Drying out orange slices at home is very easy: find out how

December 19, 2023

Among the most cherished of decorations for the Christmas season, those made from dried slices of orange (or other citrus fruits) stand out. These decorations possess a timeless beauty that extends beyond the winter festivities, complementing various leaves, flowers, and spices that typically fill homes with their fragrance during winter. Consequently, having the skill of drying them out at home is very handy.

Whether you're working with oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruit, the techniques are easy to do! Let's explore some of them together:

Drying orange slices in the oven

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If you have an energy-efficient oven, this traditional method is best. It's quick and carries the significant advantage of filling the entire house with a delightful aroma!

For this approach, you'll need only a few items: oranges, a sharp knife, a cutting board, an oven rack, and parchment paper.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Slice the oranges (or other citrus fruits) into reasonably thick pieces - about a centimeter or slightly less. Thinner slices are generally too delicate for crafts and decorations.
Space the slices well apart on the oven racks. Optionally, use parchment paper or a baking sheet below the racks to catch any drips. Some prefer using shallow pans (like cookie sheets), but this extends the drying time.
Set the oven to 120°C with the fan on, and let the slices bake for about 3 hours. Remember to flip the slices every hour.
Turn off the oven and let the slices cool - meanwhile, a delightful aroma will waft through the entire house!

Drying orange slices in the microwave

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For this method, you'll require a microwave-safe tray, thick kitchen paper towels, a cutting board, and a knife.

The process is quicker, and the steps are as follows:

Slice the fruit: using the microwave allows for thinner slices, if preferred.
Line the tray's bottom with kitchen paper towels.
Arrange the slices without overlapping them.
Cover all the slices with an additional layer of kitchen paper towels.
Start the defrost mode for 7 minutes.
Gently extract the slices, which may now be slightly soft.
Let them air-dry, ideally on a rack, until they firm up. It's advisable to perform this task in the evening, allowing for overnight drying.

More ways to dry citrus slices

If you like having these slices for decorations - and especially if you're a fan of dried fruits like apples, pears, and similar - consider investing in a home dehydrator!

Additionally, if you use a wood or pellet stove during the winter, experiment by placing the slices (not overly thin) on it once the stove has heated up. This method may take some time, but you'll be rewarded with a pleasant fragrance in the house without the need for extra energy consumption or oven use. However, it's worth noting that the other methods tend to provide more consistent results.

Are you ready to try drying oranges at home?