How To Make 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.

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

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.