Dehydrating citrus slices like lemons, limes, and oranges is a great way to preserve them for future use.
This recipe includes instructions for using a dehydrator or oven.
Our backyard is full of citrus trees which often leaves us with an abundance of lemons, limes, and oranges. I’m not complaining – it is certainly a good problem to have.
PREP TIME: 5minutes minutes
COOK TIME: 6hours hours
Ingredients
- ▢ Lemons
- ▢ Limes
- ▢ Oranges
Instructions
- Wash all your lemons, limes and oranges really well, then dry.
- Cut all citrus into 1/4″ slices.
Dehydrator Method
- Arrange citrus slices in a single layer on your dehydrator trays.
- Place trays in dehydrator and dehydrate for 6-8 hours at 135F.
- After citrus has been dehydrated, store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 200F.
- Arrange citrus slices in a single layer on a cooling rack on top of a sheet pan.
- Allow citrus to dehydrate in the oven for 3-4 hours.
- After citrus has been dehydrated, store in an airtight container until ready to use.
How to store dried citrus:
If you have properly dehydrated your citrus (aka no moisture remains) then they can actually last for several years! I have some that have lasted up to 3-5 years that I use as decorations.
I find dried citrus is best within one year if you are using it on baked goods, in teas, and as a cocktail garnish for the best flavor.
When storing, make sure to store my citrus wheels in a closed container or zip-loc bag in the fridge or dark cold space in your home. This will help the citrus last longer and keep the radiant bright color longer.
What can I do with dried citrus?
There are SO many ways to use dried citrus, but here are a few of my favorites:
1: As a cocktail garnish
Try using dried grapefruit in Grapefruit Rose Paloma
Add a dried blood orange on top of a Blood Orange Mint Mimosa
Dehydrated limes make a great garnish to a Tequila Smash cocktail
Dried orange slices are amazing in this Cranberry Gin Fizz
2: As a dessert topping
I love using dried lemons on layer cakes like my Lemon Lavender Cake
3: Add dried citrus to tea for flavor
It adds a citrus essence that is truly so enjoyable!
4: Make citrus sugar!
I absolutely love making citrus sugar! You can use it in many baking recipes if you want to add in extra citrus flavor. I especially love doing this with lemons and have used it in my Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Donuts for even more lemon flavor.
Dehydrated citrus sugar also can be used as a garnish around the rim of cocktails.
5. Make a citrus garland as decor
This is especially popular to do during the Holidays with orange slices and cinnamon. However, I personally feel it can be a great decoration year-round!
6. Dip it in chocolate & eat
Don’t forget to add a little flaky sea salt on top! The combination of citrus, sweet chocolate, and sea salt is absolutely divine.
Nutrition
Calories: 2kcal