Prolong citrus season by dehydrating these bright fruits! From sweet Cara Cara oranges to tangy grapefruits, any type of citrus can be dehydrated. This is easiest with the help of a food dehydrator , but you can use your own oven. For a uniform look, be sure to slice your citrus evenly. The thinner the slice, the faster this process will be.
With a Dehydrator
If you have a food dehydrator, then set it to 125°F-135°F. At that temperature, it will take anywhere from 6-12 hours to dry the fruit, depending on the thickness. Lay slices on the trays ¼” apart. You may have to flip them once to ensure even dehydration.
With an Oven
No dehydrator? No problem! You can still make dehydrated citrus in your home oven! Preheat your oven to 200°F. Line some baking sheets with parchment and lay down the slices ¼” apart on the sheets. Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping over halfway through. Check them to make sure they are completely dry because if there is still moisture left, they will spoil.
Feel free to sprinkle sugar or spices before drying your citrus. However, be careful of sugar, as it can cause the slices to burn as they caramelize. Simply keep an eye on your fruit as they near the end of the drying process. Enjoy these beautiful gems hung in garlands for home décor, or as part of a potpourri. And, being fruit, they’re edible, too! Snack on your citrus, infuse them in hot or iced teas, or add them to stews. For the cocktail aficionado, try them as a garnish or as an ingredient in mulled wine or cider to bring some sunshine to the winter chill.
What will you be doing with your winter citrus? Discover some juicy deals in our flyer or at a store near you, and share your recipes with us on social!
