Easy Oven-Dried Orange and Lemon Slices
Transform fresh citrus into beautiful, aromatic dried slices perfect for garnishing drinks, decorating cakes, or creating festive holiday crafts. This simple low-and-slow oven method preserves the vibrant colors and concentrated flavors of oranges and lemons.
Servings30 Portions
Prep Time5 Mins
Cook Time120 Mins
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
30
- orange1 pc
- lemon1 pc
- cinnamon sticks bay leaves, rosemary sprigs or cardamom pods, to garnish1 to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
01
Preheat your oven to 110°C (90°C fan/gas ¼) and line two large baking trays with parchment paper.
02
Slice the unpeeled orange and lemon into uniform rounds, approximately 2mm thick, using a sharp knife or mandoline.
03
Arrange the citrus slices in a single layer across the prepared baking trays, ensuring they do not overlap.
04
Bake for about 2 hours until the slices are firm and dry to the touch. Rotate the trays halfway through to ensure even drying.
05
Begin checking the progress after 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove any thinner slices that have dried out early to prevent them from over-browning, then continue drying the rest.
06
Allow the slices to cool completely on the trays before storing or packaging them with your choice of aromatic garnishes.
Chef's Tips
For perfectly even drying, a mandoline is highly recommended. If you plan to use these as holiday ornaments, use a skewer to poke a small hole near the top of each slice before baking. Store the finished slices in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain their vibrant color.
