Dried orange slices are great decorations and gifts. Use them in cocktail syrups, mugs of tea, or even on top of cupcakes. Add them to drinks, or even cocktails!
Blood oranges and navel oranges are both delicious when dried out. You should dry out the oranges as soon as possible after purchase.
Also, Dried oranges last for years if stored in an airtight container. You need to dry them correctly. You should use the entire orange including the skin and the inside. All the orange parts are necessary for a delicious oven-dried treat.
Ingredient Notes
Use firm, fresh oranges. They are easy to slice, and you'll need fewer slices than if they were juicier. You should also try to get smaller oranges. This makes them easier to fit into the mason jars for airtight storage.
Required Tools
Dehydrating oranges is easy. You need a dehydrator or an oven. A mandolin slicer makes cutting the oranges much easier. If you do not have a mandolin slicer, a sharp knife helps. If you don't want to buy a dehydrator or an expensive mandolin slicer, you can dry oranges in your oven. I use my oven and a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
How to Dehydrate Orange Slices Using the Oven
Slice the oranges into thin strips (⅛" - ¼"). Arrange them in a single layer on the baking tray lined with parchment paper. OPTIONAL: Sprinkle the slices with brown sugar and your favorite spice. Bake them in the oven at 200 °F. for 3-4 hours, depending on the size of the slices.
Oven vs Dehydrator
I prefer to dry orange slices using an oven. However, the dehydrator makes them lighter in color and they won't burn. The dehydrator takes about two hours to dry out the oranges. The oven typically takes around four hours. In the air fryer, the oranges take 40 minutes to dry.
Dehydrated orange peels can taste just as brighter and colorful as fresh ones. They are also very versatile. When you cook them in the oven, they can potentially turn brown and get hard. When you dry them out in the dehydrator, they stay light and juicy.
How to store dried citrus
Dried citrus fruits can last for several years after drying.
Store citrus in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Don't use plastic bags as they may cause mold growth. Use an airtight container such as a glass jar or metal tin. Keep the fruit out of direct sunlight.
Why This Recipe Works
Dehydrated oranges are great for making tea, but they're also useful for other things. You can add them to stews that call for lemon juice, and you can use them to jazz up ice water or other beverages.
Dried orange slices are a perfect match for many cocktails. They can be added to wine or used as an ingredient in syrups. Orange slices can be used to decorate gifts and to make a holiday garland. They can be used to flavor tea bags, and to dress up other gifts. They're so versatile!
Recipe FAQs
How can I make my Dried Oranges really bright and really orange?
The best way to dry oranges is to cut them into slices and then place them on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 4 hours. Turn off the heat but leave the door closed. Let the oranges cool completely before storing them in airtight containers.
What citrus can I dehydrate?
All citrus fruits are very delicious when dried. You should try them! Think of fruits like lemons, limes, or even grapefruits.
Why dry orange slices?
I like to eat dried orange slices because it adds a little crunch to my baked goods. When you buy dried fruits at the store, they tend to have a lot of added sugar. Drying them at home removes some of those extra calories and sugars.
What can you use dehydrated oranges slices for?
Dehydrated oranges can be used as a garnish, a decoration, in baked goods, or as a snack.
Creative Culinary Inspirations with Oven-Dried Orange Slices
Beyond their classic use in drinks and as festive decorations, oven-dried orange slices offer a world of culinary possibilities. Have you considered using them to:
- Enhance Your Baking: Incorporate crushed dried orange slices into your gluten-free Christmas cookie recipes for a citrusy twist.
- Elevate Your Seasonal Decor: Create an aromatic and visually stunning garland by threading dried orange slices with cinnamon sticks and bay leaves for your holiday decorations.
- Infuse Your Beverages: Add a unique touch to your hot teas or homemade mulled wine recipes during the winter months for an added warmth and flavor.
Expert Tips on Drying and Storing Citrus
To get that perfect chewy texture and vibrant color, here’s how long to dehydrate orange slices in the oven: usually around 3-4 hours at a low temperature will yield ideal results. Remember, the drying orange slices oven temperature should be low enough to dehydrate without burning, typically around 200°F.
Getting Creative with Your Oven-Dried Orange Slices
Once you've mastered the art of oven drying your citrus, the possibilities are endless. Not just a pretty garnish, these slices are ready to become a key ingredient in your culinary creations:
- Innovative Baking: Crush your dried slices and fold them into the batter of your favorite gluten-free Christmas cookie recipe for a surprising citrus note.
- Festive Decorations: Get crafty! Thread your orange slices with ribbon and cinnamon sticks to create a fragrant and visually appealing garland for your holiday decorations or use them to adorn a festive wreath.
- Flavorful Infusions: Elevate your winter beverages by dropping a slice into your hot tea or spicing up your homemade mulled wine.
Storing Your Oven-Dried Delights
For long-lasting freshness, here's how to store oven-dried orange slices: Keep them in an airtight container, ideally in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, they can maintain their quality for years, ready to be used whenever you need a burst of citrusy goodness.
The Versatility of Oven-Dried Citrus
Think beyond orange slices—why not try oven-dried lemon and orange slices? You can even explore making oven-dried candied orange slices for a sweeter treat that's perfect as a standalone snack or as a dessert topping.
Expert Advice for the Perfect Batch Every Time
Curious about how long to dehydrate orange slices in your oven for that perfect chewy yet vibrant result? Aim for 3-4 hours at 200°F, and remember to keep them at a low enough temperature to avoid burning. Patience is key to achieving that ideal texture.
The Versatile World of Oven-Dried Citrus
Don't stop at oranges! Explore the world of citrus by trying your hand at drying lemon and orange slices together. If you're feeling indulgent, why not create oven-dried candied orange slices? They make for a delightful snack or an exquisite addition to desserts.
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Oven-Dried Orange Slices
Ingredients
- 2 oranges
- ⅛ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
- Slice oranges and lay on a parchment lined baking sheet
- Sprinkle with brown sugar (optional).
- Bake in the oven for 2 hours. Turn over. Bake for 2 more hours.
- Let orange cool completely in the oven and put in glass mason jars to store.
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