Easy Homemade Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups
These easy homemade strawberry fruit roll ups will become a family favourite for those school lunches in no time. If you are like us and are slowly trying to replace store-bought snacks from the grocery store, these strawberry fruit roll-ups are a must try!
Equipment
- Food dehydrator
- Blender or food processor
- Parchment Paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups 4 cups of fresh strawberries hulled
- ¼ cup granulated sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the stems. Ensure they are completely dry before proceeding.
- Puree the Strawberries: Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Add the fresh lemon juice. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. Taste the mixture and decide how much sugar you need based on the sweetness of the strawberries and your preference.
- Sweeten the Puree: Add the granulated sugar to the strawberry puree. Start with ¼ cup and add more if needed. Blend again until the sugar is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare Your Dehydrator: You can line the dehydrator trays with silicone mats if your dehydrator comes with them. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the fruit roll-ups once dried.
- Spread the Fruit Puree: Pour the strawberry puree onto the lined dehydrator trays. Use a spatula to spread the puree evenly, aiming for about ⅛ to ¼ inch thickness. Try to make it as even as possible to ensure consistent drying.
- Dehydrating: Place the trays in the food dehydrator. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). Dehydrate the strawberry puree for 6 to 8 hours. The drying process time will depend on the thickness of the puree and the humidity in your environment. Start checking around the 6-hour mark. The healthy fruit roll ups are done when they are no longer sticky and have a leathery texture.
- Cooling: Once done, let the fruit leather cool at room temperature. It will further set and become easier to handle.
- Cutting and Storing: Peel the fruit leather off the dehydrator tray. If it's too large, use kitchen scissors, a pizza cutter, or a knife to cut it into smaller, manageable long strips or shapes. Roll them up with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking if desired. Store the fruit roll-ups in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for several weeks, in the refrigerator for longer shelf life, or even frozen for extended storage.
Notes
- Select Ripe Strawberries: Use ripe and sweet strawberries for the best flavor. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries can reduce the amount of added sugar needed.
- Taste Before Dehydrating: After blending the strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar, taste the mixture. Adjust the sweetness if necessary, as the flavors will concentrate during the dehydration process.
- Consistent Thickness: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly on the dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Consistent thickness ensures even dehydration and prevents thin spots from becoming too brittle.
- Low and Slow: Dehydrate at a low temperature (around 135°F to 145°F) to preserve the fruit's color and nutrients. The process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness and moisture content of the mixture. It's done when the roll-up is tacky but not sticky.
- Peel Carefully: Once dried, let the fruit leather cool slightly but still warm to touch before peeling it off the silicone mat or parchment paper. If it sticks, it might need more drying time.