Dehydrated Persimmons Recipe for a Sweet, Healthy Snack

Dehydrated persimmons are a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness and unique flavor of this autumn fruit year-round. Whether you have an abundance of fresh persimmons from your garden or want to try a healthier alternative to sugary snacks, drying persimmons unlocks a chewy, candy-like treat that is perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to your favorite dishes.

The process is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and preserves the fruit’s nutrients, making it a fantastic homemade snack option.

This recipe will guide you through every step of dehydrating persimmons, from selecting the right fruit to achieving the perfect texture. You’ll learn tips for drying persimmons using a dehydrator or your oven, plus creative ways to enjoy your dried fruit once the process is complete.

Get ready to bring a little sunshine and sweetness into your pantry with this easy-to-follow dehydrated persimmons recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with dehydrated persimmons. First, they are incredibly versatile.

Use them as a wholesome snack, add them to trail mixes, or chop them into salads and baked goods for a natural burst of flavor. The dehydration process concentrates the sugars, giving you a candy-like taste without any added sweeteners.

Secondly, this recipe is simple and requires only one main ingredient: fresh persimmons. No complicated marinades or preservatives are necessary.

Plus, dehydrating fruit is a fantastic way to reduce waste and extend the shelf life of your produce.

Finally, this method retains much of the fruit’s nutritional value, including fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. It’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth with nature’s goodness.

Ingredients

• 4-6 ripe Fuyu or Hachiya persimmons (choose firm but ripe fruit for best results)
• Optional: lemon juice or lemon water (for preventing browning, if desired)

Equipment

• Food dehydrator (preferred) or an oven with a low temperature setting
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Baking sheets (if using an oven)
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Mixing bowl (for lemon water soak)
• Cooling rack (optional, for better airflow)
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare the persimmons: Wash the persimmons thoroughly under cold water. If using Fuyu persimmons, you can slice them directly with skin on. For Hachiya persimmons, it’s best to peel them first as the skin is tougher.
2. Slice the fruit: Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the persimmons into even slices about 1/4 inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even drying.
3. Optional lemon soak: To prevent browning, prepare a lemon water bath by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of cold water. Soak the persimmon slices for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Arrange on dehydrator trays or baking sheets: Lay the slices in a single layer with space between each piece to allow for airflow. If using an oven, line the baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
5. Dry the persimmons: If using a food dehydrator, set the temperature to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 8-12 hours. Check periodically after 8 hours for texture. If using an oven, preheat it to the lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 75°C). Place the baking sheets inside and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape. Dry for 6-10 hours, flipping halfway through.
6. Check for doneness: The persimmons should be pliable but not sticky or wet. They should feel leathery to the touch, similar to dried apricots. If they’re still tacky, continue drying and check every 30 minutes.
7. Cool and store: Let the dried persimmons cool completely on a cooling rack or plate. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate/freeze for longer preservation.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, choose firm and ripe persimmons. Overripe fruit can become too mushy when drying and may take longer to dehydrate.”

• Slice thickness matters: Thicker slices will take longer to dry and can result in a chewier texture. Thin slices dry faster but can become brittle.
• Experiment with spices: Sprinkle a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger powder on the slices before drying for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Try freeze-drying: If you have access to a freeze dryer, persimmons retain even more nutrients and flavor through this process.
• Use a natural preservative: Besides lemon juice, you can dip slices briefly in apple cider vinegar diluted with water to help preserve color.
• Make persimmon leather: Puree the fruit and spread it thinly on dehydrator sheets to create a fruit leather variation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Dried persimmons add a wonderful sweet and chewy texture to many dishes. Slice and toss them into your morning oatmeal or yogurt bowl for a natural boost of flavor and nutrients.

They pair beautifully with nuts and cheese on a charcuterie board, making for a sophisticated snack or appetizer.

Chop dried persimmons and mix into baked goods such as muffins, breads, or cookies for a unique twist. They also work well in salads—especially those featuring bitter greens like arugula—adding balance with their sweetness.

Finally, try rehydrating dried persimmons in warm water and blending them into smoothies or sauces for a rich, fruity note.

Conclusion

Dehydrated persimmons offer a simple, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of fall all year long. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned dehydrating enthusiasts.

By following the steps outlined, you’ll be rewarded with chewy, naturally sweet dried persimmons that can elevate snacks, meals, and desserts.

Not only does dehydrating preserve the fruit’s nutrients and flavor, but it also reduces waste and saves money compared to buying commercial dried fruit. Give this recipe a try and discover the joy of making your own homemade dried persimmons—your pantry will thank you!

For more delicious dried fruit recipes, check out our guides on homemade dried apple chips, dehydrated mango slices, and sun-dried tomatoes at home.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Dehydrated Persimmons”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and healthy way to preserve the natural sweetness of persimmons. Perfect as a snack or addition to cereals and salads.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10H”, “totalTime”: “PT10H15M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 ripe Fuyu persimmons”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1 tablespoon honey (optional)”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “Parchment paper for drying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wash and peel the persimmons.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slice persimmons into 1/4 inch thick rounds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix lemon juice, cinnamon, honey, and salt in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brush the mixture evenly on both sides of persimmon slices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Arrange slices on dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dehydrate at 135\u00b0F (57\u00b0C) for 8-10 hours until leathery and dry.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool and store in an airtight container.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “70”, “proteinContent”: “0.5g”, “fatContent”: “0.1g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18g”}}