The dried orange slices could be enjoyed as snacks or used for DIY home décor or added to potpourri and much more! This article will show you how to dry the orange slices and the best way to use them. using the dried slices.
How do you dry the orange slices
Oranges that have been dried
Ingredients
- 2 oranges
- 3 apples
- A small amount of cloves
- Cinnamon sticks 5
- fine ribbon, twine, or string
Method
Preheat oven to 140C/120C Fan/gas 1 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the apples and oranges extremely thinly with a mandolin used for the apples, if you own one. Lay the slices out on the tray, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour and turning every half hour during cooking and until the fruit is completely dried. Let them cool.
After cooling, decorate the slices of orange with cloves. String some twine, ribbon or string into the centre of the slices of orange, after which tie knots for securing. Then, add a slice of apple, then tie another knot. You can also tie an orange stick with a cinnamon stick on top of some decorations.
Equipment Required to Dry Orange Slices
It’s not necessary to use everything in this list to make dry slices of oranges. The only thing you need is what you intend to do using the fruit!
Baking tray — choose one with sides as the oranges release juice when they bake.
The paper is made from parchment so that the oranges don’t adhere to the baking pan.
A chef’s knife is supposed to be extremely sharp in order so that cutting the oranges is smoother.
Cutlery — If you intend to eat the dried slices of orange, be sure your cutting board isn’t been infected with onions or garlic. Both can be absorbed into the orange slices.
Dehydrator — not necessary to use if you intend on drying the slices of orange in the oven. However, if you already own the dehydrator you want, then make sure to use it! (I’ve listed the dehydrator we own)
the best way to utilize dried slices of orange
Make the perfect Christmas garland. You can also add them to your winter wreath!
Incorporate them in potpourri for an uplifting citrus scent all around your home.
Place some citrus rinds in your bar cart to use as an easy cocktail garnish!
Make use of it to brighten a board of charcuterie.
Cocktails that you can garnish with blood orange vodka Sour!
Baked goods can be decorated with decorations like this cake with cardamom and orange!
Mix them with sangria, or the mulled wine!
Sprinkle sugar on top or dip it in chocolate to make an easy snack.
What is the length of time they can be kept?
They are dried and when they are cool, need to be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The slices will last for two years, and could serve as decoration all the time would like!
What are the best ways to use them?
Dehydrated oranges are a great source of possibilities, making them useful to keep on hand!
Mix them with Christmas Sangria and Mulled Wine.
Cocktails with garnishes like Orange Cranberry Bourbon Smash.
Incorporate them into potpourri to make the perfect scent for your home.
Make them part of the Christmas wreath, or strung them up to make the garland.
Decorate baked goods like Orange Sweet Bread.
How to Dry The Orange Slices Naturally
Drying slices of orange to be used in Christmas wreaths and various other decors is a lot easier than you think, But make sure you stick to a method that has been approved by an expert, since drying them properly is crucial to long-term achievement.
The most efficient method of drying slices of orange is by cutting them into 1/2in (1cm) rounds, then rubbing the dry ones and laying them on a rack in your kitchen for them to let them air dry. It can take several days and the outcome can be different following the humidity and temperature of the area you live in.
How to Dry Orange Slices Oven
Bowl with a footed design, containing orange slices and pine cones
Utilizing an oven is an easier and safer method of drying orange slices, compared to air drying. When dry, they can be used in your outdoor decorations as well as indoors as part of your Christmas decor suggestions, such as creating a Christmas wreath.
Drying the orange slices using the oven is an easy process however it can take a while as explained by Country Homes & Interiors stylist Sara Bird. For drying orange slices slice them into about 1/2-inch (1cm) wide and thick pieces. Dry them and wash and then place the slices in a rack of wire on a baking tray according to her.
Place them in a low-temperature oven at approximately 285o F (140oC gas mark 1) Bake for about 3 hours. Turn them over frequently. Oranges are ready when they’re dry and free of sticky.’
How to Dry Orange Slices in An Air Fryer
Plate napkin, cutlery, napkin and an orange candle. Layered orange slices
To avoid drying slices of orange in the oven, you could consider an alternative appliance. It’s easy to dry fruit using the air fryer. It doesn’t require an air fryer equipped with the ability to dehydrate.
The 1/2 inch (1cm) slices into the basket to ensure they don’t overhang and then use the setting to dehydrate if the air fryer comes with this option and follow the directions. If not, choose the lowest temperature setting. flip the slices in 30 minutes. Dry the slices for an additional 15 minutes. However, be sure to check them frequently so that you don’t over-dry them. The flesh has become hard but the rind doesn’t get brown.
Senior writer at Homes & Gardens Chiana Dickson has tried this method. She suggests using parchment paper to cover the fryer’s air first so that the slices of orange stick, and also to facilitate cleanup.
The recommended dehydrator is Gourmia GFD1650 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine. It was purchased in the year 2016, and it’s still working excellent!
Tips: Depending on the brand and model of the dehydrator you have the time can range between 3-12 hours to dehydrate slices of orange. Also, it is contingent on the thickness at which you cut them. Check the instructions of the manufacturer for instructions on how the machine performs.