Pears have a tender, slightly grainy texture and a sweet taste that is pleasant enjoyed as is or made into a tart or compote. Unfortunately, the fruit does not last long. Pears rot easily and quickly, so if you have purchased a large quantity of pears, it is a good idea to preserve some of them. One flavorful and simple way to preserve your pears is to dry them for future use. You can enjoy the dehydrated pears as a healthy snack or rehydrate them later for use in a recipe.

Mix together 1 gallon water and 4 tsp. ascorbic acid. Pears discolor within a few minutes after being cut and the acid solution will prevent the pear slices from turning an unappetizing shade of brown.

Peel the pears and core them.

Cut each peeled and cored pear into 1/2-inch-thick slices, then place the slices into the acid solution while you cut the others.

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If your oven does not have a setting lower than 200 degrees, use the "Warm" setting.

Drain the pear slices and place them onto the baking sheet in a single layer.

Insert the racks into the oven. Dry the pear slices at or around 160 degrees Fahrenheit for three hours. After three hours, reduce the heat to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and continue drying the slices for five more hours or until they are flexible but with little or no moisture.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pear slices to cool completely.

Place the dried slices into resealable plastic bags or containers until you are ready to enjoy them.

Drain the pear slices and place them onto the dehydrating racks in a single layer.

Insert the racks into the food dehydrator. Dry the pear slices at or around 160 degrees Fahrenheit for three hours. After three hours, reduce the heat to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and continue drying the slices for five more hours or until they are flexible but with little or no moisture.

Remove the dehydrator racks and allow the pear slices to cool completely.

Place the slices into resealable plastic bags or containers until you are ready to enjoy them.