Fruits Preparation And Pretreatment - Salton VitaPro DH1454 Instruction Booklet

7. Press the On/Off Switch to the 'O' (Off) position and unplug from wall
outlet.
8. Follow the instructions in the 'Care and Maintenance' section.
SELECTING AND PREPARING FOODS FOR DEHYDRATION
All foods to be dried should be in good condition.
• Fruits:
Almost all fruits are suitable for drying but some require more drying
time than others. Check the guidelines in the Fruit Drying Chart .
Select fruits that are just ripe as they have the highest natural form of
sugar and are best for drying. Fruits that are not ripe may have a fl at,
bitter taste.
• Vegetables:
Choose vegetables that are fresh and tender without spoiled spots.
• Meat, poultry and fi sh:
Use fresh not frozen, with as little fat as possible.
FRUITS
Preparation and Pretreatment
1) Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly. Dry.
2) Remove any blemishes or spoiled spots.
3) Pit fruits such as cherries, apricots, prunes, etc.
4) Smaller fruits such as grapes may be dried whole.
5) Fruits that have been waxed to prevent moisture loss should always
be peeled. Peeling is optional with other fruits.
6) Most fruits dry best when sliced between 6mm (1/4") and 13mm (1/2").
7) Many of the light coloured fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, etc.
tend to darken during drying and storage. If desired, you can prevent
discoloration by pretreating fruit. Slice fruit directly into one of the four
following solutions:
a) Pineapple or lemon juice. Slice fruit directly into juice. Remove
fruit after 2 minutes. Drain and remove excess moisture by placing on
paper towels. Pat dry then place on Dehydrating Trays.
b) 5ml (1 tsp) Sodium Bisulfi te in 1 litre/quart of water. Remove
fruit after 2 minutes. Drain and remove excess moisture by placing
on paper towels. Pat dry then place on Dehydrating Trays. NOTE:
Sodium Bisulfi te must be food-safe (USP) grade only.
c) 15ml (1 tbsp.) ascorbic acid or citric acid powder, (found in most
pharmacies) and 2 litres/quarts of water. Remove fruit after 2 minutes.
Drain and remove excess moisture by placing on paper towels. Pat
dry then place on DehydratingTray.
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