Turn those fresh strawberries into the most delicious treat by dehydrating them for later! They're a great snack but are also wonderful in oatmeal, scones, granola, and more.
Remove the tops of the strawberries and cut each berry into thin slices, approximately 1/4 inch wide.
Dehydrator method
Arrange the strawberry slices in an even layer on a dehydrator tray.
Place the tray in the food dehydrator and let it run for 8-10 hours at 135 degrees F.
Allow the strawberries to dry completely before removing the tray from the dehydrator.
Let the strawberries cool to room temperature, then transfer the strawberry chips into a clean mason jar. Seal tight and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 hour. I recommend shaking the jar every day for the first week to break up the berries and help them condition.
Oven method
Set the oven to its lowest setting (usually 170 or 200 degrees F).
Arrange the sliced strawberries in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place the tray in the oven.
Prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon and then the strawberries dry for 1-2 hours. Check the strawberries and flip them over.
Continue drying an additional 2-3 hours until completely dry and not sticky to the touch.
Storing dried strawberries
Once the berries are dry, follow the steps above to store the dry strawberries.
Notes
Store your dehydrated strawberries in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to 1 year. Consider adding an oxygen absorber to keep them fresh even longer.It's a good practice to shake the jar often for the first few days to separate the berries and help condition the fruit.