Drying GuideApples* Firm varieties: Graven Wash, peel if desired, core and slice 4-8 hours Pliable to crisp. DriedStein, Granny Smith, into 1/8" slices, apples store best whenJonathan, Winesap, they are slightly crisp.Rome Beauty, Newton.Apricots* Blenheim/Royal most Wash, halve, and remove pits. 18-24 hours Soft, pliable.common. Tilton also good.Bananas* Firm varieties Peel and cut into 1/4" slices. 17-24 hours Pliable to crisp.Cherries Lambert, Royal Ann, Wash and remove stems. Halve and 18-24 hours Pliable and leathery.Napoleon, Van or Bing. remove pits.Nectarines Freestone varieties. Halve and remove pits. Peeling 24-36 hours Pliable and leathery.and Peaches* is optional but results inbetter-looking dried fruit.Pears* Bartlett Peel, halve and core. 24-36 hours Soft and pliable.Pineapple Fresh or canned. Wash, peel and remove thorny eyes. Canned: Soft and pliable.Slice lengthwise and remove the 14-18 hourssmall core. Cut crosswise into Fresh:1/2" slices. 12-16 hours1-2 hours Tough to brittle.Orange andLemon PeelSelect rough-skinned fruit.Do not dry the peel of fruitmarked "color added".Wash well. Thinly peel the outer1/16 to 1/8" of the peel. Do not usethe white bitter pith under the peel.TomatoesCarrotsHot PeppersPlum, RomaDanvers Half Long,Imperator, Red CoredChantenayAncho, AnaheimHalve, remove seeds. Place tomatoesskin side up on rack. Prick skins.Do not use carrots with woody fiberor pithy core. Wash, trim tops andpeel if desired. Slice crosswise ordiagonally into 1/4" slices. Steamblanch for 3 min.Wash, halve and seed. Prickskin several times.12-18 hours4-8 hours4-6 hoursTough to crisp.Tough to brittle.Pods should appearshriveled, dark red and crisp.Parsley, Mint,Cilantro, Sage,OreganoBasilRinse in cold water. Pat dry with apaper towel. Leave stems on untilleaves are dry, then discard.Cut leaves 3 to 4" from top of plantjust as buds appear. Rinse leaves incold water.1-3 hours2-5 hoursBrittle and crumbly.Brittle and crumbly.* Fruits requiring an antioxidant to prevent discoloration and loss of nutrients. Refer to the notes on page 22 for specific methods.** 12 Hour Off will not occur during drying functions.23