Plum Fruit Leather Recipe – Healthy Homemade Snack

Is it true that creating your own snacks at home can lead to healthier choices? When you make plum fruit leather in your kitchen, you not only control the ingredients but also reduce preservatives and additives often found in store-bought options. This simple process can transform fresh fruit into a nutritious treat that packs in flavor and vitamins. But what steps should you follow to guarantee your fruit leather turns out perfectly chewy and delicious? Let’s investigate the essential details behind this healthy homemade snack.

Key Takeaways

• Combine 7 1/2 cups sliced fresh plums with 1/2 cup honey for natural sweetness in your fruit leather recipe.
• Cook the plums with water for 10-15 minutes until soft, then blend into a smooth puree.
• Spread the puree evenly on a lined baking sheet, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
• Dehydrate the fruit mixture in a low oven at 100°C (140°F) for several hours or use a dehydrator set at 135°F for 6-8 hours.
• Store rolled fruit leather strips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks as a healthy snack.

History

When you think about fruit leather, you mightn’t realize it’s been enjoyed for centuries, tracing its roots back to the Middle East. Early development likely began when people uncovered how to preserve fresh fruit by pureeing, cooking, and drying it.

• Traditional Aspects:

• References to fruit leather can be found in ancient cookbooks, often called Persian or Armenian bastegh.

• The popular early flavor of fruit leather was apricot.

• Drying Techniques:

• Traditional methods involved pouring fruit puree onto muslin sheets and drying them in the sun.

• Modern approaches utilize waxy paper, plastic wrap, or even ovens.

• Storage:

• Once dried, fruit leathers were cut into shapes and stored in glass jars. The significance of these long shelf lives is particularly impressive, as fruit leathers can remain edible without refrigeration for extended periods.

The influence of immigration played a significant role in modern fruit leather. In the early 1900s, Syrian immigrant George Shalhoub brought apricot paste to New York City, leading to commercial beginnings.

His grandson Louis introduced the first fruit roll-up, paving the way for numerous companies, such as General Mills, to develop their versions. This historical journey highlights both ancient preservation methods and modern-day commercialization.

Recipe

Plum Fruit Leather Recipe

Making your own plum fruit leather is a delightful and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the natural sweetness and flavor of plums in a portable form. This homemade treat isn’t only delicious, but it’s also a great way to preserve any excess plums you may have. The recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients, making it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks alike. Plus, you have the freedom to customize the sweetness and thickness of your fruit leather according to your personal preferences. To begin, you’ll want to gather fresh, ripe plums, as their natural flavor will greatly influence the end result. The plums can be blended into a smooth purée after cooking, and sweeteners like honey or agave nectar can be added to improve their taste. Once properly dehydrated, your fruit leather can be enjoyed as a healthy snack, perfect for on-the-go munching.

Ingredients:
– 7 1/2 cups sliced fresh plums with skins (about 25 plums)
– Water
– 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey (or alternative sweeteners)
– Parchment paper or silicone mat

Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the sliced fresh plums and a little water, cooking over medium heat until the plums are soft, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once soft, use a blender to purée the mixture until smooth, adding honey or your preferred sweetener to taste. After blending, spread the purée evenly onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet or silicone mat, ensuring the layer is approximately 1/4 inch thick. Dehydrate the purée in a low oven set to 100°C (140°F) for several hours, or in a dehydrator set to 135°F for 6 to 8 hours, until the fruit leather is completely dry but still pliable. Additionally, your fruit leather will be made with great quality due to the emphasis on product availability in local regions.

Extra Tips: Make sure to check the fruit leather periodically during the dehydration process, as drying times can vary based on thickness and moisture content. If you experience difficulty blending the plums due to skins, consider removing them beforehand or using a high-power blender. After the leather is dried, allow it to cool before rolling it up for easier storage. Cutting the rolled leather into strips before storing can also improve accessibility, making it a convenient snack for hiking or lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own plum fruit leather isn’t only a fun and rewarding endeavor, but it also brings a range of nutritional benefits that often surpass those of commercial options.

One of the key advantages is the calorie content; homemade fruit leather contains around 359 calories per 100 grams and is rich in carbohydrates. It boasts a moderate glycemic index of 27, making it a sensible snack option. In addition, using FlavorKing plums gives the leather a unique sweet flavor profile that enhances the overall taste experience.

Here are additional benefits you can count on:

• Vitamins & Minerals:
• 62% of your daily vitamin C needs
• Significant amounts of copper (57%) and sodium (53%)

• A decent potassium content (14%)

• Ease of Preparation:

• Quick 15-minute prep time

• Requires just a low oven temperature of 170°F

• Customization & Cost-Effectiveness:

• Control over sweetness and ingredients

• More affordable using in-season fruits

• Storage:

• Keeps at room temperature for up to two weeks in an airtight container

FAQ

If you’ve got questions about making plum fruit leather, you’re in the right place. Here’s a quick FAQ to help you navigate the process.

Q: What type of plums should I use?
A: You can use any variety, such as FlavorKing plums. Aim for about 1 kilo (2.2 pounds) or roughly 6 cups of plums.

Q: How do I prepare the plums?
A: You can use them whole, or pit and roughly chop them. The sweetness of the plums affects how much sugar you may want to add.

Q: What’s the best way to cook the plums?
A: Cook the plums with a little water over medium heat until soft and pulpy. Then, blend into a smooth puree.

Q: How do I dehydrate the puree?
A: Spread the puree on dehydrator trays or a baking sheet, then dry at 135°F or 170°F, respectively, for 6 to 8 hours.

Q: How should I store the fruit leather?
A: Roll the cooled leather tightly, cut into strips, and store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. It lasts up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Additionally, using natural sweetness from fruit allows you to enjoy a healthier alternative to conventional snacks without added sugars.