Making Fruit Roll-Ups at Home

How To Make Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups! These are a healthy, quick, and easy way to get a load of fresh, sweet fruit into your mouth. The summer has certainly brought a wealth of fresh fruit, with berries, cherries, and apples in season. But many people who do not eat them do not make use of the wonderful offers and often do not eat the fruit, just freeze it for easy smoothies or pies. Here I have listed three ways you can make a delicious, nutritious, homemade fruit roll-ups.

Making homemade fruit roll-ups is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought fruit snacks. You can control the ingredients and flavors, making it a perfect treat for both kids and adults. Here’s a basic recipe for making fruit roll-ups at home:

Ingredients:

1. Fruit: You can use fresh or frozen fruit. Common choices include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, and mangoes. You’ll need about 2-3 cups of fruit for one tray of roll-ups.
2. Sweetener (optional): Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you may want to add a sweetener like honey or sugar. This is entirely optional and can be adjusted to taste.
3. Lemon juice (optional): A small amount of lemon juice can help preserve the color and flavor of the fruit.

Equipment:

1. Blender or food processor
2. Parchment paper
3. Baking sheet or dehydrator

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit: Wash and chop the fruit into smaller pieces, removing any seeds or cores.
2. Blend: Place the fruit in a blender or food processor and blend until you have a smooth puree. If you’re using a fruit that has a lot of water content (like watermelon), you may want to cook the puree down on the stove to remove some of the moisture.
3. Sweeten (if desired): Taste the fruit puree and add sweetener to your liking. Keep in mind that the fruit will naturally sweeten as it dries, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly less sweet.
4. Add lemon juice (if desired): If you’re using fruits that may oxidize and change color (like apples), you can add a small amount of lemon juice to preserve the color and flavor.
5. Prep your baking sheet or dehydrator: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a dehydrator tray with a non-stick sheet.
6. Spread the puree: Pour the fruit puree onto the prepared surface and use a spatula to spread it evenly into a thin, even layer. The thickness should be around 1/8 inch (3mm).
7. Dehydrate:
   • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature (usually around 170°F or 75°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. Dehydrate for 4-6 hours, or until the fruit roll-up is no longer sticky to the touch.
   • Dehydrator Method: Follow your dehydrator’s instructions for making fruit roll-ups. Typically, it will take 4-8 hours at 135-140°F (57-60°C).
8. Check for doneness: The fruit roll-up is ready when it is no longer sticky but still pliable. It should peel off the parchment paper easily.
9. Cut and roll: Once it’s done, cut the fruit roll-up into strips or squares and roll them up in parchment paper or plastic wrap. You can store them in an airtight container.
10. Enjoy: Homemade fruit roll-ups make for a convenient and tasty snack. You can take them on the go or pack them in lunchboxes.

A QUICK List of Popular Fruit Roll-Ups Flavors to Make at Home

Making homemade fruit roll-ups allows you to experiment with a wide range of flavors, and you can get as creative as you like. Here’s a list of popular fruit roll-up flavors to make at home:

1. Strawberry: Classic and always a favorite, strawberry fruit roll-ups are sweet and tangy.
2. Raspberry: These offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.
3. Blueberry: Blueberry fruit roll-ups are rich in antioxidants and have a sweet, fruity taste.
4. Mango: Mango puree creates a tropical and exotic fruit roll-up with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
5. Apple Cinnamon: Add a dash of cinnamon to apple puree for a warm and comforting fruit roll-up.
6. Peach: Peach fruit roll-ups are wonderfully sweet and a perfect summer treat.
7. Cherry: Cherry fruit roll-ups are rich in flavor and have a deep red hue.
8. Mixed Berry: Combine a variety of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a medley of fruity goodness.
9. Tropical Blend: Mix pineapple, mango, and coconut for a taste of the tropics.
10. Banana and Strawberry: Create a tropical twist by blending banana and strawberry together.
11. Watermelon: Watermelon fruit roll-ups are refreshing and hydrating.
12. Pineapple: Pineapple fruit roll-ups have a bright and tangy flavor that’s perfect for summer.
13. Blackberry: Blackberry puree results in a sweet and slightly tangy fruit roll-up.
14. Kiwi: Kiwi fruit roll-ups are vibrant in color and have a unique tropical flavor.
15. Grape: Make grape fruit roll-ups with the sweet and intense flavor of grapes.
16. Apricot: Apricot puree provides a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.
17. Pear: Pear fruit roll-ups have a mild, sweet taste.
18. Lemon-Blueberry: Combine the zesty lemon flavor with the sweetness of blueberries for a unique twist.
19. Cranberry-Orange: The tartness of cranberries pairs well with the bright and citrusy flavor of orange.
20. Pomegranate: Pomegranate fruit roll-ups are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants.
21. Strawberry-Banana: A classic combination that’s sweet and smooth.
22. Mint and Lime: Add some fresh mint and lime juice to your fruit puree for a refreshing, zesty flavor.
23. Tropical Berry: Blend a mixture of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit with berries for a burst of exotic flavors.
24. Ginger-Peach: Add a hint of fresh ginger to peach puree for a little spice.
25. Coconut-Berry: Mix shredded coconut with berry puree for a tropical, nutty flavor.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations and even add herbs, spices, or a touch of honey for added complexity. Homemade fruit roll-ups are a great way to customize your snacks to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.