How to Dehydrate Blackcurrants with a Dehydrator

Learn how to dehydrate blackcurrants at home.

If it’s blackcurrant season and you worry about your produce going to waste, there are some easy ways to preserve them so you won’t run out of supply when it becomes off-season. For instance, the drying method has been an ancient technique to extend the shelf life of foods.

Whether you’re looking to dry blackcurrants for your kitchen recipes or preserve it by adding sugar to make some jam, this easy-to-follow guide will provide you with the simplest steps. Get ready to learn new preservation ideas by busying yourself in drying blackcurrants.

How to Dehydrate Blackcurrants with a Dehydrator

One of the most common methods to dry blackcurrants at home is by using an electric dehydrator. If you haven’t tried this yet, it’s okay to experiment. Anyway, the steps are so easy, perfect for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step guide in dehydrating blackcurrants:

Wash your blackcurrants.
Drain them.
You can drop the blackcurrants into the boiling water for 30 seconds to help split the skins.
Drain and place them on a kitchen paper to dry.
Put the blackcurrants on the dehydrator trays.
Set your dehydrator to 115 degrees Fahrenheit or 45 degrees Celsius (please read the dehydrator instructions for temperature suggestions).

Drying time may take up between 18 to 24 hours until the blackcurrants are shriveled and elastic without any moisture content.

You cannot refresh blackcurrants once they are dried so make sure you need them in dry form, not fresh.

If you don’t have a dehydrator at home, you can use your oven for dehydrating blackcurrants. Just make sure you set it on a very low temperature while leaving the oven door cracked. Sun drying is also practical for drying blackcurrants at home. Place your currants on a tray and dry it under the sun for up to 24 hours.

Things to keep in mind

When dehydrating blackcurrants, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

When you rinse blackcurrants, gently remove the stem using your thumb. If some stems are hard to swipe off, leave them because they will eventually separate inside the dehydrator.
When placing the currants on the tray, allow enough distancing to help the air circulate more.
Blackcurrants may sometimes get wrinkly after drying, unlike blueberries, but they are chewier once dried.
While dehydrating, the currants will intensify their colors and concentrate their flavor.
Make sure that dehydrated blackcurrant are completely cool before storing them

How to Preserve Dried Blackcurrants

Preserving dehydrated blackcurrants properly helps ensure maximum freshness and long term storage. If you’re planning to store them inside a cabinet, it should be cool and dark. Storing your dried blackcurrants in a warm cupboard will only lead to diminished shelf life.

Choose an airtight glass or plastic container to keep your blackcurrants safe from moist buildup and mold growth. However, it is best to store them in a freezer or refrigerator to make sure longer lasting life. Use a tightly sealed freezer bag to protect your blackcurrants from any harmful elements.

When you preserve your dehydrated blackcurrants in the fridge, except that it will last up to a year.