Dehydrated citrus slices like lemons, limes, and oranges are a great way to preserve them for future use. This recipe includes directions for using a dehydrator or oven. The dehydrator equipment that I used is Ninja Foodi Grill Air Fryer, which has a dehydrator setting.
One of the ways I like to use and preserve my lemons is by slicing and dehydrating them. It’s very easy and there are many things you can do with them throughout the year
WAYS TO USE DEHYDRATED LEMON.
- To flavor a simple hot tea.
- Use as a garnish on cocktails
- Add to water for flavor
- Grind into powder and mix with herbs to add the citrus flavor to baked goods, soups, sauces, meats and veggies.
- I personally eat them daily. I sprinkle a bit of raw sugar and cinnamon before dehydrating lemon and devour it like candy. My homemade daily dose of the most natural Vitamin C.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lemons, thinly and evenly sliced into ¼" slices (approx 3mm). I used Meyers lemons.
- Raw sugar. I used Trader Joe's Raw cane sugar.
- Cinnamon or Chinese Five Spice, if desired.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash lemons and wipe them dry.
- Cut lemons into ¼" slices, approx. 3 mm
- Sprinkle and rub a little amount of raw sugar on both sides, to taste.
- Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon powder, if desired. Sometimes I love to use the Five spice. A Chinese spice blend that includes all five tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, salty and hot). 5 spices in one: cinnamon, anise seed, cloves, ginger and fennel seed.
- Arrange lemon slices in a single layer on a dehydrator tray
- Select Dehydrate mode. I'm using the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer/Dehydrator Combo.
- Set the temperature to 135°F/57°C
- Dehydrate for 8 hours, flipping lemons halfway. Flipping is preferred, but not required.
- After lemon has been dehydrated, enjoy it right away or store it in an air-tight container until ready to use.
OVEN METHOD
- Preheat oven to 200F/93C
- Proceed as per directions above
- Dehydrate for 4 hours.