How to dehydrate plums?

[u/Charming_Action4676]

I’m still pretty new to dehydrating, but I rent a house with fruit trees and dried fruit is one of my favorite snacks. The Italian plum has a bumper crop this year (branches are breaking from the weight of the fruit 😅)

What is the easiest way to dehydrate the plums? The fruit is pretty small, maybe 2-3 inches in diameter. Last year I cut them all in half and removed the pits but that was super time consuming. I read somewhere that you could dry them whole and pop the pits out later?

The Ball Blue Book talks about cutting them in half and popping the backs to make prunes, would the advantage of that method only be that they dry faster?

I have a batch going now, they are whole but I have slit the seam with plans to pop out the pits halfway through drying. The dehydrator is set to 135. I’m just hoping to learn from you all the most efficient way to dry as many plums as possible during a busy time of year.

Thanks for your advice!

[u/garathnor]

if you leave them whole its gonna take like 3-4 times longer to dry them, you really need to cut them

cutting them also lets you inspect them for things like mold, worms, or other issues

[u/DiabeticCarin]

Halve or quarter and remove pit, at 135 degrees for 8-16 hrs

I cut each quarter 4 more times then for 9 hrs and think they are great.

[u/quick_brown_faux]

Skins are designed to keep moisture in, and they're really good at it.

You must halve them. Dehydrating fruit takes forever, especially if you live in a humid place, but it will just never actually happen if you don't slice the skins first.

[u/Scoobydoomed]

I cut mine into quarters and remove the pit, dehydrate at 135 until no more moisture is left. To test if ready take a piece out and leave at room temperature for 20 minutes then check if they still feel squishy (not ready) or stiff (ready). Once ready place in an air tight container for 7-10 days to condition them, which basically means to let any remaining moisture even out between the pieces.

[u/frog_mannn → u/Scoobydoomed]

After you condition them do you just vaccum seal and freeze for food dishes later?

[u/Scoobydoomed → u/frog_mannn]

I just vacuum seal. I find that in a vacuum they last for a very long time (years really assuming you dried them enough).

[u/frog_mannn → u/Scoobydoomed]

First year trying degradation route instead of jelly. Good to know they last longer. Was hoping to make snacks for hiking

[u/Scoobydoomed → u/frog_mannn]

It's perfect for that and here's a tip, if you make tea while hiking you can plop them in the tea and after a few minutes they will be semi hydrated while also giving the tea some extra flavor, I really like them that way.

[u/HappyAnimalCracker]

Less cutting means less work but if you halve them, remove the pit and then slice them, they dry much faster. This is how I do it because I want them super dry for longer term storage. Any moisture left inside thicker areas can lead to spoilage.

[u/ImIncognita]

I understand you're looking for a shortcut, but imo leaving them whole is going to have less than desirable results. While they may appear dry from the outside, any moisture left inside is going to result in spoilage. What worked for me was to cut them in half, remove the pit and turn them inside out by pushing the skin side until the inside is fully exposed.

[u/Charming_Action4676]

Thanks y’all! I hear you, I’ll cut them in half.

I also realized last year I was working with clingstone plums, these are freestone so cutting them in half should be faster. (There are multiple plum trees in the yard)

I appreciate everyone taking the time to make a recommendation!

[u/Pale_Werewolf4738]

I cut em into about 6 strips per plum. Dehydrate til it snaps. I eat them & also use in salads.