Name: Dried Kiwi - How To Dehydrate Kiwi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 10 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 4 - 5 Kiwi; 1 tbsp Lemon juice; 1 cup water

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Kiwi fruit or the Chinese Gooseberry, with its vibrant green flesh and tangy flavour, is a fruit that can be enjoyed year-round. While it’s delicious when eaten fresh, dehydrating kiwi can unlock a whole new level of taste and texture.

Why bother dehydrating kiwi, you may ask? Well, aside from its convenience and longer shelf life, dehydrated kiwi makes for a fantastic snack that combines sweetness with a satisfying chewiness. It’s a treat that both adults and children particularly like because it tastes sweeter than fresh kiwi.

If you find yourself with an abundance of kiwi or stumble upon a great deal at the supermarket, drying them is a fantastic way to preserve their flavour. Plus, dehydrated kiwi can be used in various recipes and dishes. For example, a handful of dried kiwi adds a burst of sweetness to granola or trail mix as well as being a colourful topping for desserts or baked goods

Table of Contents

Preparing Kiwi For Drying

To prepare kiwi for dehydration, start by peeling the fruit with a paring knife and removing any tough or brown parts. Slice the kiwi into thin, uniform rounds or strips. This will ensure even drying and a consistent texture in the final product.

How Thick To Slice Kiwi For Dehydrating?

When it comes to thickness, it’s all about finding the perfect balance. Thicker slices will take longer to dry and result in a chewier texture, while thinner slices will dry quicker and become crispy which some may prefer. Aim for slices that are around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick to achieve a satisfying texture that retains the best flavour of kiwi.

Do I Need To Pretreat Kiwi Before Drying?

Before dehydrating fruit, it is often recommended to pretreat it in order to improve the overall quality of the final product. Pretreatment can help to prevent browning, preserve the natural colour and flavour of the fruit. It is not required for all fruits but kiwi does benefit from a simple lemon juice soak.

To prepare a lemon juice soak for kiwi, you will need:

1 cup of water
1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Here’s how to prepare the soak:

Combine the water and lemon juice in a bowl or container.
Stir the mixture to ensure that the lemon juice is evenly distributed.
Peel the kiwi and slice it into rounds.
Place the kiwi slices into the lemon juice soak, making sure that they are fully submerged.
Let the kiwi soak in the lemon juice mixture for 3-5 minutes.
Remove the kiwi from the soak and pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Dehydrating Kiwi

For the drying process, you have a couple of options. If you have a dehydrator, arrange the kiwi slices on the trays, leaving enough space for proper airflow. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, around 50°C/120°F, and allow the kiwi to dry for approximately 8-14 hours. Keep an eye on them, checking for dryness and adjusting the time as needed.

If you don’t have a dehydrator, fear not! You can still achieve fantastic results using your oven. Place the kiwi slices on wire racks, ensuring there is ample space between them for air circulation. Set your oven to the lowest temperature, around 50°C/120°F, and let the kiwi dry for about 7-18 hours. Remember to rotate the racks periodically for even drying.

The Best Temperature To Dry Kiwi

The best temperature range for dehydrating kiwi, as well as other fruits, is typically between 45-65°C/110-135°F. This range allows for optimal preservation of nutrients while ensuring the kiwi dries thoroughly without becoming overly dry or losing its texture.

Storing Dehydrated Kiwi

Once your kiwi slices are fully dehydrated, store them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and flavour. Enjoy them as a standalone snack or get creative by incorporating them into your favourite recipes.

How Long Does Dry Kiwi Last?

If stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, dried kiwi can typically keep for several weeks to a few months. The exact shelf life will depend on a variety of factors, including the level of moisture in the dried fruit, the storage conditions, and the overall quality of the fruit before it was dehydrated.

To help prolong the shelf life of dried kiwi, it’s important to store it in an airtight container to prevent exposure to moisture and humidity, which can cause the fruit to spoil or become moldy. Additionally, it’s a good idea to label the container with the date that the fruit was dehydrated, so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.

So, the next time you come across a surplus of kiwi or simply want to explore a new way to enjoy this delightful fruit, consider dehydrating them. It’s a simple and rewarding process that will elevate your Kiwi experience to new heights.

1 cup

Dried Kiwi - How To Dehydrate Kiwi

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 hours

Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes

Dehydrated kiwi makes for a fantastic snack that combines sweetness with a satisfying chewiness. It's a treat that both adults and children particularly like because it tastes sweeter than fresh kiwi.

Ingredients

4 - 5 Kiwi
1 tbsp Lemon juice
1 cup water

Instructions

Begin by preparing the lemon soak. In a bowl, mix the water and lemon juice.
Peel the kiwis and slice them into rounds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
Place the kiwi slices into the lemon soak, making sure that they are fully submerged. Let the kiwi soak in the lemon juice mixture for 3-5 minutes.
Remove the kiwi from the soak and gently pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
If using a dehydrator, arrange the kiwi slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Set the temperature to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the kiwi is dry and slightly chewy.
If using an oven, arrange the kiwi slices on racks in a single layer. Place the racks in the oven and set the temperature to the lowest setting possible (usually around 140°F or 60°C). Bake for 6-8 hours, or until the kiwi is dry and slightly chewy.
Once the kiwi is fully dehydrated, remove it from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool completely.
Store the dehydrated kiwi in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The kiwi should keep for several months

Dehydrating Kiwi – How To Dry Kiwi In A Dehydrator Or Oven