Citrus wheel

Garnish

A citrus wheel is a round slice of the whole fruit, set on the rim or in the glass and sometimes dried until crisp.

Also called: lime wheel · lemon wheel · orange wheel · dehydrated citrus wheel · dried citrus wheel

Thickness: 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm)
Dehydrator: 135°F (57°C) for 4 to 8 hours
Oven: 170°F (77°C) for 4 to 6 hours, turned every 2 hours
Green dried limes: 125°F (52°C) for 8 to 10 hours

What citrus wheel means

A fresh wheel is juicy and soft. A lemon wheel is the same round slice cut from a lemon, and a lime wheel is cut from a lime. Next to a wedge, a wheel is mostly for looks, since it shows the shape of the whole fruit. You can cut one from any citrus you have on hand.

A dried wheel is a different garnish. It is dried until crisp, so it adds little juice, and it sits on the rim as a bright, flat decoration. Dried wheels suit a drink where you want the look without much juice, since a fresh wheel adds a little more moisture and flavor.

Drying takes hours, so plan ahead. Limes that stay green need a lower setting, 125°F (52°C) for 8 to 10 hours, since higher heat browns them. Keep the slices even so they dry at the same rate, and check the whole batch together.

How to make a citrus wheel

You need a sharp knife, a cutting board and a steady hand for thin, even slices. A dehydrator or oven is only needed for a dried wheel.

1.Trim the ends, then slice across the fruit 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) thick, keeping the slices even.
2.Cut a slit from the edge to the center so the wheel hangs on the rim.
3.Dry the slices in a dehydrator at 135°F (57°C) for 4 to 8 hours. Or use an oven at about 170°F (77°C) for 4 to 6 hours, turning them every 2 hours.
4.Bend a wheel to test it. It is done when it snaps or cracks.

Citrus wheel compared

Citrus wedgeA wedge is cut lengthwise so you can squeeze it. A wheel is a round slice cut across the fruit, mostly for looks.
TwistA twist is peel only, used for its oil. A wheel is a slice of the whole fruit.
Dehydrated wheelA dehydrated wheel is dried until crisp and adds little juice. A fresh wheel is juicy and soft.

Related terms

Ingredients

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