A sweet-sharp, deep purple fruit leather from hedgerow blackberries and Bramley apples.
Key facts
| Temperature | 55°C |
| Drying time | 8–12 hours |
| Trays | 1–2 solid sheets |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best UK season | August–September (or frozen berries all year) |
Why make it
Blackberry and apple is a classic British pairing, and blackberries are free in hedgerows across the country in late summer. The apple adds natural pectin and sweetness, which makes a leather that peels and rolls cleanly.
Frozen berries work just as well, so you can make it year round.
Ingredients
- 400 g blackberries (foraged or frozen)
- 2 Bramley apples (about 400 g), peeled, cored and chopped
- 1–2 tbsp honey or caster sugar, to taste (honey isn't suitable for babies under 12 months)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- A little sunflower oil for the sheet
Equipment
- Ezidri Ultra FD1000
- Solid sheets
- Saucepan, sieve and blender
- Palette knife or spatula
- Baking parchment
Method (summary)
- Simmer the apples, blackberries and lemon juice with 2 tbsp water for 10 minutes until soft.
- Push through a sieve to remove the seeds, sweeten to taste and cool.
- Lightly oil a solid sheet and spread about 400–500 ml purée evenly, 3–5 mm thick, slightly thicker at the edges.
- Dry at 55°C for 8–12 hours, until the centre is no longer tacky.
- Peel off while slightly warm, roll in parchment and cut into strips.
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Log in freeHow to tell it's dry, storage and rehydrating
Dry when: smooth, no wet patches, and it peels from the sheet in one piece.
Storage: rolled in parchment in an airtight box; up to 1 month in a cool cupboard, or 3–6 months in the fridge or freezer.
FAQ
Can you dehydrate blackberries from frozen?
Yes. Defrost and drain them first. For leather, frozen berries are ideal because they break down quickly when cooked.
Why is my fruit leather sticky?
It needs longer, or the purée was spread too thick in the middle. Return it to the dehydrator for another hour or two.
Do I have to remove the seeds?
No, but blackberry seeds are gritty in leather. Sieving gives a much nicer texture.
Related recipes and guides
Free recipe pack: The Ezidri Drying Year
20 British recipes for your dehydrator, from Christmas oranges to allotment gluts, plus a drying chart and storage cheat sheet.
Some food images are illustrative.