DIY: How To {Dry Cranberries}

Its fall!  I love it for a few reasons, one the weathers cooling down, two my favorite seasonal fruits and veggies are lining the shelves and three CRANBERRIES are making their appearance! 

Plus I love the fact that they are from Jersey so I know they are a local buy!  That makes me double happy.

Cranberries are a rich source of antioxidants and also a high fiber source.  Its a win-win with these beauties! 

I love cranberry everything. Cranberry Kombucha, Cranberry Scones, Cranberry Bread, Cranberry Sauce  so I figured this year I would try and dry my own cranberries.  I also make an awesome Cranberry & Orange Shortbread cookie (Shhh!)  🙂

Here’s what I did:

Cranberries were on sale at the farmers market the other day 3 bags for $5.  That’s about as cheap as I am going to get them around these parts. 

I brought a pot of water to a rapid boil. 

Dumped in the bag of cranberries.

Waited a minute or two.  Its funny because you can hear the skins popping!  Its similar to corn popping ~ but better because it’s cranberries.

Scooped them out of the water after a minute or two, dried them on a sheet lined with paper towels.

Popped them in the dehydrater.  Now we wait! Easy Peazy Right?!

From what I’ve read it could take up to a day to dry completely, and it you do not follow the water step it will take even longer.  So don’t skip the boil step.

I can’t wait to to see if they come out as amazing as I am hoping they do!  I hope they do they will make a great addition to my overnight oats, trail mixes, and cereal toppers.  Really the list is endless!  Apple slices are next on my list….now to find a mandoline?

What other kinds of fruits or veggies do you like to dry and keep for a rainy day?

Do you use a mandoline?  Any types you suggest?