How to Make Delicious Dried Orange Slices at Home

Dried orange slices are a perfect addition to any DIY project, from homemade potpourri to Christmas decorations. They add a natural touch and bright aroma to your home, and they’re super easy to make at the comfort of your own kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste and extend the use of the fruit.

All you need to make dried orange slices are fresh oranges, an oven, and a couple of hours. The result is a beautiful, fragrant garnish that you can use year-round. In this article, we will guide you through the simple process of making dried orange slices and give you a few ideas on how to use them in your daily routine. So, grab some oranges, and let’s get started!

How to make dried orange slices

Introduction:

Dried orange slices are an easy and delicious way to add a zesty twist to your favorite recipes. These versatile treats can be used for baking, cooking, garnishing, or even as a refreshing snack. In this article, we will show you how to make dried orange slices at home using simple methods and ingredients. Let’s get started!

1. Choose the Right Oranges
To make perfect dried orange slices, you need to choose the right oranges. The best oranges for drying are thin-skinned and seedless, such as Valencia, Navel, or Blood oranges. They should be firm, fresh, and smell fragrant. Avoid using oranges that are too ripe, bruised, or moldy.

2. Wash and Slice the Oranges
After selecting your oranges, wash them thoroughly in cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Next, slice the oranges into even 1/4 inch-thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. Discard the ends and any seeds or white pith in the center.

3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°F or the lowest setting. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. You can also use a dehydrator or a drying rack if you have one.

4. Arrange the Slices in a Single Layer
Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice for air circulation. Make sure the slices are not overlapping or touching. If you want, sprinkle some sugar or cinnamon on top of each slice for added flavor.

5. Bake or Dehydrate the Slices
Bake or dehydrate the orange slices for 2-3 hours, depending on your oven and the thickness of the slices. Flip them over halfway through the drying process to ensure even drying on both sides. You can test the slices for doneness by pressing them gently with your finger. They should be firm, dry, and slightly sticky.

6. Let the Slices Cool
Once the orange slices are done, turn off the oven or dehydrator and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will become crispier as they cool, so don’t worry if they still feel slightly soft when hot. You can also remove them from the baking sheet and let them cool on a wire rack.

7. Store the Slices Properly
To keep your dried orange slices fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag at room temperature for up to one month. You can also refrigerate or freeze them for longer storage. Use them as needed for your favorite dishes or snacks.

8. Experiment with Flavors and Variations
Dried orange slices are not only delicious on their own, but they also pair well with many other flavors and variations. You can add spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the sugar coating, or dip them in melted chocolate for a decadent treat. You can also mix them with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a colorful snack mix.

9. Use Dried Orange Slices in Recipes
Now that you have learned how to make dried orange slices, you can use them in many recipes. They are great for adding a tangy and sweet touch to cakes, cookies, bread, and salads. You can also use them to garnish cocktails, tea, or hot chocolate. The possibilities are endless!

10. Enjoy Your Homemade Dried Orange Slices
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your homemade dried orange slices! Whether you eat them as a snack, use them in recipes, or give them as gifts, they are sure to impress. Enjoy the natural sweetness and freshness of these bright and flavorful treats. Happy drying!

What Materials Do You Need to Make Dried Orange Slices?

Making dried orange slices is an easy and satisfying process. Not only do they make a great addition to your kitchen décor, but dried orange slices can be used in a variety of recipes or as natural fragrance. In this section, we will cover all the necessary materials and tools that you will need to make your own dried orange slices.

Fresh Oranges

The first and most important item on our list is, of course, fresh oranges. You can use any type of oranges for this process but we recommend using navel oranges. Navel oranges are seedless and have thick rind, which makes them perfect for drying.

A Sharp Knife

A sharp knife is essential for cutting the oranges into thin and even slices. You can use a chef’s knife or a serrated knife, whichever you feel most comfortable with.

Cutting Board

Using a cutting board helps to prevent damage to your knives and countertops. Choose a board that is large enough to hold the oranges comfortably and provides enough space for you to work.

Baking Sheet

You will need a baking sheet to place your orange slices on for the drying process. Make sure to use a baking sheet with sides to prevent the slices from falling off.

Parchment Paper

To prevent the orange slices from sticking to the baking sheet, use parchment paper. Parchment paper also makes for easy clean up after the drying process is complete.

Cooking Spray

Spraying the baking sheet with cooking spray will help prevent the orange slices from sticking and make the removal process easier.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is optional, but it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to your dried orange slices. You can sprinkle cinnamon on the orange slices before drying or add it as a topping later.

String or Thread

If you plan to hang your dried orange slices as decoration, you will need string or thread to tie them together.

Scissors

Scissors are necessary to cut the string or thread, and to trim any excess threads from your dried orange slices.

Storage Containers

After the drying process is complete, you will need a storage container to store your dried orange slices. Choose a container with an airtight lid to keep them fresh. Glass containers work best but plastic containers also work fine.

Now that we’ve covered the necessary items, let’s move onto the next section to learn how to properly prepare the oranges for slicing.

Tools and Materials Needed for Making Dried Orange Slices

If you are looking to make some stunning dried orange slices, there are several tools that you will need to have in your kitchen. These range from things you’ll likely already have to items you may need to head to the store for.

1. Oranges: start by selecting firm oranges. Sweet oranges, such as the Washington Navel or Valencia work well for drying.
2. A sharp knife: use a sharp knife to slice the oranges. Serrated knives work best for this purpose.
3. A cutting board: after selecting a knife, you will need a surface to use it on. A cutting board is the best option.
4. Baking sheets: baking sheets with non-stick surfaces help make the cleanup process a lot easier.
5. Parchment paper: use parchment paper to line your baking sheets, so the oranges won’t stick to them when they’re drying out.
6. Oven: an oven is necessary for this process. Any kitchen oven will do, as long as it has a low setting of 200-225°F.
7. A cooling rack: after taking the oranges out of the oven, let them cool on a cooling rack so that they can fully dry out.

Selecting Your Oranges

When picking oranges for drying, select firm oranges that are unblemished. The best oranges to use are sweet oranges, such as Washington Navels or Valencias, which have a high sugar content. Avoid using Seville oranges, which are sour and not ideal for drying.

Cutting Your Oranges

Once you have your oranges, rinse them under cold water. Dry them with a clean, lint-free kitchen towel. Cut the oranges into thin slices with a sharp, serrated knife. The slices should be as uniform as possible, preferably between 1/8 – 1/4 inch in thickness.

Laying Out Your Orange Slices

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Arrange the slices far enough apart so that they don’t touch. This ensures that they’ll dry out evenly.

Baking Your Orange Slices

Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (200-225°F). Place the baking sheet with the orange slices in the oven and leave it to bake for 2-3 hours. Check every 30 minutes and turn the slices. Continue baking until they’re dry but still slightly pliable. Be sure to monitor the slices closely to prevent burning.

Cooling Down Your Orange Slices

When the slices are done, remove them from the oven and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely on the rack. This step is essential, as leaving them to cool on a countertop or plate can cause them to become damp and lose their crisp texture.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got some delicious dried orange slices, you can use them for baking, decoration or snacking. You can store your orange slices in an airtight jar or container for up to six months. Enjoy your homemade dried orange slices!

Enjoy Your Homemade Dried Orange Slices!

Now that you know how to make dried orange slices, you can enjoy a tasty and colorful snack anytime. And the best part is, it’s easy and fun to make them at home. So, why not try it out? Thanks for reading and I hope you come back soon to discover more exciting and easy-to-follow recipes!