Making dried orange slices is very easy and they are so versatile! Use them for some natural and inexpensive holiday decor, make DIY potpourri, garnish food, drinks and more!
I'm usually a red, green and gold kind of Christmas decorator. But this year, I felt very pulled towards decorating with more muted colors, especially with natural items. You can find all of my tips about decorating naturally for Christmas here!
Think pine cones, greenery, jute twine, wood (DIY wood slice ornaments), cinnamon sticks, and of course, dried orange slices!
I just finished decorating and I'm absolutely loving it.
Dried oranges have so many perks. They are super easy to make (cut oranges, then dehydrate!), inexpensive (compared to buying ornaments from the store), all-natural and just plain gorgeous.
Carefully placed on the tree with lights glowing behind them- it's a beautiful stained glass effect. Perfection.
But did you know you can use dehydrated orange slices for so much more than Christmas tree decorating?! Tons of different uses for other types of decorating, food and drinks. You can also just eat them plain as a healthy snack (yes, even the orange peels).
Dried Oranges FAQ
What TYpe of Oranges Should I Dry?
Any type of orange can be dehydrated, but it's best to use a firmer variety (navel oranges are my favorite), since they are easy to cut in clean straight slices.
You can also dehydrate any other type of citrus as well: blood oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits all work great!
Why Are My Dried Oranges Sticky?
If your dried oranges are sticky or even slightly tacky to the touch, they are not fully dehydrated. Continue to dry them until they don't feel sticky at all.
Are Dried Oranges Fragrant?
Slices of dehydrated orange are somewhat fragrant on their own, but are more so when rehydrated, such as when used in simmer pot recipes. You can also sprinkle some ground cinnamon or cloves on before dehydrating to make the orange slices more fragrant.
P.S. The process of dehydrating fresh oranges will fill your home with the delightful smell of citrus!
Are Dried Oranges Edible?
They are! It may seem strange to dry and eat the peel, but the peel is edible. Dried oranges make a great addition to homemade trail mix, a snack on their own, or a treat dipped in dark chocolate.
How Long Will Dried Oranges Last?
In theory, if dried properly, dried oranges should last for years. To play it safe, I always try to use them up within a year. You can check within the first couple of weeks for molding, and if there is none, they will last at least one year if kept dry and stored in a cool, dark place.
How to Use Dried Oranges
Decorating:
- Christmas wreath
- Christmas garland (make an entire garland of oranges or add to a greenery garland
- Use to decorate gifts
- Christmas tree ornaments (just use an ornament hook or some twine to hang!)
- DIY homemade potpourri mix or simmer pots
Food:
- Garnish in drinks (for example, add some flavor and decoration to your favorite apple cider!)
- Garnish on food
- Snack on it's own
- Dipped in chocolate
- Cake decorations
- Grind into powder to flavor soups, stews, baked goods, etc
- Make orange tea
- Add to homemade trail mix
Tools You May Need
Cutting board
How to Make Dried Orange Slices
Ingredients:
Oranges (or other citrus fruit)
Instructions:
If you plan to eat any of the dried oranges, wash them thoroughly, then dry them.
Using a sharp knife or a mandolin, cut oranges crosswise in thin slices (¼-⅜ inch thick).
Dehydrator Method
Arrange citrus slices in a single layer on each dehydrator tray. Dehydrate @ 135°F for 8-18 hours (drying time depends on the thickness of the orange slices).
Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before storing.
Oven Method
Place orange slices on wire racks on large baking sheets. Bake @ 175°F for 3-4 hours. If you don't have a wire rack, place orange slices directly on cookie sheets covered with parchment paper and flip them over every hour, just to ensure they are properly dried.
Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before storing.
How to Store Dried Orange Slices
Store dry fruit in an airtight container (glass mason jars work great) in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. If properly dehydrated, the fruit should last for at least one year, possibly much longer.
Did you try this recipe? If so, I would really appreciate a 5-star rating and your comments below! Thanks!
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📖 Recipe
Dried Orange Slices
Making dried orange slices is very easy and they are so versatile! Use them for some natural and inexpensive holiday decor, make DIY potpourri, garnish food, drinks and more!
Ingredients
- Oranges (or other citrus fruit)
Instructions
- If you plan to eat any of the dried oranges, wash them thoroughly, then dry them.
- Using a sharp knife or a mandolin, cut oranges crosswise in thin slices (¼-⅜ inch thick).
DEHYDRATOR METHOD
3. Arrange citrus slices in a single layer on each dehydrator tray. Dehydrate @ 135°F for 8-18 hours (drying time depends on the thickness of the orange slices).
4. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before storing.
OVEN METHOD
3. Place orange slices on wire racks on large baking sheets. Bake @ 175°F for 3-4 hours. If you don’t have a wire rack, place orange slices directly on cookie sheets covered with parchment paper and flip them over every hour, just to ensure they are properly dried.
4. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before storing.
Notes
Store dry fruit in an airtight container (glass mason jars work great) in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. If properly dehydrated, the fruit should last for at least one year, possibly much longer.
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