Due to limited storage and a desire for simplicity, I am someone who loves finding items that have multi-purpose uses. And Christmas decor is no exception to this! One of my favorite ways to decorate is with dried orange slices. It’s not only affordable and sustainable but also a fun craft for the kids! Additionally, you can use the oranges in yummy winter drinks. Here are two ways to make dehydrated orange slices and ideas for how to use them to decorate your home this holiday season!
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Method 1: How to Make Dehydrated Orange Slices in the Oven
This method doesn’t require any extra expenses or special tools. It’s a great way to decorate on a budget and involve your kids in the process! Here’s how to dehydrate oranges with your oven.
Materials
How to Make Dehydrated Orange Slices in the Oven
If you plan to eat the oranges, wash them well or soak in a one part water one part vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes. Dry well.
Start by slicing the oranges to about ¼ inch thick. The thinner they are, the better they will dry! You can use a clean tea towel or paper towel to pat the oranges dry. This will help speed up the drying process!
Preheat the oven to 200F, then arrange the orange slices on parchment paper on a baking sheet.
Bake for 2-3 hours. Flip them every hour to make sure that they bake evenly! Check them every 30 minutes once you reach the 2 hour mark, ensuring that they don’t burn!
Once done, allow the oranges to cool on the counter!
Method 2: How to Make Dehydrated Orange Slices in the Dehydrator
The dehydrator method is perfect if you want to be able to leave the oranges throughout the day or overnight. It also can ensure more even drying with less of a chance to burn. This is the dehydrator that I use, but if you want one that is higher quality… this is a great option.
Materials
How to Make Dehydrated Orange Slices in the Dehydrator
If you plan to eat the oranges, wash them well or soak in a one part water one part vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes. Dry well.
Start by slicing the oranges to about ¼ inch thick. The thinner they are, the better they will dry! Use a clean tea towel or paper towel to pat the oranges dry. This will help speed up the drying process!
Arrange the oranges on a dehydrator on a single layer. Each dehydrator is different, but I set the temperature to 135-140F.
Dehydrate the oranges for 8-12 hours. Check every few hours to ensure that they are dried all of the way through. If you want, you can rotate your dehydrator trays ever 3-4 hours to ensure even drying.
How to Make a Dehydrated Orange Slice Garland
There are countless options when it comes to decorating with dried orange slices! One option is to create a string garland. You can also add them to wreaths, greenery, or string them up as ornaments on the tree!
Materials:
Directions
If making a garland, start by poking two holes about 1.5 inches apart on the orange with a toothpick.
Thread twine through them, going back and forth as pictured. Keep this up, adding oranges as you go until you reach the desired length!
Tips for Dehydrated Orange Slice Decor
It is important to make sure that the oranges are thoroughly dried. If not, they can grow bacteria and become unsafe to consume.
Also, I recommend making more than you think you will need because sometimes they will break or not turn out as flat as you hope!
Wassail Recipe to Make with Dehydrated Orange Slices
My friend Jessica of Prairie Creek Homestead has a delicious Wassail recipe that uses dried oranges! Wassail is a traditional warm English drink that has flavors of citrus, apple, cinnamon, and spice! Get her recipe here to make this holiday season!
10 Other Uses for Dried Orange Slices
There are countless ways that you can use dried oranges! Here are a few additional ideas:
Gift Tags: Tie a piece of greenery and a dried orange to your Christmas tags this year!
Garnish: Use your dried oranges as a garnish on food and drinks!
Simmer Pots: Use dried oranges in your simmer pots this holiday season! Here’s one of my favorite recipes!
Potpourri: Make a DIY potpourri mix with your dried oranges and gift it for Christmas!
Make Ornaments: Simply string some twine or ribbon through the oranges and hang them on your tree!
Decor: In addition to dried orange garlands, you could add them to greenery like pine garlands and Christmas wreaths!
Make Chocolate Dipped Dried Orange Slices: If you want a yummy holiday treat, try this recipe and serve on a charcuterie platter this Christmas!
Mix and Match: You could also dry other citrus such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Use this to make a unique, colorful garland!
Grind into Powder: Use a mortar and pestle like this one to grind the powder up to use in homemade beauty products or for baking!
Make Candles: You could make your own candles and add dried orange slices for a beautiful, unique effect!
Make Dehydrated Orange Slices for an Affordable Decor Option this Christmas
Decorating for the seasons doesn’t have to be expensive! If you like a natural, cottage-inspired look–making a DIY garland with dried oranges is the way to go!
Check out this post for more affordable, sustainable Christmas decor ideas to try this holiday season!
This post was all about how to make dehydrated orange slices and how to use them.
How to Make Dehydrated Orange Slices
Equipment
- 1 pan
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 knife
- 1 dehydrator
Ingredients
- 1 bag of oranges
Instructions
How to Make Dehydrated Orange Slices in the Oven
- If you plan to eat the oranges, wash them well or soak in a one part water one part vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes. Dry well.
- Start by slicing the oranges to about ¼ inch thick. Then pat to dry them with a paper towel.
- Bake for 2-3 hours. Flip them every hour to make sure that they bake evenly! Check them every 30 minutes once you reach the 2 hour mark, ensuring that they don’t burn!
- Preheat the oven to 200F, then arrange the orange slices on parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Once done, allow the oranges to cool on the counter!
How to Make Dehydrated Orange Slices in a Dehydrator
- If you plan to eat the oranges, wash them well or soak in a one part water one part vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes. Dry well.
- Start by slicing the oranges to about ¼ inch thick. The thinner they are, the better they will dry!
- Arrange the oranges on a dehydrator on a single layer. Each dehydrator is different, but I set the temperature to 135-140F.
- Dehydrate the oranges for 8-12 hours. Check every few hours to ensure that they are dried all of the way through. If you want, you can rotate your dehydrator trays ever 3-4 hours to ensure even drying.
- If the oranges are still squishy and are not dried all the way through, you can keep the dehydrator going. Check often to ensure they are not burning!
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