How To Dry Orange Slices?

Short answer: To dry orange slices, cut the oranges into 1 cm thick slices and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 50 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 8-10 hours, turning them every hour, until they are completely dried out.

Slicing into a fresh orange releases a burst of sunny citrus scent that’s positively refreshing. Dried orange slices also bring a delightfully festive touch to your home decor, especially during the Christmas season. Creating delectable treats and impressive crafts is not as hard as you might think. With a simple technique, this zestful citrus fruit can transform into an exquisite embellishment for your home, an aromatic potpourri ingredient, or even a garnish for your cocktail.

How To Dry Orange Slices?

How To Dry Orange Slices In Oven For Decoration?

Step 1: Using a sharp knife, slice off the ends of the oranges. These can be used if desired, but are usually discarded.

Step 2: Cut the oranges into slices, approximately three centimeters thick. Remember, the thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dry. If the slices are too thin, they may not look as appealing after the drying process.

Step 3: After slicing, arrange the orange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Place the baking sheet with the orange slices in the preheated oven.

Step 6: Let the orange slices dry in the oven for approximately 10 hours. Make sure to flip the slices every hour to ensure they dry out evenly.

Step 7: After drying, the orange slices should be completely dry to avoid attracting and creating mold. They will have shrunk slightly in size.

How To Dehydrate Oranges?

Step 1: Wash the oranges with vinegar and salt, recommended for their effectiveness against E. Coli.

Step 2: After washing, slice off the ends of the oranges to provide a flat surface for cutting.

Step 3: Use a mandolin slicer for cutting the oranges. This provides uniform cuts, making all pieces approximately a quarter of an inch thick. Using a vegetable holder is recommended to reduce the risk of injury.

Step 4: Set the dehydrator to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The text mentions a preference for a lower setting to ensure a better product but also suggests trying 135 degrees to see which outcome you prefer.

Step 5: Dehydrate the oranges until they’re crisp.

Step 6: Once the oranges are dehydrated and crisp, remove them from the dehydrator and allow them to cool.

Step 7: Place the cooled, dehydrated oranges into a Ziploc bag and let them sit for a few days.

Step 8: After a few days, check the oranges. If they are not still crisp, return them to the dehydrator and repeat the process until they are completely dehydrated and remain crisp even after cooling and being stored in the bag.

Step 9: For better air circulation and more even dehydration, consider flipping the fruits midway through the process. This can be done by placing a mesh screen on top of the dehydrating fruit, lifting it up, and flipping it over.

It’s important to ensure the oranges are completely dry to avoid the growth of mold and bacteria. The result will be dehydrated oranges that can be used for various purposes such as in crafts, potpourri, or in recipes.

Dehydrating Oranges Using Air Fryer

Step 1: Take Three Oranges: Begin with three fresh oranges. These can be any variety you prefer. The number of oranges might vary depending on the size of your air fryer tray.

Step 2: Place them on Cutting Board: Put the oranges on a clean cutting board to prepare them for slicing. This provides a safe, stable surface for cutting.

Step 3: Take a Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife for slicing the oranges. The sharper the knife, the cleaner the cuts will be, making it easier to get consistent slices.

Step 4: Slice the Oranges: Cut the oranges into slices. The width of the slices should not be too thin or too thick. This is important because very thin slices might dry out too quickly and become brittle, while very thick slices might not dry out completely in the given time.

Step 5: Arrange Them on Air Fryer Tray: Place the orange slices on the tray of the air fryer in a single layer. Try not to overlap the slices, as this could prevent them from dehydrating evenly.

Step 6: Press Dehydrate Option: Depending on your air fryer model, select the dehydrate function. If your air fryer doesn’t have a specific dehydrate option, set it to a low temperature (typically around 120-140°F or 50-60°C).

Step 7. Set Time for 3 Hours: Set the air fryer’s timer for three hours. This should be enough time to adequately dehydrate the orange slices at a low temperature.

Step 8: If You Want More Crispier, Leave Them for One More Hour: If you prefer your orange slices to be extra crispy, you can extend the dehydration time by an additional hour.

How To Bake Orange For Canadian Slices?

Step 1: Slice Off Naval Oranges End: Begin by cutting off the ends of the naval oranges. This will provide a flat surface that makes it easier and safer to slice the oranges.

Step 2: Slice Thinly: Using a sharp knife, slice the rest of the oranges into thin slices. Thin slices will cook more evenly and quickly.

Step 3: Simmer Water: Next, put some water in a pot and heat it until it begins to simmer. Simmering water is just below the boiling point and is signified by small and steady bubbles.

Step 4: Add Sugar: Add sugar to the simmering water. The amount of sugar depends on your preference, but typically you might use an equal amount of sugar to water to create a syrup.

Step 5: Stir Until Dissolved: Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water. This will create a sugar syrup in which you will cook the orange slices.

Step 6: Add Orange Slices in a Single Layer: Carefully place the thinly sliced oranges in the pot. Try to arrange them in a single layer to ensure they all have equal exposure to the syrup and heat.

Step 7: Simmer on Low Flame Until Translucent: Reduce the heat to a low setting and let the orange slices simmer in the syrup until they become translucent. This step is where the oranges get candied as they absorb the sugar syrup and their own juices get concentrated. It might take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the heat level and thickness of the slices.

Step 8: Dry on a Rack Overnight: After the slices become translucent, remove them from the syrup using a slotted spoon and lay them out on a drying rack. Leave them to dry overnight. They will become stickier and firmer as they dry.

What Are The Uses Of Dried Oranges?

In Cocktails: Dried oranges can make an attractive and flavorful garnish for cocktails. Not only do they add a pop of color, but as they infuse, they can subtly alter the taste of the drink, adding a pleasant citrus note. For example, they can be used in an Old Fashioned or a Negroni for a unique twist.

With Tea: Dried orange slices can be added directly into a pot or a cup of tea, adding a tangy, sweet citrusy flavor that complements many types of tea, particularly black and green teas. The dried slices release their flavors slowly, so the longer they steep, the stronger the flavor.

As Chips: Dried orange slices can also be eaten as is, like chips. They are a healthy, fiber-rich alternative to traditional snacks. Their natural sweetness and slight bitterness can be a refreshing change from standard salty and savory snacks.

Holiday Decorations: Dried oranges can be used as festive, natural holiday decorations. They can be strung into garlands, used as ornaments on a Christmas tree, or incorporated into a wreath. The light shining through the dried slices brings out their beautiful color.

Potpourri: Add dried orange slices to your potpourri mix. They will contribute a lovely color and a fresh, citrusy aroma. This can be especially pleasant during the colder months when the bright, fresh scent can uplift your spirits.

In Baking and Cooking: Dried oranges can also be used in various baking and cooking recipes. They can be added to cakes and bread for a citrus flavor, or used as a garnish on desserts. In cooking, they can be used in sauces or marinades, or added to braised dishes or roasts.

Crafting: Dried oranges can be used in a variety of craft projects, such as making natural jewelry, creating unique candle holders, or being used in decoupage projects.

FAQs

What can orange peels be used for?

Orange peels can be used in baking, cooking, and making homemade cleaners or cosmetics.

Is orange peel good for the eyes?

Yes, the Vitamin C in orange peels can benefit eye health.

How long will dried orange slices last?

If stored properly, they can last for up to 2 years.

Can you dry orange slices at room temperature?

Yes, but it will take several days and the slices must be turned frequently to ensure even drying.

Do dried oranges smell?

Yes, they have a pleasant, citrusy smell.

How do you preserve orange slices?

They can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Can dried orange slices go bad?

Yes, if they’re not properly dried or stored, they can mold or go bad.

Will dried orange slices attract bugs?

If they’re properly dried and stored, bugs should not be attracted to them.

Conclusion

Drying orange slices is a relatively simple and straightforward process that offers numerous potential uses. Whether you’re looking to use them for holiday decorations, culinary purposes, drinks, or craft projects, dried orange slices add a unique aesthetic and a refreshing citrus twist. The drying process, though time-consuming, is simple, and the end result is well worth the patience. The whole process promotes sustainability as it allows us to use the entire orange without any waste, thereby making the most of our resources. Therefore, drying orange slices is a beneficial skill to have in your culinary and craft repertoire.

Key Takeaways

• Drying orange slices is a simple process that can be done in an oven, a dehydrator, or an air fryer.
• Dried orange slices can be used for various purposes, from decorations to snacks to cocktail garnishes.
• Proper drying and storage are crucial to prevent the orange slices from going bad or attracting bugs.