Hello and welcome! Today we’ll be writing about dehydrating pineapples. Actually, how to dehydrate pineapple with a food dehydrator.
Dehydrated pineapple is a delightfully tasty treat, reminiscent of candy, but healthier. It can be used in a variety of ways and, for this guide, we’ll be preparing the pineapple in different styles.
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In this article:
How To Dehydrate Pineapple Key Points (TL;DR)
- 🍍 Dehydrated pineapple is a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed in various forms, such as whole rings, small pieces, or even pineapple chips.
- 🍍 Cutting pineapple into chunks and dehydrating them can be a tasty alternative to making pineapple chips.
- 🍍 Dehydrating pineapple at a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit preserves the enzyme bromelain, which aids in digestion, while higher temperatures can break down the enzyme.
- 🍍 The process of dehydrating pineapple can be time-consuming, but the end result is worth it for long-term storage.
- 🍍 Dehydrated fruit, like pineapple, can be a healthier alternative to processed sugary snacks, making it a great option for kids.
What you need:
To successfully dehydrate pineapples, you need a few essential items:
- Fresh pineapples
- A knife (like this one)
- Excalibur food dehydrator or any other type (see reviews)
- Optional: A mandolin slicer
Selecting the Pineapple
When selecting the pineapple, make sure it has some coloration. It’s perfectly fine if there’s a bit of mold on the bottom, as this indicates the fruit’s ripeness. Weed out any bad parts during the preparation process.
Preparing the Pineapple
Our first step involves breaking down the pineapples. After cutting off the top and bottom, quarter the pineapple to inspect the inside. The core can be removed and set aside for later use.
Clean up any remaining unwanted bits. This process doesn’t require any fancy techniques, just some patience and a sharp knife.
Cutting Styles
There are multiple cutting styles to explore:
- Pineapple Chunks: For these, cut the pineapple into eight pieces. Chunks are ideal for baking or as small snacks.
- Thick Rounds: To prepare thick rounds, cut the pineapple about a quarter of an inch thick. Remove the core if you prefer, but it’s not a requirement. These are perfect for snacking.
- Pineapple Chips: For pineapple chips, use a mandolin for thin slices. These slices can be left uncored. Ensure you have enough dehydrator space, as these slices can take up quite a bit.
- Small Pieces: Smaller pieces can be achieved by cutting the pineapple into sixteenths. These are also great for snacking.
Once you’ve cut the pineapple into your desired sizes, arrange the pieces on the dehydrator trays. Make sure the pieces aren’t touching each other to ensure even dehydration.
Dehydrating the Pineapple
The goal is to keep the pineapple raw and preserve the enzymes, specifically bromelain, that aid in digestion. Overheating can break down these enzymes and diminish their benefits.
The dehydration temperature plays a crucial role in preserving the enzymes. Aim to dehydrate at around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which studies have shown preserves 100% of the enzymes.
Increasing the temperature to 124 degrees can reduce the enzyme’s preservation to 83%, and at 176 degrees, the enzyme is entirely lost.
Expect the dehydration process to take at least 24 hours. However, keep in mind the dehydration time might vary based on the thickness of the slices.
Checking the Pineapple in the Food Dehydrator
After a couple of days, check the pineapple slices. Peel them off the dehydrator sheets and get ready for storage. On average, the dehydrating process might take between 36 to 40 hours at 104 degrees. Thinner slices may dehydrate quicker, approximately within 24 hours.
Final Steps for Raw Dehydrated Pineapple
Following the dehydration process, there are a few steps you need to take to store your dehydrated pineapple correctly. The thin pineapple slices will be ready quicker, approximately 24 hours, while thicker slices will take longer – about 36 to 40 hours.
It’s important to note that because we are keeping the temperature low to preserve the enzymes, the pineapple slices won’t be very crunchy. They will retain a certain level of chewiness, which some people find quite pleasant.
Once your pineapple slices are ready, peel them off the dehydrator sheets and prepare them for storage. As they are irresistibly delicious, you might find yourself “testing” or rather snacking on them frequently. This is perfectly okay, as the aim is to produce a delicious and healthy snack!
Taste Test
Once you’ve dehydrated the pineapple, it’s time to taste-test it. The dehydrated pineapple should be flavorful and have a unique texture, not exactly crunchy but pleasantly chewy.
Storage of Dehydrated Pineapple
For storage, use jars or other suitable containers. If you have been doing a lot of dehydrating, consider investing in Desi Packs, which are great at absorbing any leftover moisture. This helps to keep the dried fruit in the best condition possible and prevents molding or any other undesirable effects.
Oxygen absorbers are also an option, but Desi Packs are often sufficient for this purpose. If you own a vacuum sealer with a Mason jar attachment, you can remove all the air from the jar, further preserving your pineapple.
Remember, these dehydrated pineapple slices are so tasty that they might not last very long in your pantry.
They are a great snack for children who are constantly on the hunt for sweets. You can feel good about offering these as a healthy alternative to processed sugary snacks.
Thoughts on Raw Dehydrated Pineapple
Dehydrating pineapple at a low temperature is a lengthy process but it is worth it if you value preserving the natural enzymes present in the pineapple. The texture will not be as crunchy as with higher temperature dehydration, but the flavor is incredible and the health benefits are significant.
If you’re not too concerned about retaining the enzymes, you can certainly increase the temperature to about 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the typical fruit and vegetable setting on most dehydrators. This will speed up the process considerably, likely taking between 12 to 18 hours, depending on how thick you cut your slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare pineapple for dehydration?
To prepare the pineapple for dehydration, peel the pineapple, remove the core, and slice it into thin or thick slices, as per your preference. It’s recommended to slice the pineapple about a quarter of an inch thick, but you can certainly make them thicker if you like a chewier texture.
How do you dry pineapple naturally?
Drying pineapple naturally can be done using a dehydrator set at a low temperature. The recommended temperature is around 105 degrees Fahrenheit for 24-36 hours to keep the enzymes intact. The duration might vary based on the thickness of the pineapple slices and the humidity of your environment.
Is dehydrated pineapple crunchy?
The texture of dehydrated pineapple depends on how thick you cut your slices and the temperature at which you dehydrate it. At lower temperatures (around 105 degrees Fahrenheit), the pineapple tends to be more chewy than crunchy.
If you want a crunchier texture, you can increase the temperature to about 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which will also speed up the dehydration process.
Can you dehydrate a whole pineapple?
It’s not recommended to dehydrate a whole pineapple as the process would take an impractical amount of time and the result may not be consistent. It’s best to cut the pineapple into slices before dehydration to ensure even drying.
How to store dehydrated pineapple?
Store dehydrated pineapple in jars or other suitable containers. To absorb any leftover moisture, consider using Desi Packs or a vacuum sealer with a mason jar attachment or a vacuum sealer kit.
Conclusion
Remember, when dehydrating at home, you have the freedom to experiment and create according to your preferences. The possibilities are limitless, so let your imagination soar! Try out dehydrating pineapple and enjoy the delicious and healthy results!
Thank you for reading, and we hope you found this guide helpful. Happy dehydrating!
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