Slice pears into thin slices (⅛ inch - ¼ inch) with skins still on, discard core.
10 Pears
If desired, lemon juice can be mixed with 4 cups of water. Slice pears can be dipped into water to help prevent discoloration. This step is optional.
¼ cup lemon juice
To Use a Dehydrator
Place on dehydrator trays so the slices are not overlapping.
Dry at 130°-140°F for 8-10 hour until pears are dry and leathery with no moist spots.
To Use an Oven
Place slice pears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated 250°F oven for 1 ½ - 2 ½ hours until pears are dried.
Condition Dried Pears
Place dried pears into a container and allow pears to condition for 5-7 days. Conditioning allows the pears with more moisture transfer some of the that moisture to the dryer pears. If condensation appears on the sides of the container, your pears need to dry for a bit longer. Put them back on the dehydrator for 1-2 hours.
Store in a food safe container.
Notes
You can use any amount of pears. You are only limited to the amount of drying space you have on your dehydrator or oven.
It is best to use pears while they are still slightly green.
Drying times vary, depending on your dehydrator, amount of pears drying, thickness of slices and ripeness of pears.
Variations:
Cinnamon and Sugar - Mix a tablespoon of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle a light coating on one side of the pears before drying.
Ginger - Mix a tablespoon of sugar with a ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. Sprinkle on one side of pears before drying
Chai Spice - Mix a tablespoon of sugar with a ⅛ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ⅛ teaspoon of ground cardamom.