Classroom Activity: Homemade Fruit Leather

Making homemade strawberry fruit leather is not difficult. You can scale the recipe below for more students. The leather cooks at low temperature for 4- 6 hours, so if you start the process in the late morning, it will be ready by the end of the school day.

You will need:

• 1½ pounds fresh strawberries (about 4 cups, hulled)
• 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (helps preserve color and flavor)

Directions:

Wash and chop the strawberries. Discard any that look moldy or mushy. Add the berries to a blender or food processor along with lemon juice and sweetener and blend until smooth. 

If you want to remove more moisture for longer storage, pour the purée into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly and stir frequently. (This step is optional).

Preheat an oven to 170°F or the lowest setting. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. Pour the purée onto the sheet and spread it evenly (about 1/8 inch thick). Bake the leather in the oven for 4 to 6 hours, or until the surface is no longer sticky to the touch and can be peeled away easily. If you use a food dehydrator, set it to 135°F and dry for 6–8 hours.

Let the leather cool and cut it into strips or small pieces. Eat it right away, or roll it up with parchment paper for storage. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer or freeze the leather for up to 6 months.