Dehydrating Foods

 Dehydrated Citrus Fruit

I love oranges and lemons added to my teas, the flavors are amazing in different seasons. Lemons and limes for summer makes a nice refreshing drink as lemon tea. The oranges and grapefruit for Fall and winter mixed with Fall spiced, brings a sense of comfort on a cold day when you want something different than Hot Cocoa. 

I use Dehydrator books as guidelines to follow for safe dehydrating. ( Can be purchased online or in book stores) There are several Dehydrators on the market. I have an Excalibur, which I absolutely love. But you can also use the presto from Walmart and have a successful dehydrating experience. 

These instructions can be used for both set temperature or preset Dehydrators. ( On a preset after a few hours check your progress, as their temperatures are usually higher.). Use a  nice firm but ripe citrus fruit. ( You don't want to use overripe fruit or mushy.)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEHYDRATING CITRUS FRUIT

SLICES

Preparation: Wash your citrus of choice, Cut citrus crosswise into slices about 1/4 inch thick. 

Drying: Place slices on a mesh drying trays. Dry at 135 degrees (Excalibur setting), or if a preset turn on your dehydrator once trays are full. NOTE** Don't crowd your slices leave some space between them for even air flow. 

TIME: Limes and oranges: 16-18 hours; Lemons: 18-20 hours: Grapefruit: 22-24 hours. (Again depends on your dehydrator, just keep an eye on them after 6 hours.)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: If possible, flip the slices several times so they dry evenly. 

Doneness test: Slices should be firm, brittle and no longer pliable. To be sure remove tray from your dehydrator all to cool completely making sure no moisture is left on your citus. If there is moisture put tray back in your dehydrator and check again keeping an eye on them. Retest to same way.

Once all is finished seal in an air tight container ( a good sealing container with lid, or a glass jar) with a moisture pack and store for later use. 

Hope you enjoy this as much as I do, leave a message and let me know what you think, or if you have any questions. Be sure to subscribe or follow. Until next time, have a Blessed day.