How to Dehydrate Pears

There are many reasons why people might want to dehydrate pears. Dehydrating pears can help preserve them, and it also has some benefits for the person eating them. Dehydrating pears are a good source of fiber, and they also contain antioxidants and vitamins A and C.

There are different ways you can dehydrate pears. If you are an avid dehydrator, you may have a dedicated dehydrator you have invested in, which you can use to dehydrate your pears. If you are just starting your food preservation journey, you may not have a dehydrator, in which case you can try dehydrating the pears in an oven. Whichever the case, we’ve got you covered! This blog post covers everything from preparing, drying, and storing your pears!

How to Buy Pears

Here are a few quick tips to help you buy the best pears when shopping next time at the grocery.

• Look for firm pears but still give a little when lightly pressing them. Pears continue to ripen even after they are picked. If you are buying pears in advance to when you will need them, buy them while they are still a little underripe.
• Look for pears with smooth skin, free of any bruises and blemishes.
• If the pears are soft and mushy, they are probably overripe and not suitable for dehydrating.

Preparing Pears for Dehydrating

Wash Pears

Start preparing your pears by washing them in plenty of water. A simple way to wash the pears is to fill the sink with water and add your pears. Let the pears soak for a few minutes before rinsing them once more with fresh water. If you plan to dehydrate the pears with the skin on them, you may want to use a vegetable scrubber to clean them thoroughly.

Peeling the Pears

Peeling is an optional step for dehydrating pears without the skin. You can use a Y peeler or a swivel peeler to peel all your pear. Once you finish peeling the pears, chop off the tops of all the pears.

Coring and Slicing the Pears

The next step is to cut each pear in half along its length. Use a small spoon or a melon baller if you have one to core the pears. Next, slice the pears into thin slices that are ¼ inch in thickness. An excellent way to get even slices is by using a mandoline. However, if you are not comfortable using a mandoline, you can also use a sharp knife. Try to get the slices as even in thickness as possible to dry them evenly.

Treating the Pears

Treat the pears to a solution of lemon juice and water to prevent browning. Mix ½ cup bottled lemon juice in 2 quarts of water to make the solution. Soak your pear slices in this solution for 3 – 5 minutes before draining them.

Drying Pears in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature possible. For most ovens, this is 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. While the oven is preheating, prepare a non-stick baking tray or line a standard baking tray with parchment paper. Place your pear slices on the baking tray, taking care that none of the pear slices overlap as they will end up drying fused together.
3. Once the oven has preheated, place your baking tray in the oven and set it to the lowest temperature. As the oven temperature is higher than we ideally want it for dehydrating pears, leave the door slightly open so the hot air can circulate.
4. Ovens are a fast way to dehydrate your pears. It may take 2½ to 3½ hours for the pears to be dehydrated completely. Be sure to check the pears periodically so they don’t end up scorched.
5. Once the pears have dehydrated completely, remove the trays from the oven and set them on a cooling rack to cool to room temperature.

Drying Pears in the Dehydrator

1. Load your dehydrator trays with the sliced pears, taking care not to overlap any pear slices.
2. Once the trays are all prepared, place the tray in the dehydrator. If you are in the market for a new dehydrator, you may want to check out the Excalibur Dehydrator. It is an excellent candidate with a fan at the back, which helps circulate the hot air evenly throughout the dehydrator.
3. Set the temperature to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and dehydrate the pears for 8-10 hours. Check on the pears periodically to ensure they are dehydrating evenly.
4. When the pears have dehydrated completely, remove them from the trays and allow them to cool to room temperature.

In both of the above dehydrating pears, we have dehydrated plain pears as they are the most versatile in terms of how you use them. However, if you want a little bit of extra sweetness on your dehydrated pears, you can also sprinkle some sugar on one side of the pear slices before you dehydrate them. You can also use spices such as cinnamon or other spices of your choice to add a little bit of a kick to the dehydrated pears.

How to Store Dehydrated Pears

It is essential to condition your dried products before storing them for the long term. Conditioning is basically making sure that all the residual moisture and heat from the dehydrating process has been evenly spread throughout the jars, and there is no possibility of the dried food spoiling because of it.

• Start by filling the jars ⅔ with the dried pears and closing their lids. Store these jars in a cool corner of your kitchen.
• For one week, shake the jars multiple times throughout the day so as to distribute the residual heat and moisture throughout the jar.
• If you notice any condensation forming on the jars during this first week, it means that your pears have not dried completely and need additional drying time.
• If the jars look good at the end of the week and are free of any condensation, they can be filled fully and stored in the pantry for long-term storage. Remember to label and date your jars with the drying date so that you can use the pears promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Asian Pears for dehydrating?

The best pears for dehydrating are pears that are ripe and sweet. Asian pears fit into this category perfectly and, therefore, can be used for dehydrating as well. Just make sure that the pears are not too mushy, as that would mean they are overripe and not suitable for drying.

How long do dried pears last?

If dried and stored correctly, dried pears can easily last for 12-18 months. Store the dried pears in a cool and well-ventilated area of your pantry that is away from direct sunlight and any dampness as well. Check on your dried pears periodically to make sure they are storing well. If you notice any mold or spoilage in your dried pears at any time, discard that jar immediately.

Conclusion

Dehydrating pears is an excellent way to preserve a seasonal fruit. Drying pears provides you with a long-lasting product in your pantry that is versatile and easy to use. Dehydrating pears is a very simple process all you need is a little bit of preparation and patience. Give this drying guide a try, and we are sure you will be a fan! If you liked our guide to dehydrating pears, you might also be interested in drying other fruits. Check out our other drying guides here.