Intense bitter and citrusy flavor with crunchy outside texture, dried limes are widely used in cakes, stews, soups, and sauces.
Dehydrating limes is much easier to do than oranges since they are less juicy which helps to reduce the drying time. A dehydrator is commonly used, but an oven works well to dry fruits and perfectly dehydrate limes.
How do you dehydrate limes in oven? To dehydrate limes in the oven, wash the skin well and slice the limes ⅛” to ¼” thick using a sharp knife or mandolin.
Arrange the slices in a single layer on a wire rack with parchment paper lined baking tray underneath. Give enough space between the slices for good air circulation to flow around each piece.
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 65 degrees Celsius. Leave the oven door open during drying process to let the steam escape.
Dry for 2 to 4 hours, and flip the limes or rotate the rack every 30 minutes to ensure even drying and compensate for any hot spots in the oven.
Removing water content in limes helps to concentrate the nutrients including potassium, making it very useful to strengthen the heart muscle and regulate blood circulation. Also, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
Limes are easy to dry in the oven to use as decorating or healthy snacks. But without right temperature and proper technique, limes tend to burn or turn a brown color.
Answered below are frequently asked questions about dehydrating limes in the oven. This article shares technique and temperature setting to make oven dried limes to use in your favorite recipes.
Can you dry limes in the oven?
Yes, you can dry limes in the oven. A convection oven is a quick and easy way to preserve limes by removing water to prevent bacteria from growing and spoiling the citrus.
It is much easier to dry limes compared to oranges and lemons. Set a low temperature and circulate the oven fan to prevent burning.
Oven drying also makes it easier to prevent the natural sugars in limes from turning brown once they pass the drying process and start overcooking or burning.
How do you dehydrate lime in the oven?
Dehydrating fruit, especially citrus, is easy to do in an oven. If a dehydrator is not accessible, an oven makes a perfect substitute to get the job done.
Start by scrubbing the limes to remove any dirt or dust on the skin. Slice the limes into ⅛” to ¼” thickness for best results.
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 65 degrees Celsius.
Place the sliced lime slices in a single layer on a wire rack. A baking tray lined with parchment paper underneath will collect any drippings while during the drying process.
Dehydrate for 2 to 4 hours depend on the amount of limes, thickness and actual internal temperature of the oven.
Check the dryness every 30 minutes and flip the slices on the other side for even doneness. If the oven has any hotspots, rotate the rack to ensure every piece gets good air circulation.
What temperature do you dehydrate limes at?
The ideal temperature to dehydrate limes is at 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 65 degrees Celsius. Anything higher than the recommended temperature may burn the lime slices.
The oven temperature setting may vary due to the thickness of limes and the condition of oven. Using a low temperature is best place to begin since the dehydration process is meant to draw out all of the moisture.
Consider placing an oven thermometer inside the oven to get accurate reading of the internal temp.
How long do dehydrated limes last?
When limes are dehydrated properly with no moisture remaining, they may last up to 2 years in an airtight container. Be sure to dehydrate them long enough to eliminate all moisture from inside the fruit.
Make sure that once dried limes are removed from the oven that they are completely cooled down before storing in a container. If they are still warm or steaming, then condensation can build up inside the container and result in mold growth.
Storing in a cool, dark and dry area or pantry to preserve the flavor and texture. Keep in mind that how long dried limes lasts depend on the how much of the moisture has been removed and how well they are stored.
Tips to dehydrate limes in oven
Similar to lemons, limes are easy to dehydrate. They make beautiful decorative garnishes to add to baked goods and cocktails.
If a dehydrator is not available, an oven makes the perfect alternative solution. In order to successfully dehydrate limes in the oven, review these helpful tips:
- Wash the outer skin of the lime to remove any wax or debris.
- Thinly slice the lime into ⅛” to ¼” thickness.
- Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and release moisture easily.
- Use an oven thermometer to get an accurate temperature setting.
- Allow the dried limes to fully cool down before storing in an airtight container.
- Avoid increasing the recommended temperature to speed up the process because it may cause the lime to burn or start cooking.
Dehydrating Limes in Oven: Conclusion
Sour, bitter, and explosion of citrus flavor, dehydrated limes make a wonderful garnishment to use in sweet and savory dishes to add a kick. Removing the water content from limes gives it a deep taste and concentrates the nutrients.
In general, dehydrating fruit is done in a dehydrator, but an oven is equally effective in this occasion.
Wash the limes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Slice thinly into ⅛” to ¼” width thickness to make the drying process easier.
Arrange in a single layer on a wire rack with parchment paper covered baking tray underneath to catch any liquid that drips during the dehydrating process.
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 65 degrees Celsius. Dehydrate for 2 to 4 hours, and check the dryness of lime slices every 30 minutes to prevent burning or overcooking.
If needed, flip the slices on the other side and rotate the tray for even heating all around.
When using older oven, place an oven thermometer in the back of the oven to get an accurate read on the internal temperature. Dehydrating limes in the oven requires precision with regards to temperature and timing.
Once done, allow the limes to completely cool at room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark and dry area, and use as a decorative garnish or inside your favorite recipes