Step by step instructions for dehydrating pineapples whether fresh, frozen or canned.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time7 hourshrs
Keyword: dehydrating, drying
Ingredients
pineapple - fresh, frozen or canned
Instructions
Fresh Pineapple: Peel, core and remove eyes from pineapple. Wash or brush off any debris. Cut according to shape of pieces you'd like once finished. Note: Rings, half rings or quarter rings will take longer to dry and to re-hydrate. Smaller pieces are best for adding to recipes and using on the trail. Whether you cut rings, quarter rings or pieces, cut pineapple into consistent sized pieces about 1/8-1/4 inch thick.
Optional Pre-treatment for Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple may discolor slightly when dehydrated, For most people, the discoloration is not an issue. To prevent any browning either soak cut pineapple in a lemon juice (1/4 cup) and water (4 cups) solution for 5 minutes or boil cut pineapple in a sugar (1 cup) and water (4 cups) solution for 1 minute. The second option will make pineapple sweeter and stickier.
Canned Pineapple Pieces: Drain pineapple well. Cut pieces as necessary to ensure they are uniform size, between 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
Frozen Pineapple Pieces: Thawing will allow pineapple to dry quicker, but it is optional. Remove any ice crystals and separate pieces. Cut pieces as necessary to ensure they are uniform size, between 1/8 or 1/4 inch thick.
Place pineapple on mesh trays in single layer, not overlapping. Dehydrate at 135°F (58°C) until uniformly colored, dry, leathery and still somewhat flexible. Large pieces or rings may take 14-16 hours, canned pineapple pieces will take 12-14 hours, smaller frozen pieces will take 8-12 hours.
Pineapple pieces, especially canned pieces or those pre-treated with a sugar solution, will stick to the drying trays. Peel off sheets while still warm from the dehydrator. Let rest on tray for 2 hours to ensure pieces cool thoroughly.
Once cooled totally and completely, place in an airtight container (glass jar is best). To condition the fruit and ensure it is absolutely dry throughout, watch and shake jar for next 7 days. If the fruit softens, clumps together or if there is any sign of moisture on sides of jar - return to dehydrator. If all is good, store for a year or more.
Video
Notes
To Re-hydrateCover pineapple with boiling water and soak for 10-15 minutes. Drain any remaining liquid and use in baking or other recipes as you would regular pineapple.UsesEnjoy as is, add to backcountry meals or soak to re-hydrate and use in your favorite pineapple baking or recipes.