How to Dehydrate Citrus: Limes, Lemons, Oranges, Grapefruit and more! Drying citrus for the pantry!

Learn to dehydrate citrus to use all year long for teas, cooking, baking, and more! CLICK SEE MORE
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TIME STAMPS
0:00 How to Dehydrate Citrus
0:53 Equipment & prep
3:38 DIY Citrus Vinegar Cleaner
6:38 Dehydrating Citrus
112:00 Why does citrus turn dark when dried?
15:14 Helpful tips & storage

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Are you a fan of dehydrated citrus? Be sure to get the instructions here and download your recipe card for your recipe binder: www.thepurposefulpantry.com/dehydrate-citrus/

[@coolstamper]

TY!!! 💕

[@THECRANKYONE]

I have really been dehydrating a lot of foods. Never citrus. However, I am thinking about the supply chain interruptions and food shortages looming on the horizon. I have a deep feeling that it will be very bad soon. What better way to have needed citrus in the winter months, when noone else has any.

[@trishameloling2367]

You should do a video how to make our own dried orange peel herb

[@miaace5070]

I ended up with 40 grapefruit last year from our FFA sales we decided to dehydrate 30 the 20 we sliced and the 10 we chose to cut off the ends and slice the rine all the way to expose the flesh so you have a whole exposed grapefruit and with a very sharp knife cut the wedges out so all you have are pulp wedges and I tell you what it was like candy. It's a lot of work but faster than peeling and doing it wedge by wedge. 😊

[@debbiemeadors3775]

Which is better dehydrated or freeze dried citrus

[@JennTN411]

About every six months, I get the gumption to use the mandolin slicer again. I slice my finger or thumb EVERY TIME. Then away it goes back into the cabinet until I feel froggy again. My next Amazon search will be one of those damn gloves 🤣🤣🙈

[@59Drauz]

The glove is the only way to use a mandolin!

[@KoniB.]

I had my finger sewed TWICE until I bought some gloves. Now It is a breeze and I am no longer scared to use my mandolin. Get the gloves!

[@BulletproofPastor]

A neighbor has a beautiful orange tree that produces some of the most bitter oranges you can imagine. It's right by her fence and amusing that some people stop to "steal" her oranges... but never twice. I asked and she was glad to be rid of some but also offered me as many as I cared to pick of her delicious Mandarin oranges that grew in the middle of her back yard (that's a message to would be thieves.) I still gathered a bag of the sour oranges and made vinegar from them. It proved the best cleaner ever and lasted a full year.

[@nicolascott9928]

sound like Seville ornages - bitter but make wonderful marmalade

[@shaw.sr7695]

Great idea to use bitter oranges. There is a dwarf orange tree in my front yard that produces bitter oranges. Was told they are only good for marmalade. A citrus cleaner is another great use.

[@GradeBmoviefan]

Bitter orange = Naranja Agria. It is wonderful to cook with! I love it with pork. ~Sharon from Florida

[@kellywalton4195]

They are probably picking them too early. I used to pick mine in December, no I wait until late Jan or Feb and they are SWEET and juicy!

[@marygallagher3428]

Thanks for the great demo Darcy!

[@josiethornton7049]

You answered all my questions. Thank you very much.

[@Katya-zj7ni]

You can bring the whole peel to the boil, drain , use clean water and boil again. The white pith can then be stripped off easily and the peel is also cleaned. That’s how I make my candied peel for pannetone at Christmas.

[@simonesmit6708]

Ooooooh. Thanks for the info. Getting rid of the pith has been stopping me from this.

[@susananderson9619]

How do you get the pitch off with out the peel falling off?

[@juliewatson2281]

The peel is what you want to keep. It holds the citrus oil. It is what gives the flavor to lemons, oranges, etc. you are better off using the peel of a citrus than the actual flesh. Dump the pith, not the peel.

[@leannekenyoung]

So let me understand do you boil the whole orange first and then remove the peel and then boil just the peel then the pith is easy to remove from the peel??

[@sharmeebradbury3263]

Awww love your kitty in the back ground!! Awesome video Darcy. I received an abundance of oranges so I need to find out exactly what to do, so I came to watch the dehydrating queen. 💕

[@Bmoore126]

Thank you thank you thank you! Especially for the low temperature suggestion. I’m using mine to decorate the top of my handmade soaps

[@RiceaRoni354]

Love your mandolin

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

I love it because the food looks so beautiful stored.

[@vonsquirrel8378]

Thanks. This video came at just the right time

[@susantaylor8507]

That's beautiful fruit I been wanting to dry some for awhile

[@robynsjewelryideas]

I like to add dehydrated oranges, minus any peel and pith, into oatmeal with cranberries when I'm cooking it. I use dehydrated apples with raisins in oatmeal as well.

[@tiffcat1100]

I am using my dehydrated citrus endings/tiny chips minus the stalk to make a tea with hot water, fresh ginger and tiny amount of optional maple syrup or honey. I pop a dehydrated citrus slice with fresh mint either into cold water in a biggish jar to take to work or upstairs as a night drink 🍊

[@suzycowan5072]

@@tiffcat1100 - Thank you so much for these tips, what a wonderful tea blend or flavored water, so refreshing. A tiny bit of clove with the honey and it would be so close in flavor to a chia tea... Yum

[@tiffcat1100]

@@suzycowan5072 Mmmm, I love spices (& herbs) 😊 ps I love a ‘chai tea’ with hot frothed plant based milk/cinnamon/ginger/freshly grated nutmeg and a kiss of honey 🍯💖

[@Cherbear609]

Great video! Thanks for covering all the bases/ I have a much better understanding of the entire process. 👍👍

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

Excellent video! Easy instructions and beautiful job!

[@macierobinson5165]

Awesome video, thanks I have a new dehydrator I will now use.

[@heavyhorse7506]

"sorry a bout the cat" lol I was looking around here for which of my 3 cats were going off! Great tips, thanks for the down under speak-loved it! ♥ thanks so much for sharing!

[@jeanniewright2554]

Thank you! This is my first project!

[@marcymoran6481]

Thanks so much for this “how to” video! I’m seeing this 2 months after release date, but that never matters! I got a food dehydrator for Christmas 2020, and tried to do this but I failed twice. The first time, they weren’t done and got moldy. The second time, they were a bit burned, but ok. Now I just need to use a lower temperature, and I’m sure I’ll be fine! I live on Florida’s Gulf coast, west of Tampa Bay and it’s really humid here, but I loved this video!

[@mousiebrown1747]

I am so glad to find your site. I have plans……..& hopes! Pickling too, if I ever start the cucumber seeds!

[@janetshaffer423]

You are so pleasant to listen to. I am looking for a dehydrator and this brand looks good so far. Hanks for teaching me.

[@Akforgetmenot]

Thanks for info. Getting ready to dehydrate some oranges.

[@robertarensberry713]

Thank you so much. I got my dehydrator, and the meats, vegetables and fruit for dehydrating, then realized the pamphlet that came with it was limited on instructions and recipes. My time is limited, and you have helped me too at least get started.

[@deniselogan2733]

Did 9 trays of citrus today - house smelled delicious!! Thanks for showing your mandoline & glove - made my life easy!!

[@rhondagillespie6031]

Wonderful video! I have been dehydrating lemons for a while but had no idea about the temp and color. Thanks for the tips

[@pinkeyswear3226]

I can't express how much I appreciate what you do. 🙏🏻💕Thank you

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Wow, thank you

[@Goggans]

I’m on my second year & I ran back to your channel. Thank you also for my download ❤❤❤

[@speranza8494]

Thank you so much for your guidance....I lost an entire batch because I took them out too soon. Now I know exactly what to do.

[@FidoHouse]

"Does it really matter, Darcy? It does not". I had to laugh. I've had that conversation myself. 😀 Great video. My next project!

[@porterstailey5888]

Hey! Thankyou these are going to make the best gift for my grandma this year! Most helpful video I’ve found in doing this

[@MouseToes]

I KNEW where to come for dehydrating issues on Fruit! So thankful you go into so much detail particularly on WHY they can look so brown. My first oranges I thought I had ruined them but your explanation on the sugars and using a lower temperature really makes sense. Thanks for all you share!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome, Mouse! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@phyllisbarry9168]

Thank you for sharing. I didn't know how or what I did wrong. Now I know . Thank you

[@phoebesmom]

I’m dehydrating seedless grapes 🍇 and lemons 🍋 slices using your low temperature method I can’t wait to tell you how they turned out… Darcy I’m having the time of my life just before my 60th this August 2022 you are so fun to listen to I thoroughly enjoy trying everything out in my New COSORI 6 shelf…thanks to your recommendation on dehydrators..!

[@plainjane5787]

You can use the orange peels for candied orange peel. It's really good 👍

[@katielin2379]

I ordered my Cosori dehydrator. Looking forward to dehydrating more..

[@Beesmakelifegoo]

Terrific it looks so delicious. Thank you. You make it look easy. Bye

[@tradcathpat6807]

I've used a mandolin for years to slice very thin cucumbers and apples. Saves on my arthritis!

[@gabrielrioux1756]

Yes, Yes, Yes about the bread knife. I have been working in kitchens for what seems like forever but I always use a bread knife for my fruits. I get weird looks till I can convince them to use one.

[@lbbutant]

We also love using the ends of citrus for simmer pots too. Makes the house smell so yummy!

[@rebeccasanford8607]

Howdy from East Texas! I was LITERALLY just getting ready to search for videos on citrus dehydrating

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Well, glad I could help!!!! :D

[@kimmy2011]

I enjoyed your demonstration so much. You are wonderful at explaining the steps. Thank you so much for sharing freely your expertise. So glad I found you! You are such a HUGE help!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AuntieEm294]

YOU are my best idea and resource for drying! Notwithstanding the USDA resources.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

they look pretty in the jars specially the mixed ones , you can use them as pie or cake garnish too , stocks etc so many uses

[@nancycoy9510]

I love, love your channel!!!! I had some of those brown oranges now I know where I went wrong..... Thank You!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Happy to help!

[@kgoak5765]

Very impressed you showed that mandolin glove 🧤 protection early on!! So many people gloss over this needed protection!

[@michellemc4175]

Orange zest is terrific in potato salad, too.

[@suzannestewart4044]

Thank you. I have done this yet. Now I will.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You got this!

[@cindypye578]

Thank you! I just dehydrated my first citrus. It was grapefruit. It turned out well, but we weren't favorably impressed with the bitter. Now that I've see this video I know what to do about that next time. :-)

[@elizabethcoates3024]

Thanks Darcy 😊

[@donnareeves5894]

Love this, I can't wait to get started on dehydrating citrus. Never done it before and I usually waste my fruit. This will be great!!

[@katharvey7324]

Thank you for the link to the glove. I have the same mandolin as you do. Both my mom and I ended up in the ER together after taking a chunk out of our finger while putting up corn. I’ve been meaning to purchase this glove for so long, and I just did!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Oh no!! So sorry - but yes!! Never cut without one!

[@adolfhitmaker8639]

Just dehydrated a bunch of meyer lemons. So good to plop into a glass of hot tea.

[@bettyhatheway-rausch9317]

I want to say thank you! You are a wonderful teacher and take the mystery out of dehydrating things. I have learned so much from you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Wow, thank you!

[@alospm]

Your videos are so helpful! I started dehydrating on a lark because my air fryer toaster oven has a dehydrate function. I’ve been having so much fun with it, but my air fryer only has one tray and I need that appliance available frequently throughout the day. So I ordered a cosori dehydrator!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That is awesome!

[@bookishgiraffe8905]

Of course I’d watch this after my citrus is nice and brown! 😜 Thank you so much for this video!

[@quinlan6968]

Sammmee

[@christyasay764]

This was wonderful! You always show a complete process. Options galore and possible problems to avoid. You’ve taught me so much, I feel confident each time I’m doing something new in my new hydrator. Thank you so much!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nanabanana464]

Thank you for your video. I just purchased a dehydrator in hope of saving summer fruits and veg for my pantry. Had no clue what I am doing. Your explanation was so clear I can’t wait to get started subscribed immediately don’t want to miss a thing!🍋🍊🍎

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xxbigkisses]

oh my, you could put modpodge on those and hang them on your xmas tree or as a house decoration !

[@deirdreocarroll1975]

Hello & Greetings from a new sub in Ireland 💚 THIS is the video iv been looking for, for so long. My Dehydrator is in the post. I cant wait to start using it, especially to make Christmas Decorations from Citrus Fruits. Thanks so so much for this video. 💚💚💚🍀🍀🍀

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Goggans]

Thank you❤merry Christmas 🎄 too

[@ARCSTREAMS]

we have a jar of orange zest we always make, great stuff for many things, the flavor is amazing and refreshing when i juts sprinkle a bit of it on ginger ale with gin and ice or 7up

[@donnazack]

Thank you for the color explanation, I never understood why they looked brown.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Happy to help!

[@GardenJensJourney]

Exactly!

[@aimemonclova6644]

Why do limes get brown after dehydration?

[@aimemonclova6644]

Missed that part

[@BooksbyAFoster]

Wonderful video... thank you... I am going to try this the first time I can get some lemons or oranges from my neighbors... they are ever so kind and share...

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

So nice of them!

[@lindagalloway9699]

Thank you. I am new to dehydration. I dehydrated tomatoes a couple days ago. I love them. I like just eating the dry circles. I didn’t put seasoning on them. I love the flavor. I put one in my grill cheese. I couldn’t taste it but it looked good. Maybe I cut them too thin. I like cutting them with a knife. I will try the seasoning on next time but I believe ithey are good without any. You said you had a neighbor who uses vegetable powder in a cake I . I thought I would find a recipe but I didn’t. I am enjoying your videos. Thank you.

[@moscamja]

Thank you, you video was very thurough and informative.

[@colleenmcvicker683]

“Natures stained glass windows”..you’re amazing, woman! I finally broke through my intimidation and procrastination and used my fancy, new dehydrator for the first time using your video to process my pumpkins from last Fall into powder. I can’t wait to figure out how to use this citrus dehydration recipe. The peels and pith’s are a fantastic source of vitamin C and healing for those of us who don’t make enough stomach acid and struggle with acid indigestion.

[@THECRANKYONE]

Excellent video. Well done! Thank you.

[@nigelleyland166]

Citrus fruits were some of the first dehydrating I tried, not a great success,in fact I was so dissapionted I resolved not to try again. However, with a couple of years experience gained and the very good advice offered here, Ithink I will be trtying again in the comming months. Thank you once .again.

[@SuperWhatapain]

You are amazing! I gotta get your dehydrating book!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Awesome - but it's a tips and tricks kind of book - now how to do all the things. But it's got a ton of helpful tips, especially for the beginner!

[@kaylabug0719]

@@ThePurposefulPantry is it a physical copy

[@spookyfish3792]

I love dehydrating lemons. I keep a jar around just to open and smell when i need a lift. I even gave my therapist a small jar of them for the same reason.😊

[@coolstamper]

Yummmmm those oranges are making my mouth water!!! 💕

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

So good!

[@coolstamper]

@@ThePurposefulPantry I can’t wait to try sooooo many things!!! 💕

[@Kotyk_Murkotyk]

I make Christmas garlands from them (combining with cinnamon sticks) 🎄

[@jartotable]

They look so beautiful dehydrated. Ive been taking an age to make my mind up on what to do with my next batch because lemons are so good for your health and i hate wasting a single aspect of them. I think im goind to dehydrate the skin for mead making and limoncello, the pith for pectin and jar the juice. But who cant resist to make some of stain glass windows for drinks.

[@ME2too2022]

I got oranges on sale and have little freezer space. This is perfect! I soaked them in vinegar and water and put them in my dehydrator as I watched your video! 🤗💛

[@bobleponge1301]

Love to save clementine peel. I soaked them for a day, take a spoon and remove the white part. Cut the peel in zest and cook them 1/2 and 1/2 water/sugar solution and keep them for cakes or panetone bread.

[@saraxles]

I love that you knew we call it baking paper ✨

[@deirdreocarroll1975]

In Ireland we call it greaseproof paper 🤣👌

[@tiffcat1100]

@@deirdreocarroll1975 Same in England

[@carriehorn7660]

I'm using my oranges for organic wreaths! Thought I might add another way to use them :)

[@T-pj7zt]

You are AWESOME! Sooooooooo informative! THANK YOU!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@terraranch1459]

Fabulous! This was wonderful. Hugs❤️

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thank you so much!

[@bebygirl2784]

I use a table Parmesan cheese grater to make the zest and when I place it in a bowl inside the dehydrator it comes out sort of candied, then I add it to make lemon pepper or orange seasoning as it doesn’t need sugar .

[@perywinklelily8996]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're very welcome!

[@MC-xy5cu]

I have a surplus of chillies and tomatoes, we've made passatta and have a freezer full of last year's chillies and I've been thinking about drying, I love sun dried san marzano's, but I thanks to this video - a random YT search - now have oh so many ideas! I love dried fruit, and I think we must waste more in a few months than a dryer costs. We can dry surplus fruit. And mushrooms. And bananas. And more tomatoes :D, and all the apples off our trees we don't get to eat (or make cider from). And beetroot. And... and.... the posibilities are endless.

[@aprilcarr8079]

This is exactly the video I needed perfect info and technique your the queen of dehydrating ❤️love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@soniavargasfigueroa807]

Thanku for sharing..Am intereses In this Method....Like the look Of the fruits being hydrated...Too I think It could help ,me sabe Lots Of food,,from being trashed.... Have to continúe AND learn.. Good-- luck

[@DrValerie800]

Thanks Darcy; I was about to ask what you use them for! This is very synchronistic too; I just bought a couple blood oranges and some limes. I wanted to dehydrate them because I usually don't have them sitting around fresh when I need them for some new recipe I want to try. I was thinking I'd need to juice them, dry the juice, and then powder it, but this way is much easier I think. Much prettier as well.

[@dolly7639]

I make water kefir and the dried slices provide the minerals and calcium for a healthy culture....I also string them with berries for Christmas tree decorating 😄!

[@kathyb3606]

Thank you so much for sharing. I enjoy your videos. I too dehydrate citrus, it extends our fruit season. I don't have a mandolin chopper, so instead I use my meat slicer. End results is great dried fruit.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Whatever works for you!!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I agree about the bread knife… I discovered it was much easier.

[@kajagreenberg4871]

Love this!

[@MohamedAbdi-lg9dn]

You are awesome sister good luck what you done

[@latriciacagle4873]

This came up on my feed at the perfect time. I have too many of my favorite Cara Cara oranges that I don’t want to waste. I just put the slices in the dehydrator and I ordered the glove for future uses (no fingers were harmed in this endeavor🙃). I’ll use the ends to make some cleaner. All around this was a productive morning.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Awesome!!

[@elenakurus2010]

THANK YOU AMAZING LADY !!!

[@LifeIsMessyImLearningAsIGrow]

This is a very nice recipe! I enjoy your channel! I make cooking videos to and find your work inspirational! Thank you for sharing! I subscribed and hope to learn from one another! Happy New year!

[@constanceladystormtracker2952]

Thank you so much for this information. I am new to dehydrating and am so excited to get started. My question is if I am going to use citrus for decoration, say to put in an arrangement or for a wreath, do I need to treat them with anything so they don't rehydrate from moist air and get moldy. Thanks again! I finally found a hobby I can do at home not so difficult! I am a dunce when it comes to being creative. LoL! Connie

[@Sadhell0012]

That’s excellent

[@angelabaker8162]

New to your channel! I've been binge watching for hours. Love it!! Thank you. Why do you soak the citrus in vinegar water first?

[@narir6448]

To clean them. You can use vinegar water to clean all your fruits, veggies, berries when you bring them home from the market. Just dump in the sink and let them soak, take off the stickers, give them a little scrub. Try it! It makes a world of difference

[@yahushahamashiachiswarlike]

thanks for that cleaner tip

[@user-vk6rn2kf6v]

Very good!

[@gladtidings4all]

You can put a moisture absorber in the bottom of the jar. Add the dried fruit and add an oxygen absorber lid and vacuum seal with Foodsaver vacuum sealer.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Don't use both, the O2 absorber needs a little moisture to work properly - and it's all overkill.

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

Love the cat

[@gelignite664]

Love the clip especially the "Down Under" comment. =)