I started making dried apples using Golden Delicious apples from my backyard because I was tired of seeing them go to waste. Each fall, I would harvest as much as I possibly could and give away apples to friends, neighbors and the homeless shelters. And still there were lots of unused apples in the tree and on the ground.

In 2005, I bought a dehydrator and an apple peeler and started experimenting with different methods for making dried apples. Skin on, skin off, thick cut, thin cut, marinated in juice vs. plain, etc. By soaking the apples in fruit juices, which are natural preservatives, I was able maintain moisture in the product even after it was dried. I also began to extend the drying time to make the dried apples crunchy. This extended their “shelf life” and created a very unique taste.

In 2012, I started getting very positive feedback from kids, in particular, who would ask their Moms and Dads to “go get more of those apples.” Friends began requesting my crunchy dried apples for their kids to bring to gatherings as a healthy snack food alternative to potato chips and sugar saturated foods. Based on market feedback , we’re developing appleooz as a healthy snack food for kids and adults alike.