FRUITS FOR THE HOME GROUNDS 



Drying 



the Cheapest 



Method 



of Conservation 



outfits now availa))le. Fruits canned by the cold- 

 pack nietliod are usually packed with syrup, but 

 hot water alone may be used and the sugar added 

 when the fruit is served. 



This is the cheap and easy way 

 of conserving surplus fruits from 

 the home fruit-garden, for dry- 

 ing requires neither sugar, spice, 

 nor special containers; the pro- 

 duct is condensed, thereby saving storage-space; 

 and it may be kept indefinitely. 



Fruits are easily dried in four ways: In the 

 sun; by artificial heat in an oven or dryer; by 

 an air-current made by an electric fan ; or by com- 

 bining any of these methods. 



In dry, hot weather, sun-drying is cheapest 

 and easiest. The prepared fruit is spread on wire 

 or netting trays, covered with netting to protect 

 them from insects, and exposed to the sun in 

 open air. 



In cloudy weather, artificial heat must be 

 used in oven or dr,yer. Full directions for use 

 come with the commercial dryers. In the kitchen, 

 the prepared fruit is kept in a warm oven, on 

 platter or pan, with the o-ven-door open for 

 thorough ventilation; or the drying process may 

 l)e started in the oven and completed in the sun. 

 The following rules nnist he observed in dry- 

 ing: 1. Use the best material. '2. Work as rapidly 

 as is consistent with good results. .'?. Slice large 

 fruits to get large drying surfaces. 4. Do not 

 overheat in oven or dryer — the heat should never 

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