Pears are harvest-dependent seasonal products, available only during certain periods of the year, and characterised by a limited storage life. The dried pears can be storage for a long time. It also one way for pears storage. Pears consisting of more than 80 percent of water, are dried in order to stop the multiplication of micro-organisms. These organisms obtain the water and nutrients they need for growth in which they grow. By drying or dehydrating pears the water is removed from the food and from the bacterial cell, thus ending the multiplication.
Let’s see the procedure of drying pears.
1. Peel and core the pears.
2. Slice them into pieces that are approximately 1/4 inch thick and 1-2 inches long. If you like your dried pears soft and chewy, slice them slightly thicker. If you like them to be crunchy, cut the pears into skinnier pieces.
3. If you are using a food dehydrator, arrange the sliced pears on the tray[s]. There should only be one layer of fruit per tray. Turn the heat to the highest setting possible. The pears should be dried in about eight hours, though it largely depends on how thick your slices are. Check on them every few hours.If you are using an oven, arrange the sliced pears on a cookie sheet or other baking tray. They should not be stacked on top of each other, but rather spread evenly in one layer. The heat should be as low as possible, preferably between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Prop the oven door open to maintain air circulation. Check every few hours until you are satisfied with the dryness.
4. Once the pears are dry, store them either in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. They will last for at least six months to a year.
