the six steps from buying to storing! Speaking of the six steps, don't forget to sign up for our free Six Simple Steps eBook and/or visit our home page to learn more.

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