In this article from Saed News, we will teach you how to prepare dried sour cherries at home. Drying sour cherries should be done during the hot summer days so that they dry easily and can be used later.
Sun-drying sour cherries with pits
Drying pitted sour cherries using an oven
Drying sour cherries with a toaster
Preparing sweet dried sour cherries
Dried sour cherries are one of the delicious snacks loved by Iranians, and you can easily make them at home during summer using different methods. The process is very simple and includes sun-drying, oven drying, or using a toaster.
One of the easiest ways to dry sour cherries is by using the sun. To do this:
Wash and clean the cherries.
Boil water in a pot and add one tablespoon of salt.
Once the water is boiling, place the cherries in a metal strainer and submerge them in the boiling water for 10 seconds. (Be careful not to let the skin break.)
Remove the strainer, let the cherries cool slightly, and repeat the process once more.
Now, the cherries are ready to be dried in the sun. Spread them on a tray in a single layer and place them in direct sunlight. Depending on the weather, they will dry within 2 to 4 days. Turn the cherries daily and add a little more salt each time.
Important Note:
Cover the cherries with a mesh to protect them from insects.
Place the tray above ground, such as on a table.
Do not let them dry completely to the point where only the skin and pit remain—store them in the freezer before that stage.
For the best results, choose large, ripe cherries without blemishes.
Wash the cherries with cold water, remove the stems, and dry them with a towel.
Remove the pits either by cutting the cherries in half or using a cherry pitter.
Spread the cherries on a baking tray and place them in an oven preheated to 74°C (165°F) for about 3 hours.
Once they start wrinkling, reduce the temperature to 57°C (135°F) and continue drying for 16 to 24 hours.
The cherries should be completely dry and wrinkled when ready.
Wash the cherries.
Line a toaster tray with foil and spread the cherries on it.
Set the toaster to 125°C (257°F) and heat for 10 minutes.
Continuously turn the cherries and sprinkle salt gradually as they dry.
The drying process takes about 2 hours.
Slightly juicy cherries taste better, so do not overdry them.
Test the salt levels at the end to adjust to your taste.
Avoid using unripe cherries as they may turn bitter.
Store the cherries in an airtight container to prevent further drying.
If you prefer sweet dried cherries instead of sour ones, follow this method:
Wash the cherries.
For every 1 kg of cherries, add 0.5 kg of sugar, layering them together.
Let them sit for 8 to 10 hours until the cherries release their juice.
Use this cherry juice to make cherry syrup.
Heat the cherries and juice on the stove for a short time.
Remove the cherries from the liquid and dry them either in sunlight, an oven, a toaster, or a microwave.
Boil the remaining cherry juice until slightly thickened to make cherry syrup.
Dried sour cherries are a great snack that aids digestion and may even act as a natural pain reliever. However, store-bought dried sour cherries often contain citric acid and excessive salt. To ensure a healthier option, it is best to prepare them at home.
