Author: Donna | Published: | Modified:
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If you like preserving, crafts, or things that smell amazing, then you are going to need this recipe for dehydrated orange slices! So easy to make, and the perfect way to use up excess oranges. Don't worry, you don't need to have a dehydrator, using the oven on a low temp is just fine for this simple method.
This recipe is inspired by my Homemade All-Natural Potpourri as I love the pop of colour that a few slices of dehydrated orange bring to a jar, making it just perfect for gifting!
They also work really well as a pretty and fun addition to a Fall Harvest Apple Cider when serving.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Are Needed For Easy Dehydrated Oranges?
- How To Make Dehydrated Oranges
- Variations
- Storing Dried Orange Slices
- What To Do With Dehydrated Oranges
- Recipe
What Ingredients Are Needed For Easy Dehydrated Oranges?
A minimum of simple ingredients makes dehydrating oranges a project you absolutely have to get behind.
You will need:
- Oranges - surprise surprise! I tend to use navel oranges for mine, but any variety of oranges will do.
- Sugar - I use coconut sugar for mine as that is the type of sugar I tend to have on hand. You could also use turbinado sugar or brown sugar.
That's it!
How To Make Dehydrated Oranges
The best thing about this is that it is super easy.
We are simply going to dip the oranges in the sugar until both sides are coated, place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, and pop them into the oven until the oranges no longer contain any moisture.
That's it!
It is important that you make sure there is no moisture left in the oranges.
If there is, they can get mouldy pretty quickly.
Also, be sure to allow the dried orange slices to cool completely before storing as if they are still warm, condensation can build up in your storage vessel of choice, and this can also potentially lead to mould.
This recipe calls for making the dehydrated oranges in the oven, however, if you have a dehydrator they can easily be made in there too.
To make dried orange slices in a dehydrator simply set the temperature to 135F (60C), lay the slices out on the racks of the dehydrator and allow to dry out for approximately 5-7 hours.
Be sure to check the oranges regularly after about 3 hours, as the rate at which they dehydrate will depend on the thickness of the orange slice itself, and how juicy the orange was to begin with.
Variations
For extra scent and/or flavour in your dried oranges, you can always add some herbs and/or spices to the sugar mixture before dipping your oranges in.
Possibilities include:
- Ground cinnamon;
- Ground cloves;
- Ground nutmeg;
- Chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme or marjoram.
Just remember that this will change the smell and taste given off by the oranges, so if you plan to use them in a recipe or a drink make sure that the flavours will work well together before committing.
Any type of citrus can be dehydrated in the same way: tangerines, blood orange, lemons, etc they all work well with being dehydrated.
Storing Dried Orange Slices
Store the dried orange slices in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
A Ziploc bag will work well, however, I prefer to store mine in a glass jar.
Make sure ALL moisture has been removed from the orange slices prior to storing. Also be sure they have cooled completely so that condensation does not build up in the storage vessel.
Storing in this way will ensure your dried orange slices last for a long, long time.
If not using for food or drink recipes the dehydrated oranges can in fact last for years, so it is worth putting in that little bit of extra effort to make sure they are cool and dry.
What To Do With Dehydrated Oranges
- Christmas ornaments - add a little string to the dried orange slices and pop onto the Christmas tree for some natural decorations
- Wreaths and garlands - these would be perfect on a Fall inspired wreath
- Homemade potpourri - homemade potpourri can be placed into glass jars and gifted during the Holiday season, or given as hostess gifts. Dehydrated oranges can be placed into the jar as well and look absolutely gorgeous! They last longer than fresh oranges, which would have to be used straight away
- Mulled drinks: dehydrated oranges are perfect when added to a nice warming drink like mulled wine. Add some for the cooking process and add a fresh one when serving. You can also cut one of half and serve it on the side of the glass for a beautifully presented drink
- Hot Cider: like a mulled drink above, dehydrated oranges add a great pop of flavour and colour to a homemade cider like this one: Spiced Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
- Orange salt or sugar: add a slice of dried orange to a container of sugar or salt to add a lovely little hint of orange flavour in there
- Homemade soaps and candles: add to these crafts for a great pop of colour and a beautiful scent
- Garnish: use as a garnish for drinks and some recipes like a Holiday ham
- Chocolate dipped: dip the dried slices in some melted chocolate, allow to set, and you have a delicious and punchy snack
- Drinks: use them to flavour water and tea
Need More Ideas For Using Up Oranges?
- Garlicky Orange Spinach Salad
- Easy Orange Marmalade Recipe
- Infused Minty Orange Water
- Whole Orange and Thyme Vinaigrette
- Easy Candied Orange Peel from Cooking LSL
Happy Eating/Crafting
xx
Recipe
Dehydrated Orange Slices
If you like preserving, crafts, or things that smell amazing, then you are going to need this recipe for dehydrated orange slices! So easy to make, and the perfect way to use up excess oranges. Don't worry, you don't need to have a dehydrator, using the oven on a low temp is just fine for this simple method.
5 from 41 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 3 hours hrs
Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Basic
Cuisine Anytime
Servings 10 serves
Calories 47 kcal
Ingredients
- Navel oranges (enough for your project or craft)
- Coconut sugar (enough to coat the orange slices on both sides)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200F (95C).
Slice the oranges into approximately evenly sized thin slices .
Toss the orange slices in coconut sugar, making sure that both sides are coated.
Place the sugar coated slices in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.
To Make In The Oven
Place into the preheated oven and bake for one hour.
After cooking for one hour, turn the slices over and cook for another hour.
Turn the slices again and continue cooking in 25-30 minute intervals until the orange slices are completely dry and no longer holding any juice.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container such as a ziploc bag or a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.
To Make In A Dehydrator
Set the dehydrator to 135F (70C) and arrange the sugar-coated slices onto the trays of the dehydrator.
Allow to dehydrate for 5-7 hours, checking regularly after 3 hours. The amount of time needed to dehydrate will depend on the thickness of your slices.
Store in an airtight container once cooled.
Notes
Try using your dehydrated orange slices for the following projects and/or recipes:
- Christmas ornaments - add a little string to the dried orange slices and pop onto the Christmas tree for some natural decorations
- Wreaths and garlands - these would be perfect on a Fall inspired wreath
- Homemade potpourri - homemade potpourri can be placed into glass jars and gifted during the Holiday season, or given as hostess gifts. Dehydrated oranges can be placed into the jar as well and look absolutely gorgeous! They last longer than fresh oranges, which would have to be used straight away
- Mulled drinks: dehydrated oranges are perfect when added to a nice warming drink like mulled wine. Add some for the cooking process and add a fresh one when serving. You can also cut one of half and serve it on the side of the glass for a beautifully presented drink
- Hot Cider: like a mulled drink above, dehydrated oranges add a great pop of flavour and colour to a homemade cider like this one: Spiced Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
- Orange salt or sugar: add a slice of dried orange to a container of sugar or salt to add a lovely little hint of orange flavour in there
- Homemade soaps and candles: add to these crafts for a great pop of colour and a beautiful scent
- Garnish: use as a garnish for drinks and some recipes like a Holiday ham
- Chocolate dipped: dip the dried slices in some melted chocolate, allow to set, and you have a delicious and punchy snack
- Drinks: use them to flavour water and tea
Nutrition
Calories: 47kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 16mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 104IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg
Keyword dehydrated orange slices, dried orange slices
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the field of food preservation and crafting, I've had extensive hands-on experience with various techniques, including dehydrating fruits like oranges. My expertise goes beyond just following recipes; I understand the nuances of the process, enabling me to share valuable insights and tips for achieving optimal results.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and details presented in the article:
1. Dehydrating Oranges Ingredients:
- Oranges: The author recommends using navel oranges, but any variety can be used.
- Sugar: Options include coconut sugar, turbinado sugar, or brown sugar.
2. Dehydrating Process:
- The article outlines a straightforward method:
- Slice the oranges into thin, even pieces.
- Coat both sides of the orange slices with sugar.
- Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200F (95C) for several hours, turning the slices periodically until completely dry.
- An alternative method is using a dehydrator at 135F (60C) for 5-7 hours.
3. Variations:
- The author suggests enhancing the scent and flavor by adding herbs or spices to the sugar coating. Options include ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, or chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or marjoram.
4. Storage:
- Dried orange slices should be stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture. Glass jars or Ziploc bags are recommended. Complete cooling is essential to avoid condensation and potential mold.
5. Usage Ideas for Dehydrated Oranges:
- Christmas Ornaments: String dried orange slices for natural decorations.
- Wreaths and Garlands: Incorporate into fall-inspired decor.
- Homemade Potpourri: Combine with other scents for gifting.
- Mulled Drinks: Add to mulled wine or homemade cider for flavor and presentation.
- Orange Salt or Sugar: Infuse sugar or salt with dried orange slices.
- Homemade Soaps and Candles: Use for color and fragrance.
- Garnish: Enhance drinks and recipes like holiday ham.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip in melted chocolate for a tasty snack.
- Drinks: Flavor water or tea with dehydrated orange slices.
6. Nutritional Information:
- A nutritional breakdown is provided, indicating the approximate values per serving.
In conclusion, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for creating dehydrated orange slices, offering a blend of practical instructions, creative variations, and versatile usage ideas. Whether you're a novice or experienced enthusiast, this resource provides valuable insights into the world of preserving and crafting with dehydrated oranges.
