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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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??

[@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 🍯💖

[@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.

[@jeanpowell981]

Interesting, how do you use the skins and piths for acid indigestion?

[@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!

[@plainjane5787]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@deniselogan2733]

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

[@melodyjogibson6791]

I use the peels to make Vinegar. I use it on my hair Qt jar ,fill with non chlorine water, 1/4 c sugar, and cover with a breathable cloth.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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..!

[@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.

[@tradcathpat6807]

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

[@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!

[@charlisky7531]

Your instructions are amazing 🤩. I’m brand new to dehydration and I’ve just been experimenting with stuff. After watching your videos I feel like I now understand why some stuff does/doesn’t/or seemed not to work. I’m going to binge watch your channel now like a Hollywood mini series 😍 Thank you so much…much love from a mom in Ireland

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can do it! Thanks for watching!

[@littlebrookreader949]

Hi! I ❤️❤️❤️ Ireland! (Mississippi here)

[@Katya-zj7ni]

@@littlebrookreader949 hi from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, great we’re all learning together x

[@suzycowan5072]

@Katya7, @Charli Sky, and @Little Brook Reader - Hello from Pataskala, Ohio/USA, I love that we can all learn from Darcy. It's like she takes us all by the hand at the same time and walks us through each step, she is such a great teacher. She is reaching out to anyone who wishes to have the knowledge she shares. All across the globe, we are one big happy dehydrating family. Blessing to you always ~SuzyJC~

[@leannekenyoung]

So true! Hi from Toronto, Canada!❤️🇨🇦

[@adolfhitmaker8639]

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

[@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 .

[@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!

[@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.

[@FidoHouse]

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

[@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!

[@saraxles]

I love that you knew we call it baking paper ✨

[@deirdreocarroll1975]

In Ireland we call it greaseproof paper 🤣👌

[@tiffcat1100]

@@deirdreocarroll1975 Same in England

[@bookishgiraffe8905]

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

[@quinlan6968]

Sammmee

[@xxbigkisses]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@RiceaRoni354]

Love your mandolin

[@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

[@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. :-)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 😄!

[@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.

[@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

[@mindalick8867]

i use corn cob skewers to hold the citrus while i cut

[@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! 🤗💛

[@elizaC3024]

Thanks Darcy 😊

[@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

[@carriehorn7660]

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

[@kgoak5765]

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

[@jeanniewright2554]

Thank you! This is my first project!

[@rhondagillespie6031]

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

[@stephaniebell9093]

Yes I have shaved some off my thumb on the mandolin.

[@suzycowan5072]

Hi Darcy, thank you so much for this informative video. I had forgotten about putting the citrus peels into vinegar for cleaning. Not sure why, I used to do it all the time when the kids still lived at home. I think I will start doing it again as we invited our youngest to move back in with us so that he can continue to work at the hospital and also go back to school for his nursing degree. And I do so love looking after his beautiful Huskey with him being so busy now. Since he eats a lot of fruit, it will give me an opportunity to restock my citrus zest and powders again. I have a tip for your viewers, when I use my peeler to peel off the citrus peel to make my zest or powder, sometimes I dig a little too deep and end up with pith on my peel. What I will do to remedy this is to take my small paring knife and run it in between the pith and peel as close as I can get it to the peel and remove the unwanted pith. It takes a little more time, but it is better than wasting the whole peel just because of a mistake. Now, I have a question for you Darcy, after I have removed the peel for the zest and I have sliced the citrus and dehydrated them, can I still pop off the dried pith and put it in my vinegar to make cleaner, or does that have to be done pre-dehydrating? Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us and making such easy-to-follow videos. You are a great teacher Darcy, and I know making videos is not an easy job. May God Bless you and your family always. May you always be happy, healthy, and safe. And may you always have prosperity in all your endeavors, especially those where you are helping others learn. Many Blessing to you always.!! ~SuzyJC-in-Pataskala-Ohio/USA_09.14.2022~

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I wouldn't bother using the only-pith portions. The outer peel/zest is what really gives vinegar the cleaning power because of the essential oils, but it's not worth separating the two to create it. But pith only isn't going to get the same effect. Mine gets tossed into the compost if I have a lot of it.

[@elizaC3024]

I got oranges, lemons and limes on clearance, so now I know what to do with them.

[@Kotyk_Murkotyk]

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

[@RosanneWilton]

I have always used my food dryer to dry zest. It works perfectly. Then I like to put the dried zest in the blender and get a lovely powder. It certainly does Not blow around. It goes in wet. The trick is to put it on parchment paper or the solid sheets for your dryer.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's not wet - it's oil ;)

[@RosanneWilton]

Wet was not the perfect term, but the point has been missed. You said "not to do that because it would blow all over." I was just sharing that was not correct based on personal experience.

[@kristinect]

I dry the pith and grind it up to add to jams instead of pectin.

[@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.😊

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@idellasiebers6462]

Actually I slice mine thin and do them in oven at 200 and it takes half the time and nice crispy chips,can eat the whole thing😊

[@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

[@lindagalloway9699]

I have been eating pith since I was a little girl. Everyone says it’s bitter. I love sour. There must be something wrong with my taste buds. I love oranges. I would always eat the pith too. I loved a large pith.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!

[@MasterDebater47]

I have the same mandolin and it does come with a safety thing to hold the things youre slicing. It seems easier to use than the glove you used. Even though you had the glove on, I still got the chills 😅

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I have way more control over the mandoline and slicing with my glove than I do with the guard.

[@pinkeyswear3226]

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

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Wow, thank you

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

Excellent video! Easy instructions and beautiful job!

[@susansailors1716]

4 weeks ago you did a vid on food saver jar sealers. You can get them on Amazon now. You get a reg and wide mouth and a tube for 21.72. I ordered a second set for myself because they do wear out.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep - this time they've been in stock for five days or so - hopefully we're out of the slump!

[@macierobinson5165]

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

[@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!

[@Cherbear609]

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

[@Goggans]

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

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

I love it because the food looks so beautiful stored.

[@dlebreton7888]

I love watching your videos, but I do not have a dehydrator. Could you maybe give the instructions for the oven too?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYakpYCMaNJjn9E

[@phyllisbarry9168]

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

[@Beesmakelifegoo]

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

[@muscle-mommy]

Thank you so much for this! I was so confused why my lemons were so brown I was following instructions from google😂

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

lol - well, that'll teach ya to use Google :D :D :D I'm glad you figured it out!

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

Love the cat

[@gelignite664]

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

[@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.

[@aprilcarr8079]

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

[@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!!

[@michellemc4175]

Orange zest is terrific in potato salad, too.

[@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

[@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

[@suzannestewart4044]

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

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You got this!

[@yahushahamashiachiswarlike]

thanks for that cleaner tip

[@sheliaheverin8822]

I always wondered why they always turned dark. I'm going to make some for tea.

[@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

[@antionettehenry3016]

Hi, I’m new to dehydrating and I would like to know the shelf life after dehydration? Really glad I found your channel. Thank you for all the detailed information.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

2 years -ish. You may get longer with starchier, heartier foods, less with some fruits, tomatoes etc.

[@vonsquirrel8378]

Thanks. This video came at just the right time

[@Akforgetmenot]

Thanks for info. Getting ready to dehydrate some oranges.

[@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.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

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

[@josiethornton7049]

You answered all my questions. Thank you very much.

[@sheilarogers3448]

The citrus cleaner add a little bit of dawn for heavy grease

[@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!

[@moscamja]

Thank you, you video was very thurough and informative.