Nitrate & Nitrite Free Dried Apple Rings
Packaged dried fruit is one of those sneaky places where preservatives tend to hide, and sulfites or other additives are almost standard in commercial versions. Making your own at home means you control every single ingredient, and this recipe keeps things beautifully simple — just fresh apples, lemon juice, and warm spices. The lemon water bath does double duty, preventing browning while adding a subtle brightness that plays perfectly against the cinnamon dusting. Low and slow in the oven transforms the slices into chewy, leathery rings with concentrated apple flavor that tastes far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. They firm up even more as they cool, so patience pays off here. Store them in an airtight container and you've got a wholesome, preservative-free snack that's ready whenever you need it.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 4 medium apples (such as fuji, honeycrisp, or gala)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C). Set wire racks on two rimmed baking sheets and set aside.
- 2
Stir the lemon juice into the water in a large bowl. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the cored apples crosswise into rings about 1/8-inch (3mm) thick. Drop each ring into the lemon water as you go to prevent browning.
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