Best Foods to Dehydrate in Summer
The best summer foods to dehydrate are berries, stone fruit, tomatoes, herbs, peppers and zucchini, all abundant and cheap in season. Dry them into snacks, fruit leather, dried tomatoes, herb jars and vegetable chips to enjoy all winter. Slice evenly and store airtight.
Summer is the dehydrator's season. Produce is at its cheapest, ripest and most abundant, which makes it the perfect time to fill your trays and stock up on snacks and ingredients for the rest of the year.
The best summer foods to dry
| Food | Dry it into |
|---|---|
| Berries (straw, blue) | Snacks, leather, baking add-ins |
| Stone fruit (peaches, apricots) | Dried fruit, leather |
| Tomatoes | Dried tomatoes, powder |
| Herbs | Jars of dried herbs |
| Peppers & chillies | Flakes, powder |
| Zucchini | Chips, soup add-ins |
Fruit: snacks and leather
Summer berries and stone fruit are ideal for snacks and fruit leather. Dry them at around 135F until leathery or crisp; see how to dehydrate fruit and the best dehydrator for fruit.
Tomatoes, peppers and herbs
A summer glut of tomatoes becomes intense dried tomatoes; peppers become flakes and powder; and herbs, at their peak, dry into aromatic jars. These are among the highest-value things you can dry. See the best dehydrators.
Make the most of the season
Buy or harvest in bulk when prices are low, slice evenly, and dry in batches. Store everything airtight and dark; vacuum-sealing extends shelf life. Come winter, you will be glad you filled the trays, see how long dried food lasts.
Frequently asked questions
What summer foods dehydrate best?
Berries, stone fruit (peaches, apricots), tomatoes, herbs, peppers and zucchini are ideal, cheap, abundant, and they dry into snacks, leather, dried tomatoes and herb jars.
Why dehydrate in summer?
Summer produce is at its cheapest and best, so drying it captures peak flavour and value for the leaner months. A glut of berries or tomatoes becomes months of stored food.
Can I make fruit leather from summer fruit?
Yes, ripe summer berries and stone fruit make excellent fruit leather. Blend to a puree, spread on solid sheets, and dry until it peels off in one piece.