4 simple recipes for drying eggplants for the winter

Healthy and tasty eggplants have attracted people for a long time. Many dishes have been invented from this wonderful vegetable. They learned to can it, dry it and freeze it for the winter. But eggplants are a capricious crop. And the preparations are stored worse than other vegetables. Dried fruits are suitable for long-term storage. However, how to properly dry eggplants for the winter still remains a mystery for some housewives.

Is it possible to dry eggplants for the winter?

For winter, fruits are harvested in various ways.When asked about the possibility of drying eggplants, the answer is yes. And all because the dried product takes up less space and is light in weight. It's easier to save.

But most importantly, when dried, vitamins and nutrients are preserved almost in full. When preparing vegetables in other ways, some important elements are lost. When preserved, eggplants lose 40% of their nutrients; when frozen, they lose half as much..

Dried vegetables normalize the functioning of blood vessels and the heart, cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, promote the proper functioning of the kidneys and pelvic organs, and inhibit the development of vascular atherosclerosis.

Selection of vegetables for drying

Eggplants of any quality can be dried. But it is better if the fruits are young, of the same size and degree of maturity. They have less bitterness, the taste is more tender, the flesh is juicier, and the skin is silkier. These vegetables have small, unformed seeds.

How to dry eggplants?

Regardless of the chosen drying method, the prepared eggplants are thoroughly washed under running water, dried with a paper towel or napkin, and the stalk and both ends are cut off. If desired, peel the vegetables.

Don't remove too much layer. Some of the vitamins will go with it.

In the oven

To dry in the oven, eggplants are cut in half, cubes, rings, strips, or used whole.

Drying procedure:

1. Place the chopped fruits on a baking sheet in one layer.
2. Set the oven temperature to 40-60°.
3. Dry for 3–6 hours with the door slightly open. The time varies depending on the method of cutting the fruit.
4. If there are several baking sheets in the cabinet, they are swapped every 30 minutes to ensure uniform drying of the product on all sides.

The maximum temperature in the chamber is 60°. Otherwise, some of the beneficial properties will be lost.

In an electric dryer

Before using the electric dryer, study the instructions for use, which indicate the weight of the permitted product, the required temperature and the approximate drying time of the vegetable.

Drying algorithm:

1. The washed fruits are cut into cubes, slices and strips. The thickness of the slices is 1-2 cm.
2. Parts of eggplants are distributed into trays.
3. Set the required temperature, about 55-65°.
4. The device is connected to the network.
5. Drying continues until the product is completely ready. The time depends on the power of the device, on the type and size of the slices.

Using an electric dryer is convenient, if only because the drying time is set automatically. You won't have to look at your watch often. The machine will signal the end of the process. But you still have to change the trays from time to time and turn the slices over.

In the microwave

You can dry eggplants in a microwave oven in the form of chips. It’s unlikely that these delicacies are prepared for the winter. Fragrant and crispy slices are quickly eaten immediately after cooking.

Algorithm:

1. Thinly chopped vegetables are placed in a bag.
2. Add a few drops of vegetable oil.
3. Add salt and spices.
4. Mix and place in a microwave oven.
5. Dry for 5 minutes at 750 W.

The main thing is not to miss the moment of voltage change, not to let the slices remain raw or completely dry out.

On air

The method is not entirely successful, but its long existence indicates its popularity. Eggplants cut crosswise are placed on a tray with baking paper. Cover with gauze and place to dry in a draft-free room. From time to time the product is turned over and placed in place. Dry for 5-7 days.

No dryer method:

1. Vegetables are cut into thin circles.
2. Collected on a thread. A small space is left between the slices.
3. The process is repeated until the two-meter thread is filled.
4. The assembly is hung in the attic or outside. For drying, choose a shady place, but ventilation is necessary.
5. Drying continues for 2-3 weeks until the mugs begin to crumble.

Eggplants are dried whole. They are strung on a thread by the tails and hung in the attic, basement, where there is no bright sunlight, but there is natural ventilation.

How to properly store dried eggplants

The cooled eggplants are divided into portions and placed in a glass container with a ground-in lid, in linen or cotton bags tied with a rope, or cardboard boxes with lids.

The bags are hung on nails in dry pantries and stored in this state at a moderate temperature. Cans and boxes are placed on the shelves of kitchen cabinets. The shelf life of dried preparations is 6-8 months.

Why waste time preparing products for the winter when any store sells fresh eggplants at any time of the year - an inexperienced housewife will think. And she will be right in her own way. But the prices for vegetables in winter are not low, and the desire to please your loved ones with an exquisite aromatic dish enriched with vitamins and minerals is very great.