Nesco Food Dehydrator User Manual

Expect a variance in the time needed to dry different fruits. Drying times are affect-
ed by the size of the load, fruit thickness, the moisture content of the food itself, 
as well as other variables discussed in Drying Time, page 10. If pre-treatment is
suggested, use one of the pre-treatments indicated on page 14. The guidelines
below are general. For the most accurate drying times, keep records of your own
specific experiences in the space provided under each general time guideline in the
table below.
1. Spread fruits in single layers unless otherwise noted.
2. Usual drying temperature is 135°F (57°C)

Average 

Food

Preparation Drying 

Time

Uses

Apples

Pare, core, cut in 3/8" 

4-10 hrs.

Applesauce, pies, cobblers

rings. Pre- treat

snacks, breads and cookies

Apricots

Cut in half, remove pit 

8-16 hrs.

Desserts, muesli, meat dishes

and cut in quarters. 

pies and sauces

Pre-treat

Bananas

Peel, cut in 3/8" slices 

6-12 hrs.

Snacks, baby food, granola,

or divide lengthwise 

cookies, and banana bread 

Blueberries 

Wash and remove stems.

10-18 hrs.

Breads, baked goods, snacks 

Dip into boiling water for 

ice cream, yogurt and muesli

1-2 minutes

Canned 

Dip in boiling water

6-12 hrs.

snacks, breads,granola

Fruit

Drain well. If small, place 
on mesh screen.

Cherries

Wash, remove stems and pit

18-26 hrs.

Breads, baked goods 
and snacks

Citrus 

Peel, if desired. 

6-12 hrs.

Flavorings when powdered

Fruits

Slice 3/8" thick

Coconut

Remove dark outer skin,

3-8 hrs.

Cakes, cookies, 

slice 3/8" thick. Dry at 110°F

desserts and granola

Cranberries

Wash and remove stems.

10-18 hrs.

Breads, baked goods, snacks 

Dip into boiling water for 

ice cream, yogurt and muesli

1-2 minutes

Figs 

Remove stems and halve

8-15 hrs

Fillings, cakes, puddings, 
breads and cookies