Where and how to properly store dried apples at home
Apples contain micro and macro elements necessary for the normal functioning of the body. This product grows in different regions of the country, including areas with short summers. That is why apples are often harvested for the winter and dried. Dried fruits stay healthy longer. There are several solutions to the question of how to store dried apples at home, each of which requires proper preparation.
Composition and benefits of drying apples
Dried apples contain:
- vitamins K, B and E;
- ascorbic and other acids;
- selenium;
- magnesium;
- iodine;
- zinc;
- iron and other substances needed by the body.
Dried apples have a positive effect on the whole body. Dried fruits also contain fiber, which stimulates the intestines.
Consuming dried apples contributes to:
- restoration of energy reserves;
- improve the appearance of hair and nails;
- prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases;
- normalize brain function;
- prevent the development of senile dementia.
These dried fruits are used in the preparation of homemade facial masks. The substances contained in dried apples tone the skin and stimulate cell renewal.
Mineral
The mineral composition of dried fruits cleanses the blood, normalizes the work of the heart and blood vessels, restores metabolic processes and maintains hormonal balance.
Phytoncides
Phytoncides contained in apples are distinguished by antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Sun tanning
Tannins suppress inflammatory processes and bacterial colony activity.
Organic acids
Tartaric, ascorbic, chlorogenic and other organic acids normalize the acid-base balance, thereby strengthening the immune system.
Sugar
Apples contain so much sugar that after eating a fruit, you feel full. Therefore, dried foods are used during the diet.
Components of polysaccharide pectin
These components prevent the formation and eliminate harmful cholesterol.
Contraindications
Dried apples, due to their high content of fructose and other similar components, are not recommended for diabetes, obesity and a tendency to gain weight rapidly. Do not consume these products if you suffer from allergies, dental diseases and exacerbated stomach ulcers.
Women during pregnancy and lactation are only allowed to consume homemade dried fruits. Children can eat these foods from the age of one.
Suitable varieties
For drying, it is recommended to take apples that meet the following conditions:
- large or medium fruits;
- the skin is thin;
- a small amount of seeds;
- sweet and sour autumn varieties.
It is not recommended to use sweet varieties for drying, since dried fruits lose their taste during cooking.
Antonovka
Antonovka has a pronounced sour taste that persists after drying. This variety has a long shelf life.
A port
This late fall variety has a rich, juicy flavor that lasts for months.
Pippin apple
Pepin in taste and other qualities is not much different from the previous ones. Therefore, apples of this variety are used for drying.
How to dry well
The choice of drying method depends on both the region of residence and personal preferences. To prepare dried fruits, fruits can be left in the sun or using electrical appliances. The first option is considered the most effective.
This is explained by the fact that once dried in the sun, the fruits retain vitamin C.
Coaching
Regardless of the drying method chosen, the apples must be prepared. This will require:
- wash fruit;
- remove spoiled parts and seeds;
- cut into wedges and dip in brine.
After preparation, you can start drying.
In the sun
This option is the least labor intensive, but is only suitable for areas where hot weather lasts long after harvest. To dry the fruit, place the sliced slices on a baking sheet or wire rack and cover with cheesecloth. You can also string the prepared fruits. The fruits should be laid out in the sun or in partial shade.
Food should be turned daily to ensure even drying. It will take 3-4 sunny days to get the harvested product. During this period, it is recommended to regularly check the slices under gauze to eliminate insects.
In the oven
To prepare apples for the winter in the oven, you will need to cut the fruit into thin slices. Then the prepared products are laid out in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. The latter is then placed in a preheated oven at 80 degrees for 30 minutes. Then the temperature should be reduced by 10 degrees, and the apples should be left for 5 hours. During this time, the fruits lose more than half of the water.
At the end of the specified period, the temperature should again be reduced to 50 degrees, and the apples should be left for another 4 hours.
Electric dryer
This option is the simplest, since the main work is done by the electrical device. To dry the fruit, you will need to arrange the slices in an even layer on pallets. In addition, the apples are aged for eight hours.
In the microwave
Microwave drying is much faster. This process takes no more than five minutes. However, you can cook a small amount of dried fruit at a time. To dry apples, you need to cut the fruit into small wedges and put them on a plate. In the microwave, set the power to 200 watts and put the apples in the inner chamber for 30 seconds.
Home storage rules
The choice of storage location and container determines how long the dried apples will remain safe to eat. It is also necessary to protect against insects and rodents.
Ventilation
You can store dried apples both in the apartment and in the basement. An important condition for storing dried fruits is the presence of a well-functioning ventilation system. Dried fruits should not be kept on the ground. It is recommended to place containers with apples in separate boxes.
The place where the air temperature is +10 degrees is considered optimal for storage.
Drought
It is recommended to store cooked fruits in rooms with normal humidity. If necessary, air dehumidification measures should be taken in the room. It is sufficient in particular to ventilate the room regularly for this.
Freshness
Dried apples quickly accumulate off-site odors. Therefore, so that dried fruits do not lose their taste, it is recommended to store prepared fruits away from chemicals, incense and spices.
Darkness
To store dried food over the winter, it is recommended to store fruits in a dark room. Constant exposure to the sun will cause the fruit to lose moisture.
Choice of containers
For storage of dried apples, a dense container is used, which prevents the ingress of moisture and insects. It is not recommended to use plastic containers or plastic bags. Such a container does not let air through, which is why the dried fruits will begin to release the remaining moisture, which will lead to the appearance of mold.
For the preservation of fruit, it is recommended to use:
- cartons;
- dense fabric bags;
- glass jars with sealed lids;
- baskets;
- wooden boxes.
Prepared fruit should be placed on sheets of thick (waxed) paper, which will provide the best protection for the fruit.
How to protect yourself from insects
Dried apples keep for a long time. Products remain usable for several years provided the above guidelines are followed. However, it is not always possible to protect dried apples from insects.And the main problem that leads to the deterioration of dried fruits is the attack of moths.
The paper makes it possible to avoid the appearance of a colony of these insects in a container containing dried fruits. But if a mole started in the container, the dried fruit should not be thrown away immediately. If insects are found, you need to sort the fruits and remove the spoiled ones. The remaining slices should be laid out on a baking sheet and heated in the oven at 60 degrees for half an hour. During this time, the remaining insects will die under the influence of heated air. The second option to get rid of moths is to freeze apples. In this case, whole slices should be stored in the freezer for 24 hours.
The appearance of mold is considered more dangerous to health. The latter is due to the defeat of dried fruits by a colony of fungi. If mold is found on the dried slices, it is recommended to discard all the apples.
This decision is due to the fact that the fungus penetrates the internal structure of dried fruits, often remaining invisible to an outside observer. It means that, keep leftover apples, pathogenic microflora can be introduced into the body.
Tips & Tricks
In order for the dried fruit to survive the winter, it is recommended to regularly check the condition of the dried apples and discard the spoiled quarters during this period. After processing the products from insects, it is necessary to clean the containers and replace the paper.