I had a wonderful picture that Liam took of our abundance of blueberries, but Daisy the dog literally chewed through the camera’s adapter cable, so you’ll just have to imagine…
I picked about five pounds of blueberries Sunday (between rain storms) and have several pounds already frozen. I did give away a few pounds to my best buddy…but I don’t think we’ll be lacking! I love blueberries because you can do a lot with them – even if my family very rarely eats them raw. We still love to have blueberry muffins and pancakes in the morning (instead of cold cereal) and I like having the blueberries around for all sorts of desserts. I also put them in oatmeal and homemade granola bars.
I’m going to dry the next batch. I got this information on drying blueberries from the University of Alaska Extension Service:
“Cleaning and Storage:
Spread a clean, dry terrycloth towel over a slanted surface, such as a cutting board with one end propped up a few inches above the other. Gently roll the berries down the towel; most of the debris and leaves will cling to the towel while the berries roll off.
Drying
Sun – Select firm, dry blueberries. Cover a flat tray with cheesecloth or light muslin. Spread the berries on the cloth; place tray in the sun. Dry in sun for 2 days turning once or twice. Then set tray in a warm, dry place and let blueberries stand until leathery to the touch.
Oven – Use a very low heat (140 F). The oven door must be left ajar so moisture can escape. Estimated drying time is 48–72 hours.
Dehydrator – Spread dry clean berries on open screen, following instructions that come with the dehydrator. Dry at 140 F. Estimated drying time is 24 to 36 hours. Store dried, cooled berries in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use as you would raisins. Dried blueberries can be soaked in water for use in baking.”
I don’t have a dehydrator – and with all of the rain, I don’t think sun drying is going to work! I wish I had a wood cookstove to dry them in…
Cathy Smith says:
Um, an easy way to dry fruits, herbs, and veggies… and use only SOLAR POWER… put the drying trays in a car and park it in the sun. I’ve dried apple rings, herbs, and seeds this way for years. It gets VERY hot in the car but not TOO hot for dried veggies!
11th August 2008 at 1:53 pm