Drying Cherries at Home

Select firm, ripe Northwest fresh sweet cherries.

Wash, cut in half, and remove stems and pits. Place cherries, skin side down, in single layers on dehydrator trays.

Dry cherries at 140 F (60 C) for 6 to 12 hours, being careful not to over-dry; cherries should be leathery and slightly sticky when properly dried.

To store, place in small plastic bags, seal and keep in dark, dry, cool place. Dried cherries are a great substitute for raisins or dried currants in recipes and as a snack.