July 2024
Volume 2 Issue 7
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June is National Berry Month
Which of the following is actually considered a true berry (grows from one flower with one ovary): raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, or strawberry?....The answer is blueberries!
Blueberries, tomatoes, bananas, and avocados are considered true berries since they grow from flowers containing one ovary. No matter the berry, they are all rich with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep our bodies healthy.
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Homemade Berry Fruit Leather
Serves 16
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- 2 cup blueberry and strawberry puree (about 1 pint of each type of berry)
- 2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoon bottled lemon juice OR 1/2 teaspoon ascorbic acid
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Tips:
Dried fruit leather will be translucent and slightly tacky to the touch when done. No indentations should remain when lightly touched and it will peel easily from the pan. Roll into individual strips in parchment paper.
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- To make the puree: Cut up fruit and place in the top of a double boiler. Place water in the bottom of the double boiler and bring it to a boil. Cover and steam the fruit for 15 or 20 minutes or until it is soft and a thermometer placed in the fruit mixture registers 160° F. Let fruit cool slightly, then place cooked fruit in a blender. Puree and measure out 2 cups.
- Add measured puree back to blender. Add ½ teaspoon ascorbic acid or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add honey and applesauce and blend until smooth.
- Spread fruit puree evenly (about 1/8” to 1/4” thick) onto fruit leather dehydrating tray or a baking tray lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- OVEN DRYING: Set oven to the lowest setting. Place an oven-safe thermometer on the rack where food will be placed. Leave the oven door open 2 to 6 inches. Place a fan near the open door to circulate air. Check the temperature. If your oven can maintain a temperature 140° to 145° F, it may be used for food dehydration. Racks should be 2 inches apart, with at least 3 inches of clearance from the top or bottom to the rack. Turn and rotate the pans every one to two hours. Oven drying time will range from 4 to 10 hours.
- DEHYDRATOR: Follow manufacturer’s directions.
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Berries can be canned, frozen or dried and of course enjoyed fresh. Berries are a highly perishable food. So how do we keep our berries from going bad quickly? Well first it is important to purchase fresh, high quality berries. Shop at your local farmers market to find the freshest, in-season produce.
- Wait to rinse until directly before use. These types of produce are susceptible to mold and any extra moisture can cause the mold to form more quickly. When rinsing berries, such as raspberries, place in a clean colander and spray with water.
- Don’t crowd the berries when storing. Allow the berries to breathe! Place on a paper towel or flour sack towel in a container with a loose lid. Alternatively use produce-specific storage containers.
- If you can’t use all the berries before the go bad, go ahead and freeze them! Place in a single layer and freeze until solid first, then put them in a sealable bag for long term storage.
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K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting the JoCo KSRE Office two weeks prior to the start of the event at (913) 715-7000. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. | | | | |
