How to Make Dried Cherries

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Wash the cherries well in cool water and remove the stems.

   This is much easier with a cherry pitter, which leaves the cherries whole, or you can cut them in half with a paring knife, and remove the pits. ,, Make sure they are not touching. , Then reduce heat to 135, for about 16-24 hours. , They should be hard, but still pliable, a little bit sticky, and when you squeeze them, no liquid should come out. ,, Also, it is a good idea to put the trays on top of something, so they're not on the ground. , It really depends on the temperature and humidity, so check them often. , This will kill any (unlikely) bacteria that may have formed.
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   Step 2: Pit the cherries.

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   Step 3: Pat the cherries dry with paper towel.

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   Step 4: Once dried

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   Step 5: place the cherries

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   Step 6: cut side up on baking sheets.

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   Step 7: For the oven

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   Step 8: or dehydrator

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   Step 9: preheat to 165 F degrees

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    Step 10: for about 3 hours

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    Step 11: or until the tops look leathery and wrinkled.

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    Step 12: You can tell the cherries are done

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    Step 13: when they start to look similar to raisins.

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    Step 14: If you would like to dry your cherries in the sun

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    Step 15: it's almost the same procedure.

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    Step 16: Place the patted dry cherries on trays

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    Step 17: and cover them with cheesecloth.

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    Step 18: Leave them in the sun for 2-4 days.

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    Step 19: Once they are fully dried

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    Step 20: place the cherries in a 160 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Detailed Guide

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