How to Dry Pears in a Dehydrator

Great for Salads, Compotes, and Snacks

Dried apricot, plums, apples, pears, figs, raisins and dates in bowl
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  • 01 of 08

    A Perfect Fruit for Drying

    pear is one of the best fruits for dehydrating. Dried pears are a delicious snack and they are also wonderful sprinkled on salads and added to compotes. Using a dehydrator makes the process simple, and by following a few steps you are assured the tastiest result possible as well as ensuring they are safely preserved for long-term storage at room temperature.

    Pears are best for dehydrating when they are ripe but not too soft. For example, Bartlett pears (the best variety for drying) are at the perfect stage for drying when they are turning yellow but still firm. They get to that stage a day or two before they would be ideal for juicy fresh eating.

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  • 02 of 08

    What You Will Need

    Close up of pears on wooden circle
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    In addition to the ripe pears, you only need a few other items, most of which you will have in your kitchen.

    Have ready a bowl of acidulated water (water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar) to prevent browning, as well as a colander, vegetable peeler, knife, and a pear corer if you prefer. You will also need a set of jars for storage.

    If you process a lot of pears, you may want to invest in a pear corer loop tool. It's a simple tool with an asymmetrical loop that is just the right size to lop out the core and then drag down the stem.

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  • 03 of 08

    Make Acidulated Water

    High Angle View Of Food
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    Make the acidulated water by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice per quart of water.

    As you slice the peeled pears, drop the pieces into the acidulated water. This step minimizes browning while the pears dry.

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  • 04 of 08

    Prep the Pears

    Close-Up Of Pears And Basket With Knife On Cutting Board
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    You will want to peel the pears before slicing them for drying. The gritty texture that pears sometimes have comes from tough cells called scleroids. Most of the scleroids are just under the skin, so peeling the pears before dehydrating them results in a better texture.

    After peeling the whole pears with a vegetable peeler, cut them into quarters and remove the cores and stems. Cut the pears into 1/2-inch slices.

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  • 05 of 08

    Drain the Pear Slices

    Close Up Of Peeled Pears In Water
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    When you are ready to dehydrate the pear slices, drain them thoroughly in a colander. You can also blot them dry with a paper towel if they are very wet.

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  • 06 of 08

    Arrange Pear Slices on Dehydrator Trays

    Full Frame Shot Of Organic Raw Green Pears in Market
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    Arrange the drained pear slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Be sure to leave space for air circulation between the pear slices. None of the slices should be touching each other.

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  • 07 of 08

    Dry the Pears

    Ripe pears. Leda Meredith

    Place the trays of pears into the dehydrator. Dry between 130 F to 140 F (54 C to 60 C) until the pears are leathery with no moist spots (usually 8 to 10 hours).

    Turn off the dehydrator and allow the pears to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes.

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  • 08 of 08

    Store the Dried Pears

    Store dried pears in tightly sealed glass jars away from direct light or heat. Alternatively, you can vacuum seal to extend the storage length. Label your jars with the contents and the date that you dried them. Then you can be sure to use the oldest first if you make additional batches.

    Dried pears should have a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year.