Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are true super foods. Naturally sweet and juicy, berries are low in sugar and high in nutrients - they are among the best foods you can eat.
Making wild blackberry fruit leathers is a great way to preserve the flavors of fresh blackberries. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make them!
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh wild blackberries
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Sweetener of your choice (e.g., honey, sugar, maple syrup) to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the blackberries: Wash the wild blackberries thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cook the blackberries: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the blackberries, water, and lemon juice (if using). Cook over medium heat until the blackberries soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally. This process usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
Puree the blackberries: Once the blackberries have cooked down, use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
Sweeten the puree (optional): Taste the blackberry puree and add sweetener if desired. The amount of sweetener needed will depend on the sweetness of the blackberries and your personal preference. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if necessary. Remember that the puree will become slightly sweeter after drying.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the lowest setting. Ideally, the temperature should be around 140°F (60°C). If your oven doesn't go that low, set it to the lowest temperature and prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. Alternatively, if you own a dehydrator, you can dehydrate them using a special mat that won't allow the puree to seep through.
Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure it's large enough to accommodate the blackberry puree.
Spread the puree: Pour the blackberry puree onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-6 mm).
Dry the puree: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and leave the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation. Let the puree dry for approximately 6-8 hours, or until it becomes tacky to the touch. The drying time may vary depending on the thickness of the puree and your oven's temperature.
Roll the fruit leather: Once the puree has dried to the desired consistency, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Peel the fruit leather off the parchment paper and place it on a clean surface. Roll it tightly into a cylinder while still warm, using the parchment paper as a guide.
Store and enjoy: Cut the rolled fruit leather into individual servings or leave it as a long roll. Store the fruit leather in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for several weeks or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
That's it! You now have delicious homemade wild blackberry fruit leathers ready to enjoy as a healthy snack.
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