Drying lemon, orange and other citrus fruits in slices is easy, and they can be used in so many ways. From decorating to enhancing your living space and adding a pop of flavor, here’s how.
Drying Citrus Slices
- Preheat the oven to 200°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
- If you like, you can sprinkle them with superfine sugar.
- Slice your lemons, oranges, limes or other citrus fruit about 1/4-inch thick crosswise
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake in the oven for about 2 to 3 hours for lemons and limes, and up to 4 to 5 hours for oranges.
- The slices should be stiff and dry to the touch.
They will last for several weeks.
DIY Citrus Potpourri
Every day, there is more research that tells us that odors can affect mood, thought, concentration and much more. Add a bouquet that’s past its display date, and you can create a DIY potpourri with a luscious scent.
NOTE: It’s a long process if you’re starting with a bouquet that’s just starting to wilt – be patient. You can also add additional essential oils to ramp up the fragrance, including sweet orange and lemon.
Old floral bouquet
Dried orange slices
Dried lemon slices
- As your bouquet begins to droop and dry out, tie the flowers together with string, and hang them upside down.
- After about 3 to 4 weeks, they should be nicely dried without losing too much color.
- When they are ready, blend with dried orange and lemon slices, and place in an airtight container.
- Leave the container for about a week so that the fragrances blend.
- When it’s ready to use, simply place in a bowl.
- If you are using essential oils, you can add a little more to prolong the effect once the scent begins to fade.
Flavor Boost
You can add an instant infusion of citrus goodness to your cooking by popping in a dried slice or two. They add an intense pop of flavor.
- Add to tea, hot toddy or iced tea;
- Pop into your favorite cocktail;
- Add to a cheese or charcuterie board;
- Chop and use in cooking.
Festive Decorations
With their gorgeous colors, dried citrus fruit slices make delightful decorations. String them together for a garland you can hang on the mantle, a Christmas tree, or along wainscotting.
