I. Preparation Work
1. Select Plums: Choose plums that are ripe but not overripe. Ripe plums have plump skins, bright colors, and are slightly soft but still have some elasticity when squeezed. Avoid plums with soft spots or damage, as this will affect the drying effect and the quality of the final product.
2. Wash Plums: Rinse the selected plums under running water to remove dust, impurities, and residual pesticides on the surface. You can gently scrub the skin with a soft-bristled brush to ensure thorough cleaning.
3. Pit the Plums: Cut the plums in half with a knife, and then carefully remove the pits with a small spoon or a pitting tool. Try to keep the pulp intact when pitting so that the plums can be evenly heated during the drying process.
4. Pretreatment: Soak the pitted plums in water with added lemon juice for 10 - 15 minutes. This can prevent the plums from oxidizing and discoloring during the drying process and maintain their bright color.
II. Dehydrator Settings and Drying Process
1. Preheat the Dehydrator: Preheat the dehydrator to 55 - 60°C in advance. Preheating allows the plums to quickly enter a suitable drying environment after being put into the dehydrator, ensuring the uniformity of the drying effect.
2. Arrange the Plums: Place the pre - treated plums evenly on the trays of the dehydrator. Be careful not to let the plums overlap with each other, ensuring that each plum can fully contact the hot air. This can speed up the drying process and make the drying more even.
3. Drying Time and Temperature Control: Set the temperature of the dehydrator to 55 - 60°C and start drying. The drying time is approximately 18 - 24 hours, but the actual time will vary depending on the variety and size of the plums and the power of the dehydrator. During the drying process, check the drying status of the plums every 3 - 4 hours. You can observe the color change of the plums. When the color of the plums darkens, the volume shrinks significantly, and the surface becomes dry and has a certain toughness, it indicates that the drying progress is good. At the same time, you can gently press the plums to feel their texture. If they feel chewy and there is no obvious water seepage, it is almost dry.
III. Post - Drying Treatment
1. Cooling: After the drying is completed, take the plums out of the dehydrator and place them in a well - ventilated area to cool naturally. During the cooling process, the moisture inside the plums will be further evenly distributed, making the taste more consistent.
2. Storage: After the plums are completely cooled, put them into a sealed container or plastic bag. Store them in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. The dried plums processed in this way can be stored for several months and can be enjoyed at any time.
Post time: May-09-2025
