I decided to call my grandma, since I did not like the way my blueberries turned out and needed a little advice. Well after she laughed at me hysterically, she finally explained that I had over blanched the blueberries. I did not use a strainer and finally I am supposed to make sure the skin of the blueberries cracked. That is why I got mush and very crispy blueberries. I decided it was time to conquer the dried blueberries.
Use a medium pot and add 6 cups of water to the pot and ½ cup of sugar (I used coconut) this will add flavor to the blueberries if they are tart. While waiting for the water to boil, place 1-2 cups of blueberries in 8 or 10 inch strainer; once the water begins to boil place the strainer in the pot and let the blueberries boil for 60 seconds or less. The longer they stay in the boiling water they will turn into mush. They key is to make sure they swell in size (that is how you know the skins have cracked). While they are boiling prepare an ice bath. After they are done boiling place the strainer in the ice bath until the berries are cool. Place the blueberries on a dehydrator rack and turn the dehydrator temperature to 135; it takes about 12- 24 hours for the blueberries to dry.
Hi! Do you have a recipe for drying in the oven?
No I don’t, but I can try to experiment once fresh blueberries hit the stores in the east valley 🙂
Thank you!