How To Dry Orange Slices For Holiday Decorating

One of my favorite ways to decorate for the holidays is using dried oranges, and I’m so happy to share my tips on how to dry orange slices. After trying all the wrong ways, I feel like I finally got it right. Yay me!

How To Dry Orange Slices

My orange slices from last year, and the year before were not very pretty. I ended up throwing more than half away then I just gave up. This year, as they say, is a brand new ball game.

So where did I go wrong? Mostly, not being patient enough, too much heat, not cutting the slices thin enough, plus a few other things. So let’s see how to do this the right way.

Supplies

• 4 to 5 medium navel oranges
• sharp knife
• cutting board
• baking racks
• paper towels

Cut orange slices evenly, about 1/8 inch thick.

Place orange slices on paper towels, and gently but firmly blot excess juice. This not only helps the dehydration process, but will keep extra juices from sticking on the baking racks.

Transfer orange slices to baking racks, and then place in your oven. Using baking racks allows dry air to circulate better, and works much better for me than using a flat sheet pan.

For a regular oven, set the temperature at 150°F. At higher temperatures your orange slices may get too brown, and you may get scorch marks from the baking racks.

Let them dry out for 3 to 4 hours. Turn orange slices over every hour or so, which will help them stay somewhat flat.

In a Ninja oven, you can use the dehydrator setting, which automatically sets the temperature at 130°F. Set timer for 3 hours and turn orange slices over every hour.

After three hours, if the outer edges look a little more dried out than the center, that’s alright. You can let the orange slices continue to air day on a cooling rack to retain those pretty edges.

I’m loving how much better these orange slices look with the lighter edges, and no scorch marks LOL!

How To Use Dried Orange Slices

Every year I look forward to finding different ways to use dried orange slices in our Christmas decor. Here are some suggestions that quickly come to mind.

Make your own simmering potpourri by combining cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cranberries and dried orange slices.

Use orange slices to decorate holiday desserts and fancy cocktails.

Add a little personal flourish to holiday gifts by tying a dried orange slice and a sprig of pine with string on presents.

I love stringing orange slices on long sections of jute to create garlands. To see how one looks over our kitchen pot rack, click on Christmas In The Kitchen.

Orange slices make simple but beautiful Christmas tree ornaments. See how to decorate with orange slices here and here

Of course one of my favorite holiday decorations is mixing dried orange slices with real or faux green. It’s always a winning combination.

Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration that you can use right now!

I’m really looking forward to holiday decorating, and can’t wait to show you how I’m using these this year.

Cheers!

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