How To Dehydrate Citrus In A Dehydrator

Once you know how to dehydrate citrus you will never look back. Dehydrating citrus is super easy and looks beautiful!

This is a great way to preserve fresh citrus either from your own trees or if you are buying them from a market. They can be used in so many ways from garnishing food, drink and desserts to making beautiful home decor.

I’m sure you are eager to get started so let’s start with some simple tips first!

Dehydrating Citrus Tips

1. Wash the outside as you will be using the whole fruit before slicing.
2. Use a serrated knife like a bread knife will make it so much easier when slicing the citrus. Or you can use a mandoline slicer for quick even slicing.
3. Be patient and allow them to dehydrate at a lower temperature for longer so they keep their vibrant colours and will reduce sourness.

How To Dehydrate Citrus In A Dehydrator

1. Wash all your citrus well and then dry them well.
2. Slice citrus into 1/4 inch slices and place them on a dehydrator tray. Make sure they don’t overlap.

3. Place the trays into the dehydrator.

4. Dehydrate at 40C/105F for 18-24 hours.

5. Once citrus has cooled down store them in an airtight container until ready to use.

How To Store Dehydrated Citrus

Properly dehydrated citrus should be stored in an airtight container. Moisture will cause your citrus to start going off. I keep mine in a glass mason jar with a tight lid on the shelf because they are so pretty to look at.

Allow your citrus to completely cool before storing and make sure you store them away from direct sunlight. You can also keep them in ziploc bags.

What To Do With Dehydrated Citrus

There are so many different ways you can use dehydrated citrus! Here are some fun and delicious ways to use them!

1. Use them to flavour drinks like water, teas, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
2. Citrus can be added to garnish drink and desserts.
3. Place them on top of fish or meats when cooking to add a citrus flavour.
4. Make simmer jars to add a lovely scent to your home!
5. You can blend them into a powder to make a citrus rub.
6. Dip them in chocolate specifically orange or grapefruit slices.
7. Use them in crafts from decorating Wreaths, to making potpourri or garlands and more!

If you try and love this recipe don’t forget to come back and give it a 5-star review!

Questions and Answers

Can I dehydrate citrus in the oven?

Yes, you can definitely dehydrate citrus in the oven.

How long does dehydrated citrus last?

Properly dried and stored dehydrated citrus can last up to a year, if not even longer. They taste the best and look the best if used within a year.

How long does it take to dehydrate citrus in a dehydrator?

It can take anywhere from 16 to 24 or more hours to dehydrate citrus. This depends on the thickness the citrus was sliced and also the temperature you choose to dehydrate them at. The lower the temperature the better the results but the longer it takes to dry.

The higher the temperature the faster they will dehydrate but the colour tends to go dark, so they aren’t as pretty.