How to dry strawberries in a food dehydrator and why it’s better than making jam

Strawberries are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. During strawberry season, many homemakers aim to preserve these berries for year-round use. While making jam, jelly, fruit leather, or freezing are all common methods, drying strawberries is among the most practical and versatile options. Dried strawberries require no special storage conditions and can be used in many ways — from adding to homemade yogurts, smoothies, and compotes to making flavorful dessert powders for dusting baked goods.

Benefits of dried strawberries

 Dried strawberries retain most of the vitamins and minerals found in fresh berries. They are a healthy, low-calorie product packed with nutrients essential for balanced metabolism. These dehydrated berries contain:

Dietary fiber – promotes digestive health and supports heart function

Folic acid – a strong immune booster that reduces the risk of certain cancers (such as cervical, breast, and colon cancer)

• Beta-carotene – supports vision and strengthens the immune system
• Iodine – essential for healthy thyroid function
• Fruit acids – improve skin tone and support healthy skin metabolism

In addition, dried strawberries contain small amounts of pectin, carotene, and iron, which are all vital for proper bodily functions.

Why use a dehydrator to dry strawberries

While strawberries can be dried on a balcony, veranda, or even in a conventional oven, using a food dehydrator is by far the most convenient and efficient method. Dehydrators offer features like convection and adjustable temperature settings, ensuring even drying. This results in perfectly dehydrated strawberries — neither too moist nor overly dry — ideal for culinary use.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Drying Strawberries:

• Sort through the strawberries and select only ripe, unspoiled, and undamaged berries;
• Wash them and remove the green stems;
• Lay them on a clean, dry cloth to let excess moisture drain;
• Once they’re slightly dried, slice each berry in half (or into quarters if large);
• Arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer on the dehydrator tray;
• Set the temperature to 60°C (140°F) and dry for 2 hours;
• Remove the tray, let the berries cool, then return them to the dehydrator;
• Set the temperature to 50°C (122°F) and dry for an additional 8 hours;

Drying time may vary slightly depending on the juiciness and size of the berries. For best results, use strawberries harvested no more than two days before drying.

Drying strawberries in a regular oven can be difficult. Most household ovens have a minimum temperature of 70–80°C (158–176°F), and lack of air circulation means you’ll need to flip the berries every hour — a time-consuming process with inconsistent results.

CraftOil dehydrators – the best solution for home and business use

CraftOil, a trusted producer of flavorful, nutritious artisanal oils, offers not only a wide variety of products (including oils, flours, nuts, seeds, and oil sets), but also reliable, high-performance food dehydrators.

CraftOil’s catalog features durable dehydrator cabinets suitable for both home kitchens and commercial businesses. Made from certified stainless steel, these units come ready to use. Models like SSH-M, SSH-M2, and others are perfect for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, berries, herbs, mushrooms, fish, and meat. Thanks to multiple drying programs, they’re also great for preparing fruit leather, yogurt, hard and semi-hard cheeses, and more.

Each dehydrator includes a 1-year warranty and simplifies a wide range of culinary tasks. To learn more, submit a request through our website — our specialists will gladly help you choose the right model for your needs.