Homemade Dehydrated Limes

These homemade dehydrated limes are the perfect preserved citrus to have on hand. Make them at home in your dehydrator, air fryer, or oven.

 

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Imagine adding citrus flavor to your favorite dishes and drinks without the hassle of slicing and juicing fresh limes. Dehydrated limes are the answer!

They add a unique taste to your culinary creations, offer a long shelf life, and are easy to store. The process of dehydrating limes is straightforward. You only need to slice, spread on a dehydrator, and dehydrate until dry.

Once you dehydrate limes, you can use them for many things. I like to add dehydrated limes to cocktails or add them to water for refreshing lime water.

Once you start dehydrating your fruit, you'll want to dehydrate everything. Check out these dehydrated strawberries if you love dried fruit.

Ingredients

• Fresh limes - washed and dried.

Tools Needed

• cutting board
• mandolin or sharp knife - I love this handheld mandolin.
• Dehydrator - This smaller dehydrator is my favorite right now.

How to Dehydrate Limes

Cutting the Limes

To achieve the perfect thickness and consistency when slicing limes for dehydration, use a sharp knife or mandoline. When using a mandoline, wear a protective cutting glove to prevent accidents. To make slicing easier, cut the end of the lime to give yourself a flat surface before placing it on the mandoline or slicing with a knife.

Even slicing is essential for uniform drying, so take your time and ensure each slice is approximately ⅛-1/4 inch thick. Properly sliced limes will result in evenly dried lime slices, ready for various creative uses.

How to Dehydrate Limes in a Dehydrator

Using a dehydrator is my favorite method for dehydrating limes, as it provides optimal control over temperature and drying times. To use a dehydrator for lime dehydration, first place evenly sliced limes on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not touching each other. Set the dehydrator to a temperature of 125°F / 40°C, highly recommended for dehydrating limes.

Drying times can range from 8-12 hours, depending on the thickness of the lime slices and the dehydrator’s efficiency.

Once the lime slices are thoroughly dried, remove them from the dehydrator and let them cool before storing them in an airtight container.

Other Methods for Dehydrating Limes

Air Fryer

Many air fryers have dehydrator functions. To dehydrate limes in the air fryer, set the temperature to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Dehydrate for 6-10 hours until the limes are dried.

Oven

To use an oven for lime dehydration, preheat it to a low temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Place evenly sliced limes on parchment paper-lined baking trays, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Dry the lime slices for about 2-4 hours, flipping them every 30 minutes to ensure even drying. Keep an eye on the lime slices as they dry, as oven temperatures may vary.

When you place lime slices on the fully dried tray, remove them from the oven and let them cool before storing them in an airtight container.

The best Limes to use

Late winter and early spring are the best times to purchase fresh limes, ensuring you get the most flavorful and juicy citrus for dehydration.

When selecting limes for dehydration, it’s essential to look for ones free of blemishes and with a uniform green color. The skin should be smooth and glossy, indicating freshness. Remember, fresh limes are essential for achieving the best results in your dehydrated lime adventure.

I also like my dehydrated limes to have some juice in them. Give them a slight squeeze to ensure they are ripe and filled with wonderful lime juice. Even though it'll be dehydrated, these limes have the best flavor.

How to store

Using airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, is the best for storing dehydrated limes. They help keep the limes dry and prevent moisture from entering the container.

To further ensure moisture control, add a food-safe silicone pack to the storage container to absorb any accumulated moisture.

Properly stored dehydrated limes can last up to a year, providing a long-lasting source of citrus flavor for your culinary creations.

How to use Dehydrated Limes

Dehydrated limes offer a world of exciting possibilities for culinary and beverage applications.

• Add a burst of citrus flavor to sweet and savory dishes
• Enhance cocktails, mocktails, and teas. I like to pop one in my water bottle in the mornings.
• Turn the limes into ground lime powder by running it through a blender. Add it to soups and stews, providing a tangy flavor.
• Try using dehydrated lime slices as a garnish.

How to rehydrate dried limes

To rehydrate them, add them to water and allow them to soak for a couple of hours. I tend to use dried limes without rehydrating them first.

Dehydrating Limes Turning Brown

Dehydrated limes will sometimes turn brown after storage. This is normal and does not affect the flavor of the limes.

Also, if limes are dehydrated at a higher temperature, they will turn brown during the dehydrated phase. It's best to keep the temperature at 125 degrees Fahrenheit / 40°C or below when dehydrating.

Mold Prevention

Store your dehydrated limes in an airtight container in a cool, dry place with plenty of air circulation to avoid mold growth.

Frequently Asked Questions