Dried pineapple is a popular snack. The steps of processing dried pineapple are relatively complicated. Drying is one of the important processes. This process determines the quality and taste of the finished product. At the same time, the drying time and drying temperature also have a great influence on the quality of the finished product. But how long to dry pineapple in dehydrator?
Generally speaking, the drying time of pineapple in the dehydrator is about 6 to 18 hours, and the specific time depends on the following conditions:
Temperature setting: The drying temperature is usually set at 55~70℃. The higher the temperature, the shorter the drying time, but too high a temperature may affect the flavor and nutrition of the pineapple.
Pineapple cutting thickness: Thinner pineapple slices (such as 2-4mm) take 6 to 10 hours to dry, while thicker ones (such as 5-8mm) may take 12 to 18 hours.
Humidity control: The drying process is usually divided into different stages. The humidity is higher at the beginning, and it takes a longer time to dehumidify, and the drying is accelerated in the later stage.
Key factors affecting drying time
Equipment power and wind speed: High-efficiency dehydrator have a strong wind circulation system that can accelerate water evaporation and shorten drying time.
Sugar content of pineapples: Pineapples with high sugar content are prone to form a saccharification layer during the drying process, which affects water evaporation and may take longer.
Dryer load: If the dehydrator handles a large number of pineapples at one time, the hot air circulation may be limited, extending the drying time.
How to optimize pineapple drying time?
Evenly place the pineapple slices to ensure even distribution of hot air and improve drying efficiency.
Pre-treating the pineapple, such as soaking it in citric acid solution in advance, can reduce oxidation and improve drying quality.