Welcome my fellow food enthusiasts! It’s Eric here. Get ready to learn how to make delectably dehydrated and candied citrus slices using your oven.
These treats are perfect for garnishing desserts, cakes, and drinks or simply enjoying as a snack. So, let’s dive in and create something amazing!
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In this article:
Preparing the Citrus
Choose Your Fruits
Start by giving your citrus fruits a thorough wash, preferably using organic ones. We’ll be using the peel, so cleanliness is key. For this recipe, I used a lime, lemon, blood orange, and navel orange.
Perfect Slices
Next, slice your fruits as thinly as possible, aiming for about 2 millimeters in thickness. A mandolin can be helpful here. The thinner the slices, the quicker they’ll dehydrate.
Seed Removal
Once you’ve cut your fruits, remove any remaining seeds from the slices.
Adding That Sweet Touch
Sugar Prep
Pour some sugar into a small dish.
Arrange and Coat
Line a baking tray with a non-stick silicone mat or parchment paper. Lightly coat the citrus slices in sugar and arrange them on the prepared tray. If you’d like to dehydrate without candying, simply skip this step.
Drying Process
Initial Baking
Cover the citrus slices with another silicone mat or parchment paper, and place another baking tray on top to weigh it down. Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 15 minutes.
Adjust and Dry
After 15 minutes, take the tray out of the oven and remove the top tray and silicone mat. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel. The peel and rind should start to become translucent.
Lower the oven temperature to 175°F (79°C) and return the tray for 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the thickness and size of the slices.
Size Matters
When the fruits feel dry to the touch, remove them from the oven.
If you’re using different citrus types in one tray, you might need to take out smaller slices first.
Cooling and Enjoying
Cool and Harden
Carefully transfer the citrus slices from the mat to a wire rack to cool. They’ll be somewhat flexible while warm but will harden as they cool down.
Final Touches
For my recipe, I removed the lemon and lime slices first and returned the oranges to the oven for an extra 30 minutes.
FAQ’s
Can you dry candied orange peels in a dehydrator?
Yes, you can dry candied orange peels in a dehydrator for a longer shelf life and a chewy texture.
How do you dry citrus slices in a dehydrator?
To dry citrus slices in a dehydrator, thinly slice the fruit, arrange the slices on dehydrator trays, and dehydrate at 130-140°F (54-60°C) until completely dry.
How long does it take to dehydrate citrus in a dehydrator?
Dehydrating citrus in a dehydrator typically takes 6-10 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the dehydrator’s temperature setting.
Is dehydrated citrus edible?
Yes, dehydrated citrus is edible and can be consumed as a snack or used as a garnish for drinks and dishes.
How do you know when dehydrated citrus is ready?
Dehydrated citrus is ready when it’s fully dry, slightly pliable, and no longer sticky to the touch.
Should dehydrated lemons be sticky?
No, properly dehydrated lemons should not be sticky; they should be dry and slightly pliable.
How do you keep lemons from turning brown when dehydrated?
Pre-treat lemons with a lemon juice solution to help prevent browning and retain their color during dehydration.
Do dehydrated lemons go bad?
Yes, dehydrated lemons can go bad over time, but they have a longer shelf life than fresh lemons when stored properly in an airtight container.
Do dehydrated lemons need to be refrigerated?
No, dehydrated lemons do not need refrigeration but should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Are dried orange slices better in an oven or dehydrator?
Both methods work well, but a dehydrator provides more consistent heat and air circulation, resulting in better-quality dried orange slices.
How do you know when orange slices are done dehydrating?
Orange slices are done dehydrating when they are fully dry, slightly pliable, and no longer sticky.
What temperature do you dehydrate citrus?
Dehydrate citrus at a temperature of 130-140°F (54-60°C) for optimal results.
Conclusion
Voilà! Your delightful candied citrus slices are ready to garnish your favorite cakes, desserts, and drinks, or to enjoy on their own, perhaps even dipped in chocolate. I hope you loved this recipe!
Feel free to leave a comment, and bookmark for more tasty recipes to come. Thanks for reading!
