Step-by-step instructions on how to dry gooseberries in an electric dryer and how to store and use ready-made berries
Gooseberries grow in the summer cottages of many gardeners. In addition to its excellent taste and juicy consistency, it has healing properties and contains many important vitamins and microelements that are beneficial to the human body.
The fruits are used to make compotes, jams and preserves; they are excellent for drying for the winter. From this article you will learn how to dry gooseberries in an electric dryer and store them.
Why are gooseberries dried?
Gooseberries are 80% water and also contain many vitamins. C and E, fructose, sucrose and other substances essential for the body.
Gooseberry considered a dietary product that accelerates metabolism. The fruits reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and are used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
In winter, when human immunity weakens and all viral diseases worsen, these fruits are the best remedy for restoring the body's defenses. In order to preserve all the beneficial properties of the berries, it is necessary to master the technology of drying gooseberries, adhering to the harvesting rules.
The main advantages of drying are the simplicity of the technology and the possibility of using them throughout the year.. During this process, the beneficial properties of the berries are not lost, as happens, for example, when they are boiled and canned.
Dried gooseberries are high in calories and do not require much storage space in the house.. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the change in its taste after drying, as well as the need for thorough washing and processing immediately before it.
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How to choose gooseberries for drying
When choosing a berry for drying, pay attention to its appearance and overall quality. Gooseberries must be ripe so that all the vitamins and nutrients accumulate in them. Specimens with dense flesh can survive until next summer.
Sorting out all moldy and pest-infected fruits, because mold tends to spread further. The optimal harvest time is mid-August, when the gooseberries are already fully ripe. It is not recommended to pick it from the bush before this time.
Preparing for drying
Preparation process for drying begins with the selection of the ripest, but at the same time dense in consistency berries.
Before drying gooseberries for the winter:
- Prepare dry and clean dishes, pre-treated in boiling water to remove microorganisms.
- Rinse the berries thoroughly, removing branches and leaves.
- Blanch the fruits - hold over steam for 5 minutes.
Processing in an electric dryer
The best known method for drying gooseberries is in an electric dryer. It is fast and reliable. Such the method ensures thorough processing of berries, guaranteeing their longer shelf life. Immediately before drying, they are softened by infusing them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
The berries are sent to the dryer for 2 hours when it is running at low power. The fruits are laid in small batches so that the upper part of the gooseberry along with the peel is well processed. The device is turned off and the berries are allowed to cool, after 2-3 hours the main stage of drying begins. It is carried out at increased power for 3-4 hours. This step allows you to dry the inside of the fruit. The whole process takes from 10 to 12 hours.
Read also:
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What other methods of drying berries are there?
A conventional oven is often used to dry gooseberries.. Processing the berries in the oven takes about 5 hours. The oven door is left slightly ajar so that the gooseberries look like raisins.
Cover the baking sheets with parchment and lay out the berries so that they do not touch each other. Then start drying, which includes:
- Roasting berries for 2-3 hours at a temperature of +35...+45°C.
- Cooling the fruits at room temperature.
- Subsequent processing of gooseberries at a temperature of +60...+70°C until they are completely dry.
A non-standard and quick option - drying in the microwave. The process will take only 2 minutes. Place a cloth on the bottom of the plate, and then berries, and turn on the microwave at 200 W. After drying, the fruits are cooled and readiness is checked. Place in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Dry gooseberries in the sun in good weather. The procedure takes 5-7 days, but it does not require any equipment. Place the berries on a baking sheet and cover with glass. To speed up the process, in the last 2 days the gooseberries are dried a little more in the oven.
Preparing dried gooseberries
Another method of harvesting berries is drying.. The peeled fruits are lightly cut, sprinkled with sugar and refrigerated for 10-12 hours. For 1 kg of gooseberries - 200 g of sugar. The juice that appears after the berries are in the refrigerator is drained. Then the fruits are steamed to +85°C and dried in the oven.
Important! Home-dried gooseberries are stored in glass containers tightly closed with lids at room temperature. On the contrary, slightly unripe fruits are suitable for this drying method.
How and for how long to store dried berries
Well-dried berries can be stored for up to 3 years under all conditions.. If the gooseberry pulp inside is a little moist, such a preparation will last no more than 8-10 months. Due to their sugar content, dried fruits are stored for 2-3 years.
Berries are kept in glass jars in a dry room, preventing air and moisture from entering the container. If mold or insects appear in the fruit, the workpiece is disposed of.
How to use
Dried and dried gooseberries retain all their valuable properties.
Such berries are used:
- When preparing decoctions and infusions that have a positive effect on the metabolism in the body and the functioning of the stomach.
- In combination with herbal teas, herbal infusions and drinks.
- As an additive to cereals, snacks, baked goods, ice cream and puddings.
Gooseberries are used to make sauce, which is served with meat or vegetable side dish.
Conclusion
Dried gooseberries are not only tasty, but also a healing food for the winter. It is easy to prepare, given modern capabilities and a variety of household appliances. This is a great alternative to canned berries when you don't have time to twist jars.
If all drying conditions are met, the vitamins in gooseberries will remain until the end of winter.