Difference between revisions of "Dehydrate Bananas"
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| − | + | Dehydrating bananas is a surprisingly easy and versatile process. Sticky or crispy, healthy or greasy, chips, wedges, or fruit leather — you can make all kinds of snacks using just about any heat source available. It might not be possible to get tired of this flavor, but just in case there are instructions for adding sweet or savory spices as well. | |
[[Category:Food Preservation Techniques]] | [[Category:Food Preservation Techniques]] | ||
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#Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting. This is usually between 125º—200ºF (50º—90ºC). | #Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting. This is usually between 125º—200ºF (50º—90ºC). | ||
#*A higher temperature risks scorching the outside and not drying the inside. | #*A higher temperature risks scorching the outside and not drying the inside. | ||
| − | #Peel and slice the bananas. To make chips, slice the bananas into 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) rounds. To make wedges, cut the banana lengthwise, then lengthwise again, and slice into desired length.<ref>http://www.storyofakitchen.com/healthy-snacks/dried-bananas/</ref> | + | #Peel and slice the bananas. To make chips, slice the bananas into 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) rounds. To make wedges, cut the banana lengthwise, then lengthwise again, and slice into desired length.<ref name="rf1">http://www.storyofakitchen.com/healthy-snacks/dried-bananas/</ref> |
#*NOTE: Wedges can take up to 12 hours to dry! Start preparing them in the morning so you don't risk starting a fire overnight. Chips dry much more quickly. | #*NOTE: Wedges can take up to 12 hours to dry! Start preparing them in the morning so you don't risk starting a fire overnight. Chips dry much more quickly. | ||
#*For extra crispy chips, slice the bananas into 1/8 inch rounds instead (0.3 cm). This may be easier with a mandoline. | #*For extra crispy chips, slice the bananas into 1/8 inch rounds instead (0.3 cm). This may be easier with a mandoline. | ||
| − | #*If the bananas are mushy and difficult to slice, chill them in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to firm them up.<ref>http://www.easy-food-dehydrating.com/dehydrating-bananas.html</ref> | + | #*If the bananas are mushy and difficult to slice, chill them in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to firm them up.<ref name="rf2">http://www.easy-food-dehydrating.com/dehydrating-bananas.html</ref> |
| − | #*You don't even need a knife to make wedges! Work your finger into the end of the peeled banana and it should divide into three segments.<ref>http://foodstorageandsurvival.com/making-banana-chips-by-dehydrating-bananas/</ref> It doesn't matter if the banana breaks in the process. You'll want it in smaller lengths anyway. | + | #*You don't even need a knife to make wedges! Work your finger into the end of the peeled banana and it should divide into three segments.<ref name="rf3">http://foodstorageandsurvival.com/making-banana-chips-by-dehydrating-bananas/</ref> It doesn't matter if the banana breaks in the process. You'll want it in smaller lengths anyway. |
| − | #*For a large quantity of bananas, soaking them in lemon juice for several minutes before slicing will save you preparation time, but the additional moisture will add time to the baking stage.<ref>http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/vista/html_pubs/DRYING/dryfood.html</ref> | + | #*For a large quantity of bananas, soaking them in lemon juice for several minutes before slicing will save you preparation time, but the additional moisture will add time to the baking stage.<ref name="rf4">http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/vista/html_pubs/DRYING/dryfood.html</ref> |
#Dip the pieces in lemon juice. This will add flavor and vitamins, but the main purpose is to prevent the bananas from turning brown. | #Dip the pieces in lemon juice. This will add flavor and vitamins, but the main purpose is to prevent the bananas from turning brown. | ||
#*If you don't mind brown chips, you can skip this step. | #*If you don't mind brown chips, you can skip this step. | ||
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#Place the bananas on a wire rack. This raised wire platform exposes every side of the banana to the air and allows excess moisture to drip through. Also ready a cookie sheet or baking pan to place beneath it. | #Place the bananas on a wire rack. This raised wire platform exposes every side of the banana to the air and allows excess moisture to drip through. Also ready a cookie sheet or baking pan to place beneath it. | ||
#*The bananas should be in a single layer, not stacked atop each other. It's fine if their edges are touching. | #*The bananas should be in a single layer, not stacked atop each other. It's fine if their edges are touching. | ||
| − | #*If you don't have a wire rack, cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray it with a nonstick cooking spray. This method will be less effective at removing moisture, and could take many hours longer (especially for wedges). You can mitigate this by leaving the oven door a few inches ajar to allow moisture to escape.<ref | + | #*If you don't have a wire rack, cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray it with a nonstick cooking spray. This method will be less effective at removing moisture, and could take many hours longer (especially for wedges). You can mitigate this by leaving the oven door a few inches ajar to allow moisture to escape.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*An electric fan kept next to the open oven door will also help air circulate.<ref>http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/vista/html_pubs/DRYING/dryfood.html#methods</ref> | + | #*An electric fan kept next to the open oven door will also help air circulate.<ref name="rf5">http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/vista/html_pubs/DRYING/dryfood.html#methods</ref> |
#Add additional flavor if desired. A sprinkling of sea salt or kosher salt adds a great savory flavor, perfect for eating on their own. | #Add additional flavor if desired. A sprinkling of sea salt or kosher salt adds a great savory flavor, perfect for eating on their own. | ||
#Place the bananas in the preheated oven. Use the center rack of the oven and be careful not to drop any slices onto the oven floor. | #Place the bananas in the preheated oven. Use the center rack of the oven and be careful not to drop any slices onto the oven floor. | ||
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#*Peel the bananas and slice them in 1/4 inch rounds (0.6 cm) to produce leathery chews, or slice them 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick (0.15 to 0.3 cm) to make crunchy chips. | #*Peel the bananas and slice them in 1/4 inch rounds (0.6 cm) to produce leathery chews, or slice them 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick (0.15 to 0.3 cm) to make crunchy chips. | ||
#*Chips will take up to 24 hours to dehydrate, whereas leather should be done within 12. Plan accordingly. | #*Chips will take up to 24 hours to dehydrate, whereas leather should be done within 12. Plan accordingly. | ||
| − | #*Slices smaller than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) will tend to stick together when stored.<ref>http://www.homesteadanywhere.com/recipes/dried-bananas/</ref> | + | #*Slices smaller than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) will tend to stick together when stored.<ref name="rf6">http://www.homesteadanywhere.com/recipes/dried-bananas/</ref> |
#*Dip the pieces in lemon juice to prevent the chips from turning brown. This step is optional. | #*Dip the pieces in lemon juice to prevent the chips from turning brown. This step is optional. | ||
| − | #Add additional flavor if desired. Grated nutmeg works well with the bananas' natural sweetness.<ref>http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/2012/03/23/nutmeg-banana-chips/</ref> | + | #Add additional flavor if desired. Grated nutmeg works well with the bananas' natural sweetness.<ref name="rf7">http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/2012/03/23/nutmeg-banana-chips/</ref> |
| − | #Spray or rub a little oil on the rack of your dehydrator. This step isn't mandatory, but will prevent the banana slices from sticking. You could even rub oil directly onto the bananas to be extra cautious.<ref | + | #Spray or rub a little oil on the rack of your dehydrator. This step isn't mandatory, but will prevent the banana slices from sticking. You could even rub oil directly onto the bananas to be extra cautious.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#Place the slices on the dehydrator's drying rack. None of the slices should overlap. It's fine if they touch slightly; they should shrink a little as they dry. | #Place the slices on the dehydrator's drying rack. None of the slices should overlap. It's fine if they touch slightly; they should shrink a little as they dry. | ||
#Set the temperature to 135º F (57ºC). Making leathery chews will take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. Crisp chips will take longer, up to a full 24 hour day. | #Set the temperature to 135º F (57ºC). Making leathery chews will take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. Crisp chips will take longer, up to a full 24 hour day. | ||
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#*You can also use a rolling pin for this. | #*You can also use a rolling pin for this. | ||
#*The goal is to get the bananas down to about 1/8 of an inch (0.3 cm). If you don't want to measure them, just make it as flat as you can! | #*The goal is to get the bananas down to about 1/8 of an inch (0.3 cm). If you don't want to measure them, just make it as flat as you can! | ||
| − | #Transfer the parchment paper to the dehydrator rack. Peel off the top sheet before you begin dehydrating.<ref | + | #Transfer the parchment paper to the dehydrator rack. Peel off the top sheet before you begin dehydrating.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#Set your dehydrator to 135ºF (57ºC) for 7 hours. Check in at the 4 and 6 hour mark to see how they're doing. | #Set your dehydrator to 135ºF (57ºC) for 7 hours. Check in at the 4 and 6 hour mark to see how they're doing. | ||
#*When ready, the top should be leathery but not sticky. | #*When ready, the top should be leathery but not sticky. | ||
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=== Microwave Crisps === | === Microwave Crisps === | ||
#Peel and slice the bananas. Aim for 1/4 inch rounds (0.6 cm) or slightly smaller. Larger slices won't cook as well, while smaller ones burn more easily. | #Peel and slice the bananas. Aim for 1/4 inch rounds (0.6 cm) or slightly smaller. Larger slices won't cook as well, while smaller ones burn more easily. | ||
| − | #Oil a microwave safe plate.<ref>http://www.cookingandme.com/2014/05/microwave-banana-chips-healthy-raw.html</ref> Use a generous amount of pleasantly flavored oil such as olive or coconut oil. Place the banana slices on the plate with space between each one. | + | #Oil a microwave safe plate.<ref name="rf8">http://www.cookingandme.com/2014/05/microwave-banana-chips-healthy-raw.html</ref> Use a generous amount of pleasantly flavored oil such as olive or coconut oil. Place the banana slices on the plate with space between each one. |
#Microwave on high for one minute. The bananas should start turning soft and releasing moisture. | #Microwave on high for one minute. The bananas should start turning soft and releasing moisture. | ||
| − | #Turn each slice over. You can also add additional flavor at this point. A sprinkling of sea salt or kosher salt adds a great savory flavor, while grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon works well with the bananas' sweetness.<ref | + | #Turn each slice over. You can also add additional flavor at this point. A sprinkling of sea salt or kosher salt adds a great savory flavor, while grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon works well with the bananas' sweetness.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#Continue microwaving for 30 seconds at a time. This might take a couple minutes depending on your microwave. | #Continue microwaving for 30 seconds at a time. This might take a couple minutes depending on your microwave. | ||
#Serve immediately. Unlike other drying methods, these will only stay fresh for about a day. | #Serve immediately. Unlike other drying methods, these will only stay fresh for about a day. | ||
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* Besides eating them on their own, you can add dried bananas to trail mix or granola. | * Besides eating them on their own, you can add dried bananas to trail mix or granola. | ||
* You can also dry plantains with the same methods, although their different moisture content may change the cooking time. Check their progress frequently. | * You can also dry plantains with the same methods, although their different moisture content may change the cooking time. Check their progress frequently. | ||
| − | * To reconstitute dried bananas for use in cooking, simmer them for 15 minutes at low temperature in just enough water to cover them. Drain, or use the water if the recipe calls for it. (It's now banana flavored.)<ref | + | * To reconstitute dried bananas for use in cooking, simmer them for 15 minutes at low temperature in just enough water to cover them. Drain, or use the water if the recipe calls for it. (It's now banana flavored.)<ref name="rf4" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
