Cherries...

shiney · Post: # 26151Post **shiney** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 4:27 pm

Has anyone dried their own cherries. Anyone know a simple way of doing it that even an idiot like me can follow?

We have loads of cherries on our tree this year. All as sour as anything, but I reckon if I could dry some they'd be really nice!

circlecross · Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:05 pm

I don't know if it would work on cherries, but we did air dry some tomatoes in our kitchen one year, it started off as me forgetting to use them, then a n experiment, then a keen interest as dried tom in salad became a reality. I just left them, spread out, so air could get at them (in a wire basket at first) and after about two months they were ready (shrivelled to practically nothing, but wow, what a taste!). Maybe it's worth an experiment to see - sour cherries are pretty good in fruit cakes.
Susan

shiney · Post: # 26162Post **shiney** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:09 pm

Yeah, I may just have to experiment. I have had cherries in dried fruit mixes and they are lovely.

I wonder if my greenhouse would be any good if I left the top window open for air flow? Or just thread them onto cotton and hang them up?

Note for Nev

...have you dried cherries or similar things? I know you are an expert in lots of SSF fields!

ina · Post: # 26508Post **ina** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:32 pm

I think cherries take ages to dry - might work best with a proper drier.

I would make loads of jam, bottle another lot, and freeze the rest. They are nice stewed with custard for dessert... Or with vanilla icecream, of course. Or just by themselves (aka "the healthy option"

).

I think I've discovered about 5 or 6 cherries on my tree! Keep fingers crossed the birds don't discover them, too

ina · Post: # 26509Post **ina** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:35 pm

I think cherries take ages to dry (tried it once, unsuccessfully, a long time ago) - might work best with a proper drier.

I would make loads of jam, bottle another lot, and freeze the rest. They are nice stewed with custard for dessert... Or with vanilla icecream, of course. Or just by themselves (aka "the healthy option"

).

I think I've discovered about 5 or 6 cherries on my tree! Keep fingers crossed the birds don't discover them, too

ina · Post: # 26510Post **ina** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:43 pm

I think cherries take ages to dry (tried it once, unsuccessfully, a long time ago) - might work best with a proper drier.

I would make loads of jam, bottle another lot, and freeze the rest. They are nice stewed with custard for dessert... Or with vanilla icecream, of course. Or just by themselves (aka "the healthy option").

I think I've discovered about 5 or 6 cherries on my tree! Keep fingers crossed the birds don't discover them, too.

ina · Post: # 26511Post **ina** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:49 pm

I tried, and tried, and tried to get this last post off, and it just wouldn't go... I thought, anyway.

Blasted machine!

shiney · Post: # 26512Post **shiney** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 6:30 pm

Hi Ina, long time no hear!

I know you just wanted to tell me lots of times that stewed cherries and jam is very good indeed.

I'll make some ~ honest!!

Wombat · Post: # 26536Post **Wombat** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 12:13 am

G'Day Shiney,

Have you contemplated fruit leather?

Nev

shiney · Post: # 26560Post **shiney** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 1:50 pm

No Nev, I nevert thought of that...tell me more.

I have seen in health food shops tho.

hedgewizard · Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:29 pm

You'll need to use a food drier - a Stockli one costs anything from Ã‚Â£75 but is well worth it in the long run. I bought one for mushrooming! If you don't want the expense you can make a basic one with a box, a light bulb and some aluminium foil.

Destalk and cut cherries in half, then pit them (the stones taint the fruit if left in). Blanch for 30 seconds or so then plunge into cold water, and drain when cool (this is to crack the skins). Leave in the drier until they are pliable and leathery, a bit like raisins. And yes, sour cherries do sweeten up a bit when dried!