How to Dry Orange Slices will get you started on making beautiful natural decor to add to your packages, make a garland, create Christmas ornaments, or simply as seasonal accents for your home or the holiday season.
How to Dry Orange Slices
How to Dry Orange Slices – Layered Dried Orange Slices
“If you wait until you have enough money to decorate and make your home your own, it will never happen. If you wait until you can afford to buy everything new, you are missing the point. It is the old, the new, the hand-me-down, the collected, the worn but loved things in your home that make it your own.” – Stacy Risenmay, Not Just a Housewife
How to Dry Orange Slices – Dried Orange Slices, Evergreen Branches, and Star Anise
Drying orange slices as decor during the fall and winter seasons is a charming way to bring natural elements into your home.
The warm, amber tones of dried oranges are reminiscent of autumn leaves and the cozy glow of holiday lights, making them a perfect addition to seasonal decorations.
Not only do they add a beautiful, rustic touch to wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces, but they also evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to simpler times when homemade decorations were the norm.
Drying orange slices is easy and satisfying, allowing you to create something unique and personal for your space.
Beyond their visual appeal, dried orange slices offer a subtle, sweet citrus fragrance that can fill your home with a refreshing and comforting aroma.
Drying Orange Slices for Wreaths – Faux Evergreen Wreath with Dried Orange Slices and Ornaments
This natural scent can enhance the festive atmosphere, blending seamlessly with other seasonal smells like pine, cinnamon, and cloves.
Whether strung together as a garland, used as ornaments, or placed in a decorative bowl, dried orange slices are a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of nature during the colder months.
Drying Orange Slices for Holiday Gifts – Holiday Gift with a Plastic Deer, Evergreen Sprig, and Dried Orange Slice
The vibrant color of dried orange slices contrasts beautifully against plain or textured paper, and the citrus aroma adds an extra sensory delight. Whether paired with twine, burlap, or simple ribbon, these natural accents evoke a cozy, homemade feel.
Dried orange slices are perfect for the holiday season or any time of year; they’re a simple yet elegant way to elevate your packaging.
How to Dry Orange Slices – Dried orange slice Christmas Ornament
Adding dried orange slices to your Christmas tree as ornaments create a warm, nostalgic glow. When hung on branches, these delicate slices catch the light, transforming into miniature stained glass windows with translucent, amber hues.
The soft illumination from the tree lights enhances the details of the dried fruit, casting a golden glow that infuses your tree with a cozy, rustic charm.
These simple yet stunning ornaments bring a touch of handmade elegance to your holiday decor.
How to Dry Orange Slices – Dried Orange Slices in a Box with Chestnuts, Pinecones, Walnuts, Evergreen and Brown Paper Gift Boxes
Did you know that dried orange slices are also edible?
Eaten by themselves, dried citrus slices make an excellent snack. To make them even better, add chocolate.
Once your orange slices have dried, dip them in melted white, milk, or dark chocolate to the halfway point.
Place dipped chocolate orange slices on a tray lined with wax paper and allow the chocolate to set.
How to Dry Orange Slices – Dried orange slice Christmas Christmas Tree
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What You’ll Need
Fresh Oranges: Choose ones with nice even skin
Serrated knife or mandoline
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Cooling rack: (optional but helpful)
Oven or dehydrator
Here’s How to Dry Orange Slices in the Oven:
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
2. Wash and dry the oranges.
3. Slice the oranges 1/4″ thick with a serrated knife or a mandoline for even slices.
4. Take out any seeds if the orange slices have them.
5. Arrange the slices of oranges in a single layer on top of a wire cooling rack that rests inside a cookie sheet and place in the oven. You could also use a sheet pan with parchment paper, but the wire rack lets the air circulate around the orange slices better.
6. Cook for 4 – 4 1/2 hours. Flip the orange slices every half hour. Check on them often so they don’t burn.
7. The oranges should be crispy when done. You don’t want moisture on the oranges because they will mold.
8. Allow the orange slices to cool completely before using them or storing them. If you will be storing them, place them in an airtight container and place in a cool, dark spot to preserve the orange color.
Fall Decor Ideas – Dried Orange Slice and Cinnamon Stick Napkin Ring
Here’s How to Dry Oranges Slices in a Food Dehydrator:
Wash and dry the oranges.
Slice the oranges 1/4″ thick with a serrated sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices.
Take out any seeds if the orange slices have them.
Set your dehydrator temperature at 135 degrees.
It takes approximately 12 hours at 135 degrees. The size and thickness of your orange slices can effect the amount of time.
The oranges should be crispy when done. You don’t want moisture on the oranges because they will mold.
Allow the dehydrated oranges to cool completely before using them or storing them. If you will be storing them, place them in an airtight container and place in a cool, dark spot to preserve the orange color.
How to Dry Orange Slices – Clear Glass Jar of Dried Orange Slices
How long do dried orange slices last?
They can last up to two years, if properly stored. What I do is after the holidays are over, I hang the dried orange ornaments on the trees outside and let the birds enjoy a tasty snack.
Making them every year is part of the fun and it makes a homespun tradition.
How to Dry Orange Slices – Dried Orange Slices with Cinnamon Sticks and Branches
Ideas on How to Use Dried Orange Slices
Garlands: String them together with twine to create a festive garland.
Christmas Ornaments: Attach a ribbon and hang them on your tree.
Wreath: Incorporate them into a holiday wreath.
Table Centerpiece: Scatter them on the dining table for a rustic centerpiece.
Gift Wrapping: Add them as a natural embellishment to wrapped gifts.
Potpourri: Mix with spices and pinecones for a fragrant potpourri.
Candlescapes: Place them around candles for a cozy display.
Place Cards: Use them as unique place cards.
Bowl Filler: Add them to a decorative bowl for a simple, rustic touch.
Cocktail Garnish: Use them to garnish holiday drinks like mulled wine or cocktails.
Cake Decoration: Top cakes or desserts with dried slices for a natural garnish.
Napkin Rings: Tie them to napkins as a decorative ring for your table setting.
Sachets: Add them to sachets with spices for a fragrant drawer freshener.
Bookmarks: Punch a hole and add a ribbon to use them as bookmarks.
Chandelier Decor: Hang them from a chandelier for a natural, festive look.
Window Hangings: Create a suncatcher by hanging them in the window.
Soap Embellishments: Press them into homemade soap bars.
Essential Oil Diffuser: Add a drop of essential oil and place it in a small space.
Bath Salts: Add them to a jar of bath salts for a decorative touch.
Wind Chimes: Incorporate them into homemade wind chimes.
Gift Tags: Write names on them and attach them to gifts as unique tags.
Homemade Cards: Glue them onto cards for a natural, handmade touch.
Cupcake Toppers: Place them on cupcakes for a festive presentation.
Vase Filler: Add them to a clear vase with fairy lights for a cozy glow.
Simmer Pot: Add to a pot of simmering water with spices for a natural air freshener.
Gift Baskets: Add to homemade gift baskets for a rustic touch.
Jar Toppers: Attach them to the tops of jars for a decorative finish.
Bird Feeders: Coat them with peanut butter and birdseed for a natural bird feeder.
Discove the simple steps to drying orange slices for beautiful, natural idecor in your home. This article will guide you through the process, offering tips on how to use these dried oranges for festive wreaths, garlands, and more.
Materials
Fresh Oranges
Tools
Serrated knife or mandoline
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Cooling rack (optional)
Oven or Dehydrator
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
Wash and dry the oranges.
Slice oranges 1/4" thick with a serrated knife or mandoline for even slices.
Take out any seeds if the oranges have them.
Arrange the slices of oranges in a single layer on top of a wire cooling rack that rests inside a cookie sheet and place in the oven. You could also use a sheet pan with parchment paper, but the wire rack lets the air circulate the orange slices better.
Cook for 4 - 4 1/2 hours. Flip the orange slices every half hour. Check on them often so they don't burn.
The oranges should be crispy when done. You don't want moisture on the oranges because they will mold.
Allow the orange slices to cool completely before using them or storing them. If you are storing them, place them in an airtight container and place them in a cool, dark spot to preserve the orange color.
