Fruit leather

Making fruit leather is a fun and delicious way to preserve fruit and create a healthy snack. Here's a simple method for making fruit leather using fresh fruit:

Ingredients

- 2 pounds of ripe fruit (such as strawberries, apples, mangoes, etc.)

- Sweetener (optional; honey, agave nectar, or granulated sugar)

- Lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature, around 150-200°F (65-93°C).

2. Wash and prepare the fruit by removing any pits, seeds, or stems.

3. Puree the fruit in a blender or food processor until smooth. If desired, strain out any seeds or pulp for a smoother texture.

I make my fruit leather using a food dehydrator instead of an oven! In fact, many people prefer using a dehydrator because it can maintain a consistent low temperature, which is important for properly dehydrating the fruit.

Here's a general method for making fruit leather in a food dehydrator:

1. Prepare the fruit puree as described earlier.

2. Spread the puree evenly onto the fruit leather trays or dehydrator sheets. Some dehydrators come with special fruit leather trays, or you can use parchment paper cut to size.

3. Set the dehydrator to 140°F (60°C).

4. Dehydrate the fruit puree for 6 to 12 hours, depending on the type of fruit and the thickness of your leather. Check it occasionally; the leather is done when it's dry to the touch and no longer sticky.

5. Cut the leather into individual portions and roll them up in parchment paper. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for maximum freshness.

Enjoy your homemade fruit leather, It's a delicious and healthy snack that you can customize with your favorite fruits and flavors.