Ingredients
Citrus Fruits
- 2 Lemons, cut into ¼ inch slices
- 2 Limes, cut into ¼ inch slices
- 1 Blood orange, cut into ¼ inch slices
- 1 Cara Cara Orange, cut into ¼ inch slices
- 1 Navel Orange, cut into ¼ inch slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and set it to convection mode to ensure even drying. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Slice the Citrus: Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, carefully slice all the citrus fruits into thin, uniform slices no thicker than ¼ inch to promote even dehydration.
- Arrange on Tray: Place the citrus slices in a single layer on the parchment-lined tray, making sure they do not overlap.
- Bake Citrus Slices: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 3 to 6 hours depending on the fruit size. Lemons and limes require less time, followed by oranges, while grapefruit takes the longest if included. The key is to slowly dry out the moisture without burning.
- Flip and Rotate: After approximately 2 hours, carefully flip each citrus slice so the side that was touching the parchment is now facing up. Also rotate the tray to redistribute heat exposure, repeating this process every two hours to ensure even drying.
- Check for Doneness: The citrus slices are ready when they are brittle to the touch and have no remaining moisture. If they still feel flexible or damp, continue baking and check periodically.
- Cool Completely: Remove the dried citrus wheels from the oven and allow them to cool fully on the tray before using or storing.
- Use and Enjoy: Use your dried citrus wheels as elegant cocktail garnishes, decorative toppings for baked goods, or grind them into citrus sugar to add a flavorful twist to recipes.
Notes
- Maintain a thin slice thickness (around ¼ inch) to ensure even drying and prevent sogginess.
- Using convection mode helps circulate air around the citrus for uniform dehydration.
- Flip and rotate trays to avoid uneven drying and browning on one side.
- Store fully cooled dried citrus in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- These citrus wheels make excellent multipurpose garnishes and can be blended with sugar for enhanced flavoring.
- Adjust baking time according to citrus type and slice size; thicker or larger fruits require more time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Baking & Cooking Basics
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
