I’m sure we all remember those bright red, flavorful, STICKY squares, wrapped in plastic, aptly named Fruit Roll-Ups. Well, did you know you can make your own flavorful, HEALTHY homemade fruit roll-ups? No trip to the store required.

“How on earth can fruit roll-ups be healthy?” I’m sure you’re wondering.

It’s because of the secret ingredient.

“Secret ingredient?” You say.

Yup, I say. Secret.

Oh, but don’t worry. I’ll tell you. You won’t believe me. . .

Gelatin.

“Gelatin? As in, Jell-o? THAT stuff is healthy?”

Well, Jell-o is not really healthy, not really. But gelatin from grass-fed cows is actually very beneficial to your body. Here are a few very interesting articles on the miracle benefits of humble gelatin:

Gelatin: 12 Unusual Uses and Health Benefits

Better than Botox: Natural Ingredient Reduces Wrinkles, Cellulite, and Stretch Marks

Why I Drink Green Jell-O

Soup-Stenance

There are a multitude of ways you can use it, and making homemade fruit roll-ups, otherwise known as fruit leather, is one of those ways. I’ll show you how. It’s tremendously easy, as are all of the tutorials here at It’s a Love/Love Thing. That’s why I know how to do them! 😀 Because they’re easy!

So let’s get this show on the road.

Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups

You Will Need:

• Washed Fruit ~ let your imagination run wild; you can use just about any combination your heart desires
• 2 tbs Grass-fed gelatin (I am sorry, but you will not find any nutritional advantage to purchasing the packets at the grocery store. You can find grass-fed gelatin here, it is the best price I have found.)
• Blender (High-powered like the Vitamix is preferred but not necessary.)
• Dehydrator (I use and recommend the Excalibur, but any dehydrator will work!)
• Non-stick Dehydrator Sheets, Parchment Paper, or plastic wrap.

Step One: Add Fruit

Here is where you can really personalize your creation. Just start adding several cups of washed fruit to your blender. I love adding peeled bananas myself. I have recently made two batches. The first one I made was comprised entirely of peaches. The second and most recent batch, I just let my imagination run wild, as I am encouraging you to do. I added banana, strawberries, peaches, mango, and grapes. Whatever you like, just fill up the blender with as much fruit as you want.

Step Two: Blend, baby!

This is pretty self-explanatory. Blend on high until pureed.

Step Three: Add Gelatin

Turn off your blender and add your two tablespoons grass-fed gelatin. Then go ahead and blend it all in, for several seconds on high.

Step Four: Pour

Now, you will need to prepare your tray to hold the fruit puree. You have three options: you can use

• Paraflexx sheets (or the generic brand, which is what I own and recommend)
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap, if nothing else is available

Whatever your selection, you need to lay your sheet down on top of the mesh for your dehydrator tray. Then, simply pour about a cup of the puree on to the sheet. There will be air bubbles from blending; don’t sweat it.

Now, pretend you’re playing Labyrinth and start tilting the tray around, effectively spreading the puree out. Leave it about 1/4″ thick. If you go too thin, the finished texture will be way too thin and it will be difficult to remove the fruit when you’re done.

It can be a little tricky at first, but don’t worry! You’ll get the hang of it.

Continue filling dehydrator trays until your fruit puree is all gone.

Step Five: Dry

Turn your dehydrator on around 140, if your dehydrator has a temperature setting. If not, keep it on low. Let it dry around 6-10 hours, or even overnight.

You can usually just bend the Paraflexx sheet and the fruit leather will start coming off.

Now, lay the peeled fruit onto a clean, spread layer of either parchment paper or clear plastic wrap. Cut the leather/paper into strips. You can make these as wide or narrow as you like. Roll them up and keep them in an airtight container. They will last months like this, but I’m sure they won’t be around that long. 🙂

Enjoy your healthy, homemade fruit roll-ups.

Much love,

Dandy

Pin: Healthy Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups

P.S. Love homemade fruit recipes like this one? Here’s a pumpkin pie leather from The Maverick Mama for you to try. Also, you can try these 33 Healthy Dehydrator Recipes, and also this Acorn Squash Custard (paleo, GAPS).

P.P.S. Here’s my Pinterest board, full of Gelatin Love. 🙂

Follow Danielle {It’s a love/love thing}’s board Gelatin Love on Pinterest.

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