The easiest way to dry blueberries is by using a dehydrator and these dried blueberries are not only easy to make, they are also delicious! They can be used in trail mix, granola bars, oatmeal, yogurt, muffins, and pancakes. The perfect way to preserve food, these dried blueberries last for months!
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Dehydrating blueberries has never been so easy...or delicious! While it does take a long time to dry blueberries in a dehydrator, it's well worth the process and the wait. Plus, the majority of the work is done by the dehydrator. If you like dried apples and dried strawberries, then you should learn to make dried blueberries.
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
The only ingredients you'll need is water, ice, and blueberries. I make dried blueberries in bulk, so I use a minimum of 4 cups. If you can catch them on sale, buy them in bulk so you can dehydrate as many as possible. They last a long time. You can also freeze fresh blueberries for a later use. Regardless if you use fresh or frozen, you'll need to blanch them before you set out to dehydrate them.
Blanching
Blanching blueberries before drying them is absolutely necessary. I've made many batches of dehydrated blueberries, both blanched and unblanched and you can clearly see the difference. Unblanched dried blueberries have very little flavor, are overly dry, and bland. They are not tasty or enjoyable at all. Blanched blueberries are vibrant in color, full of flavor, and contain more nutrients.
You do not need to blanch every type of fruit when dehydrating, but there are certain types of fruits that need it. Blueberries happen to be one of those fruits. They have a waxy texture on the skin and contain some juice. When you blanch the berry, the skin starts to swell and crack. The brief heat from blanching makes the berry bigger and more vibrant in color. The cracking of the skin allows the heat to get into the interior of the berry for a more efficient and even drying. And, dried blueberries that have been blanched are absolutely delicious!
📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
Start by removing any stems left on the berries and rinsing the fruit in a colander. To blanch, place a large skillet or pan on the stovetop on medium-high heat. Bring just enough water to a boil that will slightly cover the berries. When I blanch 4 cups of berries, I use 5 cups of water to blanch.
While you're waiting for the water to boil, prepare a large bowl with 5 cups of cold water and 2 cups of ice. Set aside. Place the blueberries into the boiling water and blanch for 30 seconds.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the berries from the boiling water and place them in the bowl of ice water. Let them chill in the ice water for 30 seconds.
Using the slotted spoon, gently remove the fruit from the water and place them on paper towels or on a dishtowel. Expert Tip: It's important to let them completely dry, typically at least 1-2 hours. You want as little moisture as possible when putting them in the dehydrator. Any water on the surface or in the cracks of skin will add more time to the dehydrating process.
Once dry, place the berries on the dehydrator racks. Expert Tip: Most dehydrators come with different types of trays. Ensure the trays you use have small enough holes so the fruit does fall between the holes. I use plastic grids on the dehydrator trays since they are small. Or, you can use parchment paper.
When placing the berries on the trays, ensure they are not touching. The air flow needs to move around each berry while dehydrating.
Dehydrate the blueberries at 125°F for 30 hours. It is important to note that if the berries you are using are small, it could take less time to dehydrate, typically around 18-20. When using large blueberries, it takes around 30 hours to fully dry. When done, remove the dry blueberries from the racks and enjoy!
💭 Expert Tips & FAQs
- Dehydrating food is easy and takes minimal effort. And, it's a great way to preserve food! If you store dried blueberries in an airtight container, they can last for 6-12 months.
- While the recipe calls for 4 cups of blueberries, you can use as little or as many as you'd like!
- This technique and process for dehydrating blueberries works the same for fresh and frozen blueberries. If using frozen, there is no need to thaw them before blanching.
- When blanching blueberries, use disposable gloves. They will stain the skin and it takes 2 days for the color to fade.
- To speed the dehydrating process up a bit, take a toothpick and prick each blueberry half way through the drying process.
- You'll know the blueberries are done based on how they look and taste. They will look very similar to raisins and when you eat them, they will have the same texture.
📖 More Dehydrator Recipes
If you love dehydrated food then make sure you check out my entire collection of dehydrator recipes. I have plans in the near future to add a lot more of these recipes! My Teriyaki Beef Jerky is marinated in brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and fresh ginger. It's not only delicious, but every bite is tender, full of flavor, and irresistible! The perfect high protein, low carb snack!
Dried Blueberries Recipe
Equipment
- Dehydrator
Ingredients
- 4 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 5 cups cool water
- 2 cups ice
Instructions
Blanching Process
- Start by removing any stems left of the berries. Rinse the fruit in a colander.
- Place a large skillet or pan on the stovetop on medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil. Expert Tip: You want just enough water to slightly cover the berries. When I blanch 4 cups of blueberries, I use 5 cups of water to blanch.
- While waiting for the water to boil, prepare a large bowl with 5 cups of cold water and 2 cups of ice. Set aside.
- Place the blueberries into the boiling water and blanch for 30 seconds.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the berries from the boiling water and place them in the bowl of ice water. Let them chill in the water for 30 seconds.
- Using the slotted spoon, gently remove the blueberries from the water and place them on paper towels or on a dishtowel. Expert Tip: It's important to let them completely dry, typically at least 1-2 hours. You want as little moisture as possible when putting them in the dehydrator. Any water on the surface or in the cracks of skin will add more time to the dehydrating process.
Dehydrating Process
- Once dry, place the blueberries on the dehydrator racks.Expert Tip: Since the berries are small, I use a plastic grids on the dehydrator trays so they don't fall through the holes Or, you can use parchment paper.
- Dehydrate the blueberries at 125°F for 30 hours. It is important to note that if the blueberries you are using are small, it could take less time to dehydrate, typically around 18-20. When using large berries, it takes around 30 hours to fully dry.
- When done, remove the dry blueberries from the racks and enjoy! You'll know they are done based on how they look and taste. They will look very similar to raisins and when you eat them, they will have the same texture.
Notes
- When placing the berries on the trays, ensure they are not touching. The air flow needs to move around each berry while dehydrating.
- While the recipe calls for 4 cups, you can use as little or as many blueberries you want!
- This technique and process for dehydrating blueberries works the same for fresh and frozen blueberries. If using frozen, there is no need to thaw them before blanching.
- When blanching, use disposable gloves. They will stain the skin and it takes about 2 days for the color to fade.
- To speed the dehydrating process up a bit, take a toothpick and prick each berry half way through the drying process.
- They will last in an airtight container for 6-12 months.
Liz
My kids love blueberries! This would be perfect for those winter months when blueberries are minimal in groceries stores.
Amanda Mason
Hi Liz! Exactly! Dehydrating food is a great way to enjoy out of season fruit, for sure!!