Best 2 How To Dry Citrus Zest Lemonorangelimegrapefruit Recipes
Drying citrus zest is a great way to preserve its flavor and aroma for later use. Whether you're looking to enhance your baked goods, add a zesty kick to your savory dishes, or simply enjoy a refreshing citrus-infused beverage, dried citrus zest is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any culinary creation. With a few simple steps and a little patience, you can easily dry citrus zest at home using your oven, a dehydrator, or even the sun's natural heat. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of drying citrus zest from lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure perfect results. Once you've mastered the art of drying citrus zest, you'll have a pantry staple that adds a burst of flavor and fragrance to countless dishes.
Let's cook with our recipes!
HOW TO DRY CITRUS ZEST (LEMON/ORANGE/LIME/GRAPEFRUIT)
I cannot say how much zest one fruit yields. This is more of a technique. I needed dried zest for recipe #461844 #461844 and found the store-bought stuff just ridiculously expensive. Citrus zest enlivens various recipes: tea blends, mulled cider, cakes, pies, oatmeal, cookies, jellies & preserves, use in place of extracts, in caking frostings, flavored honey & butters, meat rubs, sauces & bbq sauce or give as a gift. Cook time is drying time.
Provided by gailanng
Categories Lemon
Time P2DT5m
Yield 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- If at all possible, start with an organic orange, lemon or other citrus fruit. While organic is ideal, thoroughly washing and drying store-bought citrus fruit should make the fruit safe to eat. I listed 4 fruits, but would zest, dry and store separately.
- Using a microplane or zester, pull the zest across the surface of the fruit, working around any discolored or bad spots. Only pull off the colored portion leaving the white, bitter pith behind.
- Spread it in a single layer on a plate or waxed paper and leave it exposed to the air until it is dry enough to be brittle (a couple of days).
- Store the dried zest it in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place.
- Some Tips:.
- Zest prior to cutting into the fruit. It's easier to handle and less messy. Make it a habit to zest prior to using the fruit to have a supply on hand.
- Rubbing between two fingers will release the oils prior to adding to a recipe.
- For an alternative process, use the zesting process over waxed paper, fold several times and freeze in a zip locked bag.
- Take advantage of fruit when it's highly available and low in price.
- Be careful while zesting. Tools are sharp.
HOW TO MAKE LEMON / LIME / ORANGE ZEST
Does running your fruit over a box grater / hand grater not work? Here is a handy post on how to zest citrus fruits using your handheld kitchen appliances since the by-hand way is so time consuming! I keep a jar of dried orange zest around but I like fresh lemon/lime zest sometimes.
Provided by the80srule
Categories Lemon
Time 5m
Yield 4 teaspoons, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- You will need a vegetable/potato peeler plus a mini food chopper or spice grinder for this. Blenders also work.
- Wash your fruit, then make sure it is perfectly dry.
- Run the peeler down the lemon/lime and make about 8 strips.
- Cut the strips in half.
- Put the strips in the chopper/grinder with the sugar and then pulse in the chopper until very fine. If using a blender, use the Liquefy setting for about 15-20 seconds.
- It's ready to be used in your recipe now!
- Got dried zest such as dried orange peel, etc? If you're like me and prefer the convenience of dried, here's how to make it close to fresh-- hydrate it with 3 parts water to 1 part peel. and let it stand for 15 minutes prior to using. I think powdered lemon rind works like regular zest and doesn't require rehydration.
- Please note-- rehydration DOUBLES the dry amount! For instance, if you hydrate 1 Tbsp zest with 3 Tbsp water, you will get 2 Tbsp "freshened" zest.
Tips:
- Choose organic citrus fruits whenever possible to avoid pesticides and wax.
- Wash the citrus fruits thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest in long, thin strips. Avoid getting the white pith, as it can be bitter.
- Spread the zest in a single layer on a baking sheet or parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Allow the zest to dry for several days, or until it is completely brittle.
- Once the zest is dry, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion:
Drying citrus zest is a great way to preserve the flavor and aroma of citrus fruits. Dried zest can be used in a variety of recipes, including baked goods, marinades, and sauces. It can also be added to potpourri or used as a natural air freshener. With a little planning, you can easily dry citrus zest at home and enjoy its many benefits.
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