Dehydrated Lemon, Lime, & Orange Slices Recipe

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.