Susan Gast, Author
Blogger at Easy Food Dehydrating | A New Sober You | Bored Boomers | Beesville Books
Experience grapefruit in a whole new way. Learning how to dehydrate grapefruit unlocks its hidden potential.
Let's transform fresh ruby red, vibrant pink, or classic white fleshed grapefruit halves or slices into long-lasting treats bursting with concentrated flavors and nutrients.
Infuse grapefruit tones into trail mixes, fruit salads, cocktails, and a beautiful garnish, too!
So prepare your taste buds for this tart and subtly sweet fruit.
VITAMINS: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Choline, and Betaine.
MINERALS: Potassium, Copper, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium
While exact amounts may vary slightly between shades, generally red, white, and pink grapefruit all share very similar vitamin and mineral values and health qualities. Choosing any colorful variety will provide you with this same excellent combination of nutrients like Vitamin C, Potassium, Choline, and important protective carotenoids.
Why dehydrate grapefruit? It's more than it just being delicious...
Dehydrating grapefruit offers advantages beyond simply creating a sweet-tart burst of flavor.
Dried segments or slices retain high levels of immune-boosting Vitamin C, fiber, protective antioxidants, and other key compounds despite losing moisture during the dehydration process.
Beyond snacks, use rehydrated grapefruit pieces to add a punch of citrus to fruit salads, or as the star flavor in infused water. If you enjoy infusing dishes, drinks, and more with the refreshing zip of grapefruit but want to harness it year-round - dehydrate red, white, and pink grapefruit into concentrated form!
The tangy flavor and natural sweetness of dehydrated grapefruit make it an excellent alternative to sugar-laden snacks.
Grapefruit comes in many varieties - from the classic white to the vibrant pink and ruby red - each offering unique tastes. To me, they look like brightly colored citrus wheels! Check out how to dehydrate other citrus fruit such as lemons, limes, and oranges here.
White grapefruits have a mild sweet essence and a pale yellow flesh, containing slightly less acidity than their colorful cousins. Vibrant pink varieties have a balance of sugary and tartness. For the boldest flavor, turn to ruby reds, with their innate colorful pigments that match their flavor intensity!
When dehydrating grapefruit, select ripe and juicy fruits at peak ripeness. Look for grapefruits that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a smooth skin. Avoid fruits with soft spots or blemishes, as they can develop off flavors.
Once you've chosen your grapefruits, it's time to prepare them for dehydration.
NOTE: Steps 3 through 5 are how I prepare fresh oranges. Makes beautiful looking segments!
There are three ways to dehydrate grapefruit: use a dehydrator, oven dry, or in the sun:
💡 Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!
Note: The lower end of the range is better, and yes, it means that you will be running the dehydrator longer. Using a lower temperature of around 115°F means your dehydrated grapefruit half slices (or full slices) won't turn overly brown.
💡 Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!
In hot, dry climates and optimal weather, you can naturally sun-dry grapefruit slices or segments.
But watch out for ants!
Whichever tech-free or electrical drying method you use—dehydrator, oven, or solar—the order is the same.
Again, with dehydrated grapefruit, we're looking for a leathery texture. When fully cooled, store them in food vacuum sealer bags along with an oxygen absorber that's tucked in before drawing out the air.
Transform grapefruit’s outer layers into concentrated form.
Grating off the outermost part of the grapefruit (or other fruit like oranges) is known as "zest."
Zest refers only to the thin, colorful outermost skin that has fragrant citrus oils. Grate off this top layer before dehydrating as above until crisp, then you can add it to baked goods or your favorite dessert! (Use solid dehydrator sheets to dry out your zest or place it on parchment paper).
Peel constitutes the entire exterior skin, including the bitter white pith underneath the skin. Peel wide strips and then dehydrate them completely until dry and brittle. Use dried peel pieces for aromatic crafts - or simmer in hot water for a tangy infusion for homemade potpourri or infused oils.
Use the red, pink, or white grapefruit skins for:
With their beautiful pink colors, they are a great addition to your favorite trail mix and even dehydrated citrus slices as gifts!
Create a beautiful dried grapefruit garnish and a perfect sweet treat - with no artificial flavors. However, the only addition you may want to make is a little added sugar to the less-sweeter grapefruit slices, or when making fruit leathers. Taste-test your fruit leather mix before you dehydrate it.
Once grapefruit slices or segments reach the desired leathery yet brittle texture, let them cool down to room temperature before handling.
Next, use a vacuum sealer - like a FoodSaver. Place your dried grapefruit into the food vacuum sealer bags and add a 100cc oxygen absorber in each bag/jar before drawing out the air. These oxygen absorbers absorb stray oxygen (as their name implies).
Properly sealed and stored, dried grapefruit can last up to 1 year in a dry place such as a kitchen cupboard or pantry (even closets). Read more about safe storage here.
When it is time to get creative in the kitchen, mix dried grapefruit pieces or zest into
Use slices to garnish cocktails or marinate in spirits for an adult citrus punch.
How long does it take to dehydrate grapefruit slices?
In a dehydrator, it can take 12–30 hours depending on slice thickness. Oven drying takes 6–8 hours, and sun drying up to 1 week.
Can I dehydrate grapefruit in an air fryer?
It’s possible, but not recommended. Most air fryers run too hot and lack airflow. Stick to a dehydrator or oven for best results.
What does dehydrated grapefruit taste like?
It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and super concentrated—like citrus candy! Red and pink varieties tend to be sweeter than white.
Can you eat the peel of dehydrated grapefruit?
Yes, if it's zested or candied and dehydrated properly. The outer peel can be used for baking, garnishes, or homemade citrus blends.
How do I store dehydrated grapefruit?
Once fully dry and cooled, vacuum seal with an oxygen absorber. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Is dehydrated grapefruit good for cocktails?
Absolutely! Dehydrated slices are great for garnish, flavor infusion, or even muddling into a zesty twist.
Can I make fruit leather with grapefruit?
Yes! Combine grapefruit juice or purée with a sweeter fruit like banana or strawberry, then dry on fruit leather trays.
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