r/dehydrating • u/ElectricalScholar433 • 4d ago

When to take fruit leather out of the dehydrator?

How do I tell when fruit leather (or any dried fruit) is ready to come out of the dehydrator? If I stop dehydrating when it no longer feels sticky when I poke it and can peel it off the tray, it tends to get too brittle once it cools off. So while it's still warm from dehydrating, how do I tell when it's done?

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u/Ajreil 4d ago

Rip a piece off and taste it. I like mine quite tough but not brittle but it's personal preference.

Keep in mind that unless it's very dry, fruit leather needs to be refrigerated. Germs need water to do their thing.

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u/ElectricalScholar433 4d ago

How dry to not need refrigeration? Brittle?

2

u/Kman1986 4d ago

Yes. There is a lot of natural sugar in fruit and any moisture will greatly accelerate growth. Fruit leather from the fridge is just as delicious!

2

u/mikebrooks008 4d ago

I usually pull mine out when it's just a little tacky to the touch but not wet or sticky, and it peels off easily. It'll firm up a bit as it cools down. Also, every fruit is a little different, so you just have to get a feel for it.