The lemon fruit, even dried, is one of the healthiest fruits, rich in vitamins and minerals. The range of applications of the dried fruits is quite wide. Beautiful citrus slices can be a great decoration for any room.
Lemon peel is used in cooking and as a flavoring for drinks. They are present in the composition of a variety of sweet recipes. Lemon sponge cake, lemon cream and lemon cake are favorites of people of all ages.
This is an indispensable tool in the fight against colds, kidney stones and problems with the circulatory system. The fruit is an indispensable participant in restoring proper metabolism. Therefore, it is worth drying a few sliced citrus fruits and always having them on hand.
Only high-quality and ripened lemons are suitable for drying. Properly selected, they will retain all the beneficial properties after drying. When choosing fruits, preference should be given to ripened fruits. The ripeness is determined by the color of the peel, the condition of the pulp and juiciness. It is recommended to choose fruits of bright yellow color with thick skin, large in size, without damage or flaws. The richer the smell of fresh citrus, the more aromatic the dried fruits will be.
Before drying, the lemons should be washed in warm water and then dried well. It is recommended to lay the sliced fruits on napkins to remove the excess juice.
How can you dry a lemon?
Here are some of the most popular ways to process citrus fruits at home:
- in an electric dehydrator;
- in the oven;
- on a radiator;
- in the sun.
The choice of method depends on how quickly you need to do it. In the oven or electric dryer, the process will occur much faster than in a natural way.
Quick drying of lemons in a dehydrator
A dehydrator is a modern way of drying fruit. The device is ideal for drying lemons. The cut slices are arranged on the dehydrator's racks. In this case, the pieces should not touch each other. The drying method in a dehydrator has only one drawback: lemon circles can deform during drying and have an irregular shape. But this method has only advantages:
- Drying is better than in the oven or on the radiator.
- Minimum preparation time.
- On racks arranged in several levels, you can dry a large number of lemon slices at the same time.
- Dried lemons retain all their beneficial properties, vitamins and minerals.
Drying lemons in the oven
Processing in the oven is a great option if you do not have an electric dehydrator. To do this, you need a baking tray and baking paper. The lemon slices are laid out on a baking sheet covered with baking paper and placed in a preheated oven. To prevent the slices from burning, it is necessary to periodically check and turn the lemon circles. It is advisable to leave the oven ajar so that excess moisture evaporates faster. The time depends on how many degrees the oven is heated to. On average, the drying process lasts 4-8 hours.
The disadvantage of this method of drying lemons in the oven is that during the drying period it is necessary to pull out the baking tray with citrus several times to cool and then put them back in the oven. This will avoid uneven drying of the fruit, over drying, and will allow you to control the correct shape of the circles. The main advantage of drying in the oven is the speed and simplicity of the process.
Drying lemons on a radiator
This method is relevant during the cold season. Dehydration of citrus fruits on radiators is considered the most budget friendly option. The fruit slices are attached to cardboard in which holes are made in advance. Then everything is placed on the radiators and dried for 3-4 days.
Advantages of drying by this method:
- The simplicity of the process, which does not require additional culinary skills.
- It happens in a natural way, without the use of household appliances.
- The circles are smooth and beautiful.
Cons of the method:
- Long drying period.
- The possibility of using the method only during the cold season.
Drying lemons in the sun
Sun drying is another way to dry lemons naturally. Under the sun, lemons dry for 3-5 days. The lemon slices are arranged in a drying tray so that they do not touch each other. The ideal drying temperature is 30°C with low humidity. During the rainy season and at night, it is better to bring the fruit indoors so that the lemon slices do not absorb unnecessary excess moisture.
This method of drying lemons is relevant in the summer, when the sun's rays warm the air as much as possible. Drying in the sun saves energy. The only minus is rainy weather, when drying citrus fruits is impossible.
Storage and use of dried lemons
Dried lemons can be stored in glass containers or paper bags. They should be stored in a dry and dark place. This way, dried fruits will retain their beneficial properties for a long time.
Dried lemons can be used as a cosmetic product, by adding them in crushed form to hair, face and body masks. Pieces of the dried citrus will add flavor to fish, vegetable, meat dishes, salads and fruit desserts. At any time of the year, dried lemon can be used to strengthen the immune system and as a treatment for some diseases. Dried lemon slices can become not only a beautiful home décor, but also an excellent room air freshener. They can also be used to decorate a lemonade, lemon tea and lemon pastries.
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