Dried Orange Slices

An excellent way to preserve oranges, dried orange slices can be used for craft projects, drink garnishes, or snacking.

Drying orange slices in the oven is quick, easy, and inexpensive- all you need is the fruit, sugar, parchment paper, and time! No need for a food dehydrator.

These dried oranges are so cute for holiday decor and smell fantastic too. You could throw the orange slices in a glass jar with cinnamon sticks and star anise for a simple homemade potpourri mix.

Just line cookie sheets with parchment paper, slice oranges, toss in sugar, and bake them at a low oven temperature until dry. Then store in air-tight containers – ziploc bags work well. Easy peasy.

How long do homemade dried orange slices last?

Dehydrated orange slices can last a long time if stored correctly. They are best stored in an airtight container that blocks light and moisture, which can cause fruits to spoil.

If you notice any mold growing on your orange slices, discard them immediately- do not taste the fruit!

The orange chips will darken as they age so if you want the bright orange colour of the freshly dried slices you may need to make new slices yearly.

About the Ingredients for Dehydrated Orange Slices

Oranges – You can use any variety of fresh orange, but you’ll have the best success using a seedless or low-seed variety like navel or blood oranges.

Just make sure you are slicing them thinly and evenly so they dry out thoroughly. Thick slices will take much longer to dry out, and will have more of a bitter flavour if you are making them to eat.

Sugar – Sugar is optional, and you can use any kind you like. Icing sugar, regular white sugar, sugar substitutes. It all works.

How to Use Dried Orange Slices

Dried orange slices can be used for craft projects like:

1. Christmas decorations
2. Ornaments for your Christmas tree
3. Wreath
4. Potpourri
5. Orange Garlands

Dehydrated oranges are also edible and are great for:

• Healthy snack
• Great addition to trail mix
• For Holiday Baking
• Garnish for Drinks or meats
• Cake decorations

Use these dried orange slices in our Holiday Slow Cooker Potpourri gift jars! They look amazing and help make the simmering potpourri smell amazing too.

How to Make Dried Orange Slices

Prep Time: 5 – 10 minutes | Cook Time: Approximately 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours, 5 – 10 minutes

Ingredients:

Navel oranges – (enough for your project or craft)

Turbinado sugar (raw) – (enough to cover oranges when sliced)

Instructions:     

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

Slice navel oranges into approximately 1/4 inch slices.

Toss orange slices in turbinado sugar making sure that both sides are coated well.

Place in a single layer on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.

Place in oven and bake for one hour.

After cooking one hour, turn slices over and cook for another hour.

Turn slices again and continue cooking in 25-30 minute intervals until oranges are dry and no longer holding any juice. Thicker slices will take longer, and thinner slices will dry faster.

Remove from oven and cool completely.

Store in airtight container until ready to use.