Lykkers, have you ever found yourself with a big pile of peaches that you just can't finish before they go bad? We've been there!

Peaches ripen quickly, and once they start softening, you only have a short window to enjoy them. But don't worry—we've got a simple, delicious solution: homemade dried peaches!

Whether you've got a tree full of peaches or just picked up too many from the market, making dried peaches is the perfect way to keep them from going to waste. Plus, they're a fantastic snack—chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor. Let's dive into how we can make them at home!

What You Need

The best part? You don't need much! Just two simple ingredients:

• Peaches – Any amount you have. Firm peaches work best.

• Sugar (optional) – If your peaches are naturally sweet, you can skip this. But if they have a bit of tartness, adding sugar will balance the flavor.

Step 1: Pick and Prepare Your Peaches

First, choose firm peaches for the best texture. If they're already soft, they might turn mushy when steamed. Wash them thoroughly and peel off the skin (optional). Then, slice them into even pieces—this helps them dry at the same rate.

Step 2: Sweeten If Needed

If your peaches are very sweet, skip this step. But if they have some sourness, mix them with a little sugar and let them sit for 3–4 hours. This helps release some juice and makes them taste even better. We recommend using about 4% sugar of the total peach weight.

Step 3: Cook the Peaches

Now, it's time to soften the peaches a bit. You can either:

• Steam them – About 8–10 minutes until they become soft but not mushy.

• Boil them – If you marinated them with sugar, you can boil them in their own juice for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Dry the Peaches

Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and spread the peach slices on a drying rack. Now, choose how you want to dry them:

• Sun-drying – If the weather is sunny, leave them outside for 2 days. Flip them occasionally for even drying.

• Oven-drying – Bake at 70°C (158°F) with the fan on for at least 10 hours. Leave the oven door slightly open to let moisture escape.

• Dehydrator – If you have a food dehydrator, this is the easiest method! Set it at 70°C (158°F) and let it run until they reach your desired dryness.

Step 5: Store Properly

Once dried, taste a piece! If you prefer them slightly chewy, keep them a little moist. If you like them firmer, let them dry longer. Store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for freshness. If you want to keep them for months, freeze them.

Bonus: Peach Juice Tip

Don't throw away the peach juice from marinating! Strain it and mix with water for a refreshing peach drink. It doesn't last long, so enjoy it fresh.

Enjoy Your Homemade Peach Snacks!

And there you have it, Lykkers! Now, instead of watching peaches spoil, we can turn them into something delicious and long-lasting. Have you tried making dried peaches before? If not, give it a shot and let us know how it turns out! 🍑