Dried orange slices make such beautiful, easy Christmas ornaments. Here’s how to dehydrate oranges and ideas for using them to add simple cheer to your holiday decor! You don’t even need ANY special equipment!
How to Dehydrate Oranges to Make Dried Orange Slices
It’s so easy to dehydrate oranges. There are two primary ways to go about it and both are really easy. The first is to use your oven – with a low and slow drying process.
The second is to use a food dehydrator with dehydrator trays. We like them dried in the oven, since it doesn’t require special equipment. However, whichever method you choose is up to you!
What kind of oranges should I use?
You can use any type of citrus – navel oranges, grapefruit, clementines, blood oranges. They will all end up a little bit different, but the contrast is wonderful! Once you start dehydrating citrus, you’ll want to try all the different versions to see how they compare.
How should I store dried orange slices?
Once your oranges are completely dry, you can store them anyway you like. You can layer them in mason jars, or turn them into lovely decorations. If you want to use them for beverage garnishes, make sure to store them in air-tight containers until use.
Tools Needed to Make Dried Orange Slices
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Kitchen Towels
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Oranges or other types of citrus (as many as you want!)
How to Dehydrate Oranges in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 200F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Thinly slice the oranges, try to get them about ¼ inch thick
- Blot the citrus slices with towels to dry a little.
- Place the slices in a single layer on top of the parchment paper.
- Put the orange slices in the oven. Drying time should be around 2 – 2 1/2 hours.
- Check hourly to make sure the oranges are not burning. If they are starting to brown but not dried yet, reduce the oven temperature. Continue to dry until they are completely dry.
How to Dehydrate Oranges in a Food Dehydrator
- Place oranges in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
- Turn the dehydrator on and let it run for 12 – 18 hours.
- Every 4 hours or so, switch the order of the trays around and double check that the oranges aren’t burning.
- When they are completely dry, turn off the dehydrator and allow them to cool completely.
How to Dehydrate Oranges to Make Dried Orange Slices
Lovely homemade dried orange slices to use in Christmas decorations or for drink garnish.
Materials
- Oranges or other citrus
Tools
- Sharp Knife or Mandoline Slicer
- Cutting Board
- Kitchen Towels
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Food Dehydrator, if you choose
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Thinly slice the oranges, try to get them about ¼ inch thick. Blot the citrus slices with paper towels to dry a little.
Place the slices in a single layer on top of the parchment paper. Put the orange slices in the oven. Drying time is around 2 -2 1/2 hours.
Check hourly to make sure the oranges are not burning. If they are starting to brown but not dried yet, reduce the oven temperature. Continue to dry until they are completely dry.
Notes
You can also use a food dehydrator to make dried orange slices. The method is the same, but it takes a little bit longer, 12 - 18 hours depending on your dehydrator. The key with using a food dehydrator is to to rotate your trays ever four hours or so, to ensure uniform drying.
What do I do with my dried fruit?
Dehydrated orange slices make stunning seasonal decor and Christmas decorations. Store them in mason jars, hang them on your Christmas tree, add them to wreaths, use them to make garland! The dried slices are so versatile and beautiful – the sky’s the limit when wondering what to do with dried orange slices.
Dried orange slices also make lovely garnishes for lots of different mixed drinks. They are especially fabulous if you coat the orange peel with sugar first!
Here are a few of our favorite ways to use dried orange slices
What to do with Dried Orange Slices
How to Make a Dried Orange Garland for the Holidays
We love this garland idea featuring dried oranges, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks from Hearth and Vine. What a festive way to display dried orange slices!
Easy DIY Dried Orange Slice Ornaments with Star Anise
Simply add a star anise to create these elegant tree decorations! What an easy craft idea from Chatfield Court.
Dried Fruit Swag
Unfortunately, I couldn't find the original source for this lovely swag, but head to pinterest to find the pin!
Simple Dried Fruit and Herb Wreath
Here's another simple wreath idea using dried fruit and herbs!
Citrus Wreath
How about this simple wreath made almost entirely out of dried citrus? I think this would be lovely with a variety of different citrus types - like limes, lemon, and blood oranges too!
Sustainable Gift Wrapping Christmas
Dried fruit slices also make a wonderful embellishment for sustainable gift wrapping! How pretty are these packages?
Do you make dried orange slices? What’s your favorite way to use them?
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