Recipe Details
Dehydrated pineapple chunks are a lightweight fruit ingredient that provides natural sweetness, acidity, and flavour to backpacking meals while storing well without refrigeration. When properly dried, they retain their bright flavour and rehydrate effectively in both hot and cold trail cooking applications.
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
12h
Wait Time
10min
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cost: | Fairly Low Cost |
| Category: | Dehydrated Ingredients |
| Seasons: | All |
Ingredients
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Pineapple
| 1 Large | Fresh Pineapple |
Dehydrated Pineapple Directions
Pineapple works especially well in rice dishes, couscous meals, oatmeal, tropical curry blends, and trail desserts. It can also be eaten dry as a snack or added directly to granola mixes.
This recipe explains how to prepare and dehydrate fresh pineapple chunks so they store reliably and rehydrate predictably for backcountry cooking.
Step 1:
Select a ripe, fresh pineapple and remove the crown, base, peel, and core.
Step 2:
Cut the pineapple into evenly sized chunks. Pieces should ideally be no larger than ½ inch thick to support even drying. This batch used approximately ¾ inch tidbit-style chunks, which increased drying time slightly.
Step 3:
Arrange the pineapple pieces in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Leave small gaps between pieces to allow airflow.
Step 4:
Dry at 135°F (57°C).
Step 5:
Drying time is typically 10–14 hours, depending on chunk size and moisture content. This batch required approximately 12.5 hours.
Step 6:
Check for doneness by removing several pieces and allowing them to cool to room temperature. Properly dried pineapple should feel leathery to firm with no visible internal moisture.
Step 7:
Allow the pineapple to cool completely before packaging to prevent condensation during storage.
Step 8:
Store in airtight containers in a cool dark location or vacuum-seal for long-term storage.
Recipe Notes
- Batch size
This batch used 775 g (27 oz) of prepared pineapple. - Finished yield
After dehydrating, the pineapple weighed 123 g (4.3 oz). - Water removed
A total of 652 g of water was removed during the dehydration process. - Number of servings
Serving sizes are based on the fresh equivalent weight. One serving equals approximately 165 g of fresh pineapple. This batch provides about 5 servings. - Dried serving size
Each serving equals approximately 26 g of dried pineapple. - Rehydration
Each serving requires about 139 g of water (roughly ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon). - Preparation method notes
Fresh whole pineapple produces the best texture and flavour. Grocery-store clamshell fresh-cut pineapple works well and saves preparation time. Frozen pineapple should be thawed and drained before drying. Canned pineapple may be used if thoroughly drained; pineapple packed in syrup should be rinsed before dehydrating. - Usage suggestions
Use in rice dishes, couscous meals, oatmeal, trail desserts, granola blends, tropical curry recipes, or eat dry as a snack. - Storage
Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark location. For extended shelf life, vacuum seal and protect from humidity. - Further reading
Ultimate Guide to Dehydrating Food for Backpacking
Nutrition facts
Serving size 26 grams vegetarian Vegan gluten free lactose free
Per Serving
| Kcal: | 83 kcal |
| Fibers (g): | 2.5g |
| Sodium (mg): | 2mg |
| Carbs: | 22g |
| Sugar (g): | 16g |
| Proteins: | 1g |