I remember the first time I tried drying cherries in the microwave. I had just bought a big bag of fresh cherries from the farmer’s market and couldn’t imagine eating them all before they went bad. I didn’t want to waste these delicious fruits, so I turned to my microwave for a quick and easy solution. Little did I know that drying cherries in the microwave would not only preserve their sweet flavor but also create a tasty and nutritious snack.
Gather Your Cherries
The first step in drying cherries in the microwave is, of course, to gather your cherries. Look for ripe cherries with bright colors and firm textures. Avoid cherries that are bruised or wrinkled, as they may not dry properly. It’s also a good idea to wash your cherries before drying them to remove any dirt or pesticides. Simply rinse them under cool water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Pit or Leave the Pits
The next decision you’ll need to make is whether to pit your cherries or leave the pits intact. Pitting cherries can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re drying a large quantity. However, leaving the pits in can add a nice texture to your dried cherries and can make snacking on them more enjoyable. If you decide to leave the pits in, just make sure to warn anyone who may be eating them to beware of the pits.
Prepare Your Cherries
Now that you have your cherries ready, it’s time to prepare them for drying in the microwave. First, spread your cherries out on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer and not touching each other. This will allow the microwaves to evenly heat and dry out each cherry.
Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional)
If you prefer sweeter dried cherries, you have the option to sprinkle them with sugar before drying. This step is completely optional, as cherries are already naturally sweet. However, a little bit of sugar can enhance their flavor and make them taste even more delicious. Use a fine granulated sugar and sprinkle it lightly over the cherries. Be careful not to use too much sugar, as it can melt and become sticky during the drying process.
Drying Process
Now it’s time to dry your cherries in the microwave. Set your microwave to its lowest power setting or use the defrost setting if it’s available. Drying cherries on low power will prevent them from getting too hot and overheating. Microwaving on high power can cause the cherries to cook instead of dry out, which is not what we want.
Start with Short Intervals
Begin by microwaving your cherries for 2 minutes on the low power setting. This will start the drying process and allow the cherries to gradually lose their moisture. After 2 minutes, carefully remove the plate from the microwave and inspect the cherries. They should feel warm and slightly soft to the touch. If they’re still wet and juicy, put them back in the microwave for another 2 minutes.
Check and Rotate
Continue microwaving and checking your cherries in 2-minute intervals until they start to feel dry and plump. This process can vary depending on the power of your microwave and the size of your cherries, so be patient. It may take anywhere from 4 to 8 minutes for your cherries to dry completely. As they dry, you may notice the cherries begin to wrinkle slightly, and their color may deepen.
Cool and Store
Once you’re satisfied with the dryness of your cherries, it’s important to allow them to cool completely before storing them. This will help to prevent any residual moisture from causing them to spoil. Transfer your dried cherries to an airtight container or a sealable bag and store them in a cool, dry place. They should stay fresh for up to 6 months.
Drying cherries in the microwave is a quick and easy way to preserve their sweet flavor and create a tasty snack. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the deliciousness of cherries all year round. Whether you’re snacking on them straight from the container or adding them to your favorite recipes, dried cherries are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, next time you have a surplus of cherries, don’t let them go to waste. Give microwave drying a try and enjoy the sweet rewards.