Easy to make and beautiful to look at, dehydrated citrus slices are a gorgeous addition to cocktails, desserts, decorations, and more! Those beautiful, candied-looking fruits are simply fruit slices that have been completely dried out so that they can be preserved. In terms of what kinds of citrus fruits can be dried, you’re really only limited to what’s available to you. You could work solely with oranges (we love the beautiful shades of blood oranges, Valencia oranges, Cara Cara oranges, and navel oranges). You could do just a green-and-yellow theme with dried lemons and limes, or you could try any and all citrus fruits that capture your imagination!
Making dried citrus doesn’t require fancy equipment; all you need is a sharp knife (preferably serrated), an oven, and some time. Dehydrating citrus does take many hours but it only requires a few easy steps. Be sure to turn your fruit slices frequently to ensure even drying and keep your oven temperature low to prevent burning or browning. The goal of drying fruit slices is to achieve that beautiful stained glass appearance while maintaining their sweet and tangy flavour. Read on to discover how to dry citrus fruits, what to do with them, how to store them, and more!
What Citrus Fruits Are Best For Drying?
Any type of citrus fruits can be dried. For the best variety in terms of colour and flavour, we suggest drying any of the following fruits:
- Dried lemons
- Dried limes
- Dried blood oranges
- Dried Cara Cara oranges
- Dried navel oranges
- Dried grapefruits
Larger fruits, like grapefruits and oranges, will take longer to dry, as more liquid need to evaporate, while smaller fruits, like lemons and limes, will take less time to dry completely. Citrus fruits need to be completely dried before being used or store to prevent spoilage.
Ways to Dry Citrus Fruits
There are a few ways to make dehydrated citrus wheels. The difference between the three is really the amount of time spent, although much of this process is hands-off. From the longest amount of time to the shortest, the three methods of dehydrating citrus fruits are below.
- Naturally
- With a Food Dehydrator
- In the Oven
How to Dry Citrus Fruits
Whatever method you choose, drying fruit slices begins the same way: by slicing them! Use a sharp knife or a mandoline and cut your citrus fruit into thin, even slices. The thinner the slice, the faster they will dry. A mandoline ensures that your fruit slices will be nice and even, but it’s not a requirement for this project. Simply make sure you have a very sharp knife at hand, as dull knives are dangerous and will make this process more difficult. We recommend slicing your citrus wheels into ¼-inch thickness for the best look and a slightly shorter drying time.
Naturally
The most hand-off approach to drying fruit slices is to let them dry naturally. Unfortunately, it is also the longest, and can take several days. However, if you’re in no hurry and have the space, this method may work for you! Slice your desired citrus fruits into ¼-inch rounds and place them on a wire baking rack on your kitchen counter. Turn them every day to ensure they dry evenly. We recommend laying down a sheet of parchment paper beneath your wire rack to catch any sticky juices that drip off for an easier cleanup.
With a Food Dehydrator
Of these three methods, using a food dehydrator to dry your citrus slices is the most modern. Place your fruit slices on the dehydrator rack and set your temperature to 125°F-135°F. Turn them every hour to ensure they dehydrate evenly until they’re completely dried. Depending on your dehydrator, the fruit you use, and the thickness of your slices, this could take anywhere from 6-12 hours or longer.
In the Oven
Possibly the most popular method to make dehydrated citrus wheels is the oven, since every home is bound to have one! Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (If your oven runs hot, you can set it to as low as 170°F, although this process may take longer.) Bake your citrus for anywhere from 3-6 hours. Like the other methods, the length of time will depend on your fruit choice and how thick your citrus slices are. Flip the fruit slices after the two-hour mark to ensure even drying and remove from the oven when they are completely dry with no remaining moisture. They should have no moisture when pressed to a paper towel and feel brittle to the touch. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Allow your slices to cool completely before using.
Chef’s Tips
- Watch your citrus. We want beautiful dehydrated citrus wheels, not burnt fruit. If your oven seems to be running too hot, lower the temperature.
- Turn the citrus slices frequently. This allows for an even drying and helps speed up the process.
- Allow your citrus to dry out completely. Any remaining moisture or stickiness means that your citrus wheels are not done yet. You can check if they’re completely dry by pressing the slices with a paper towel to see if they’re still moist. Finished slices should feel brittle to the touch.
- Try this technique with different citrus fruits! While grapefruit and orange slices may take longer, they look gorgeous mixed with lemons and limes.
Dried Citrus Fruit Variations
You don’t have to leave your citrus fruits to dry plain! Before popping them in the oven, you can sprinkle them with sugar or spices like cinnamon. We recommend using confectioner’s sugar for a nice shine and sweeter flavour. Dust your slices by sprinkling the sugar with a sifter for an even coating and tap off any excess. However, since sugar is prone to burning and caramelizing—which will ruin the look you’re going for—keep a close eye on those slices.
Cinnamon is also an option, as it gives your citrus fruits a beautiful scent. We advise using the same sifting method as you would for sugar and be careful not to use too much. The colour of these dried fruit slices is an important part of this project, and too much cinnamon could muddy them.
What Can I Do With Dried Citrus Fruits?
There are loads of fun, delicious ways to use dried citrus. From recipes to décor to potpourri, a few of our favourite ideas are below!
Dried Citrus As…A Cocktail Garnish
Dried citrus makes a beautiful and delicious cocktail garnish! Try pairing your dehydrated slices with a beverage that has a similar flavour profile. For example, dehydrated grapefruit would work beautifully in a paloma or salty dog. Dried blood orange would be perfect for a mimosa or Aperol spritz. Any dehydrated citrus wheel would also make an excellent garnish for mulled wine, mulled cider, or sangria.
Dried Citrus As…A Dessert Topping
Use your favourite dried citrus as decoration for your baked goods. A simple glazed cake would be stunning with the addition of dehydrated orange slices or lemon wheels!
Dried Citrus As…A Snack
On their own, dried citrus wheels can make a yummy—and chewy—snack. If you’d like to add a little bit more decadence to it, however, try dipping them in chocolate! We like using dark chocolate as it works best in contrast with the tangy citrus. Take any of your dried orange slice varieties (like blood orange, Cara Cara, or Valencia) and dip them in a bowl of melted dark chocolate until they are half submerged. Lay them on a baking tray to dry and add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (or Farm Boy™ Fleur de Sel) for a little extra oomph. The flavour combination of sweet, sour, and salty is heavenly! (If you’re planning to make these for the kiddos, dark chocolate may be too bitter for them. Try dipping your orange slices in melted Farm Boy™ Milk Chocolate instead!)
Dried Citrus As…A Flavour Booster
Enjoy a warm (or iced) cup of tea with the addition of a slice of dried citrus. As well as looking beautiful, your dehydrated citrus wheel adds an extra note of citrusy flavour. Chamomile and mint teas pair well with a wheel of dried lemon, as will most black teas. Try throwing a few—along with some dehydrated orange slices—into a pitcher of homemade sweet tea during a hot summer day for extra flavour.
Dried Citrus As…An Ingredient
Chop up some of your beautiful dehydrated citrus wheels (if you can bear it) and add them to muffins or cookies for an extra infusion of citrus. Chopped up dried citrus also works well as a tasty extra in your homemade trail mix or granola recipes. You can also add dehydrated citrus wheels to charcuterie or cheese boards. As well as looking beautiful, they’re also a tasty addition to salty meats and cheeses.
Dried Citrus As…Holiday Décor
Citrus is a flavour we enjoy year-round, but it especially pops during chilly winter months, when stores are overflowing with citrus goodies. Try stringing together your dried citrus wheels to make a garland. Add seasonal touches like cinnamon sticks and pinecones for colour variety and a wonderful holiday scent. Dried citrus also makes a pretty, seasonal touch to homemade wreaths or hanging decorations.
Dried Citrus As…Potpourri
Speaking of scents, dried citrus is an amazing ingredient in potpourri! To make a dry potpourri, mix a few drops of essential oils like cinnamon and pine in a bowl with decorative elements like a dried orange wheel, pinecone, and cinnamon stick. For a simmer pot (aka stovetop potpourri), add these ingredients (plus whatever other aromatics you’d like) to a pot with water and set it to simmer, adding more water as needed. Either option makes for a beautiful smell that will envelope your home.
Dried Citrus As…A Gift
Pick out a cute little airtight jar or container (to ensure your citrus is stored properly), place your dried citrus wheels inside, and tie it off with a bow. Voila! You have an adorable DIY present, perfect for holidays, gift exchanges, and more! Attach a tag letting the recipient know the various ways they can use their sweet and thoughtful gift.
How To Store Dried Citrus Fruits
Properly dehydrated citrus can last a very long time if you make sure all the moisture has been removed so your fruit slices don’t spoil. Store your dehydrated slices in an airtight container kept in a cool, dry place. This will help keep that beautiful colour you worked so hard to preserve. Stored this way, they can last for years!
If you’re planning to use your citrus slices for culinary purposes, like in baking, cocktails, or as a snack, we recommend consuming them within one to two years. This ensures they still have good flavour as well as looking beautiful. If, however, your goal is to use them for décor, these dehydrated slices can keep for several years! (Please note: if you see or smell any mold on your slices, toss them immediately. It means they were not dried completely before being stored.)
We hope this was helpful in teaching you how to dehydrate and use these beautiful citrus wheels! Enjoy!
