Pick up know-how for tackling diseases, pests and weeds.
Farm bill, farm marketing, agribusiness webinars, & farm policy.
Find tactics for healthy livestock and sound forages.
Scheduling and methods of irrigation.
Explore our Extension locations around the state.
Commercial row crop production in Arkansas.
Agriculture weed management resources.
Use virtual and real tools to improve critical calculations for farms and ranches.
Learn to ID forages and more.
Explore our research locations around the state.
Get the latest research results from our county agents.
Our programs include aquaculture, diagnostics, and energy conservation.
Keep our food, fiber and fuel supplies safe from disaster.
Private, Commercial & Non-commercial training and education.
Specialty crops including turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.
Find educational resources and get youth engaged in agriculture.
Gaining garden smarts and sharing skills.
Creating beauty in and around the home.
Maintenance calendar, and best practices.
Coaxing the best produce from asparagus to zucchini.
What’s wrong with my plants? The clinic can help.
Featured trees, vines, shrubs and flowers.
Ask our experts plant, animal, or insect questions.
Enjoying the sweet fruits of your labor.
Herbs, native plants, & reference desk QA.
Growing together from youth to maturity.
Crapemyrtles, hydrangeas, hort glossary, and weed ID databases.
Get beekeeping, honey production, and class information.
Grow a pollinator-friendly garden.
Schedule these timely events on your gardening calendar.
Equipping individuals to lead organizations, communities, and regions.
Guiding communities and regions toward vibrant and sustainable futures.
Guiding entrepreneurs from concept to profit.
Position your business to compete for government contracts.
Find trends, opportunities and impacts.
Providing unbiased information to enable educated votes on critical issues.
Increase your knowledge of public issues & get involved.
Research-based connection to government and policy issues.
Support Arkansas local food initiatives.
Read about our efforts.
Preparing for and recovering from disasters.
Licensing for forestry and wildlife professionals.
Preserving water quality and quantity.
Cleaner air for healthier living.
Firewood & bioenergy resources.
Managing a complex forest ecosystem.
Read about nature across Arkansas and the U.S.
Learn to manage wildlife on your land.
Soil quality and its use here in Arkansas.
Learn to ID unwanted plant and animal visitors.
Timely updates from our specialists.
Eating right and staying healthy.
Ensuring safe meals.
Take charge of your well-being.
Cooking with Arkansas foods.
Making the most of your money.
Making sound choices for families and ourselves.
Nurturing our future.
Get tips for food, fitness, finance, and more!
Understanding aging and its effects.
Giving back to the community.
Managing safely when disaster strikes.
Listen to our latest episode!
Can’t find dried fruits without tons of added sugar? Drying your own is easy!
At Home with UAEX Team Email: AtHomeWithExtension@uada.edu
Social Media Links
Learn from the best Extension Educators on being at home with UAEX!
by Original Author: JoAnn Vann, Clark County | Adapted for Blog: Torrie Smith, Carroll County
I am always on the search for nutrient dense foods that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber while low in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Fruits are a wonderful source of these nutrients, so it is no surprise that it is recommended for women to consume 1 1/2 -2 cups per day and for men to consume 2- 2 ½ cups per day according to My Plate.gov.
All sounds great, right?
But maybe you are on the go like me and taking fresh fruit along with you throughout the day results in a mushy, undesirable product even when kept in a cooler bag when left in a hot car for a few hours in the Arkansas heat.
I became frustrated with the waste of food and money spent on it in my quest to provide my body with the healthy foods it needs. Thus, began my search for a dried fruit alternative. I quickly discovered by reading labels on supermarket selections, that in many cases, the amount of added sugars in commercially prepared dried fruits did not meet the recommendation to limit added sugars.
Next, I searched online store offerings to discover a few no-sugar added products, but each had a lofty price tag that my frugal nature would not permit me to buy for a product that I could not see before trying to ensure it was as it claimed to be.
So, what to do?
I decided to dry my own! I choose to try drying blueberries first as they are my favorite fruit for mixing into overnight oats and my homegrown supply of frozen blueberries will be depleted in the next month.
Blueberries are full of antioxidants which protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals and Researchers are finding that blueberries contain an antioxidant thought to be important for preserving brain function. Visit this resource on our website for more information about blueberries.
Drying blueberries only takes a few steps and some time (about 24-36 hours).
Please note, due to the humidity in our area, whole fruits like blueberries need to be dried using a dehydrator instead of out-of-doors. Follow the drying temperature instructions for your dehydrator. For more information on dehydrating, contact your local county agent.
Blueberries
non-stick cooking spray
Step 1: Wash, drain, and sort blueberries. Remove any damaged blueberries or pieces of stem.
Step 2: Check the skins to assist with drying by dipping blueberries in boiling water for 15-30 seconds.
Step 3: Place blueberries in ice water to stop the cooking action.
Step 4: Drain on paper towels. Gently pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Step 5: Prepare dehydrator tray. Use non-stick cooking spray to lightly coat the tray to avoid fruit sticking. Load the blueberries on the tray in a single layer.
Step 6: One to two hours after drying, use a spatula to gently lift each berry with a spatula and turn.
Step 7: Check blueberries for dryness. They are ready when there is no visible moisture without stickiness.
Step 8: Condition the blueberries to allow moisture distribution. Pack loosely in plastic or glass jars for 7-10 days shaking daily to observe for sticking or condensation indicating the fruit needs additional drying.
Step 9: Store dried blueberries in containers to avoid exposure to air and moisture. Good containers include home canning jars, plastic freezer containers with tight lids, plastic freezer bags, or vacuum sealed bags. Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from heat sources.