How to Make Dried Orange Slices

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Dried orange slices have been a Christmas-time favorite. They add a nostalgic natural element to your Christmas decor and recipes.

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How to Dry Orange Slices

The ingredients for dried orange slices are simply oranges. What could be easier? 

Dried Orange Slices Supplies and Tools

• Oranges
• Baking sheets (I used these sheet pans)
• Wire rack
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Parchment Paper

First Step: Preparing Oranges

Give your oranges a good wash and towel dry before slicing them. 

 

Second Step: Prepare Baking Pans

Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Then place a wire rack over the parchment paper.

Set your oven to 200 degrees F or lower. 

Slice oranges into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices, then pat them dry with a paper towel to speed the drying time.

I found that thinly sliced oranges dry faster. For example, 1/4″ slices dry faster and are the best for using as garnishes. 

Place the citrus slices in a single layer on the wire rack. You can arrange the slices close together, but you want some space around them to allow air circulation for even drying. 

Third Step: Baking the Citrus

Next, Place the baking sheets with the citrus slices in the oven.

If I have the time to wait, I like to dry my citrus at 170 degrees F to maintain their color. I have found that with a higher temperature, the dried orange slices are a darker color. 

I set the timer every two hours for the first four hours to turn over the citrus slices.

After that, I set the timer for every hour to rotate the pan and turn the slices until they are dry.

Note: If I start them later in the day or if I have to run an errand, I turn off the oven and leave the pans in the oven until later. Then I turn the stove back on and start my one-hour timer again until the slices are fully dried.

However, if you want your dried citrus, a darker amber, then dry them at 200 degrees F. 

Decorating with Dried Orange Slices

You can use dried citrus slices in decorating garlands, Christmas tree ornaments, wreaths, etc. In addition, you can use dried citrus for culinary garnishes and treats.

I like to make a Christmas Time stovetop simmering potpourri with dried citrus, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries.

You can make use of citrus slices for a mulling spice. I love to put them in a mason jar with the recipe for mulling apple cider. Then, I add a gift tag and bow for the perfect handmade gift. 

 

More Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Every fall, I cannot wait for the fresh cranberries to appear in the grocery store so I can make Cranberry Orange Muffins.

Russian Tea Cakes are another Christmas-time favorite I think you will enjoy.

 

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Merry Christmas,