Dried Orange & Lemon Slices Recipe
Introduction
Dried orange and lemon slices make a beautiful and fragrant addition to your home decor or gifts. They’re easy to prepare and offer a natural, citrusy charm that brightens any space.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, unpeeled and thinly sliced into 2mm-thick rounds
- 1 lemon, unpeeled and thinly sliced into 2mm-thick rounds
- Cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, or cardamom pods, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange the citrus slices in a single layer on two baking trays lined with baking parchment.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 110°C (90°C fan)/gas mark ¼. Bake the slices for 2 hours, turning the trays around halfway through to ensure even drying.
- Step 3: Check the slices after 1 hour 15 minutes, removing any orange slices that are drying out too quickly to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Continue baking the remaining slices until all are firm and dry.
- Step 5: Let the slices cool completely on the tray before packaging them with your choice of garnishes for added fragrance and decoration.
Tips & Variations
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to get even, thin slices that dry uniformly.
- If you prefer, add a sprinkle of sugar before drying for a touch of sweetness and sparkle.
- Try different garnishes like star anise or cloves for additional aroma and festive flair.
- Store in an airtight container to keep slices crisp and avoid moisture.
Storage
Keep dried citrus slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, place them in a sealed bag and refrigerate. Avoid humidity to maintain their crispiness. Reheating is not necessary; simply use as decoration or garnish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits besides orange and lemon?
Yes, limes, grapefruits, or tangerines work well when sliced thinly and dried the same way.
What is the best thickness for slicing the citrus?
About 2mm thick slices are ideal to ensure even drying without burning or undercooking.
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Dried Orange & Lemon Slices Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20–25 dried citrus slices 1x
Description
Delightfully simple and fragrant, these dried orange and lemon slices make a perfect all-natural garnish or flavorful decoration. Thinly sliced and gently baked to dryness, the citrus retains a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, ideal for enhancing drinks, desserts, or festive displays. Optional garnishes like cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, or cardamom pods add aromatic complexity.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 orange, unpeeled and thinly sliced into 2mm-thick rounds
- 1 lemon, unpeeled and thinly sliced into 2mm-thick rounds
- Cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, or cardamom pods, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Slices: Slice the orange and lemon into thin, 2mm-thick rounds without peeling them. Take care to keep slices uniform for even drying.
- Arrange on Trays: Line two baking trays with baking parchment and arrange the citrus slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 110°C (90°C fan) or gas mark ¼, preparing for low and slow baking.
- Bake the Citrus: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 2 hours, turning the trays halfway through cooking to ensure even drying.
- Monitor Slices: After about 1 hour and 15 minutes, check the slices carefully. Remove any orange slices that are drying too quickly to prevent burning, and continue baking the remaining slices.
- Cool Completely: Once the slices have dried and become firm, remove the trays and leave the slices to cool completely on the baking parchment.
- Package and Garnish: Store the cooled dried citrus slices with optional garnishes such as cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, or cardamom pods for added fragrance and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure slices are consistently 2mm thick to achieve even drying.
- Monitor the slices carefully to avoid over-drying or burning.
- Store dried citrus in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Use dried slices as garnishes for cocktails, teas, or festive decoration.
- You can customize garnishes according to your flavor preferences and occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Snack, Garnish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: dried orange slices, dried lemon slices, citrus garnish, baked citrus, natural garnish, festive decoration, homemade dried fruit
