Learn how easy it is to make dried oranges in a dehydrator for Christmas, a budget-friendly and fun way to decorate your home for the holidays!
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How To Make Dried Oranges In A Dehydrator For Christmas
I’ve been curious about making dried oranges for the holidays for several years, but I never found the time…until now. And I’m so glad I did!
Drying oranges is a fun and easy way to create beautiful and festive decorations for Christmas. They can be used in wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, and more.
And, they’re a great way to use up any leftover oranges you may have stashed away in your fridge!
I recently rediscovered my old dehydrator, tucked away in a corner of our basement. So, I decided to dust it off and use it to make dried oranges for Christmas!
I’m sharing the easy step-by-step process to make your own dried oranges at home using a food dehydrator, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry. I’m sharing tips for drying oranges for Christmas in your oven, too.
Tools And Supplies Needed To Make Dried Oranges In A Dehydrator
- Fresh oranges
- Food dehydrator
- Mandoline slicer or serrated knife
How To Make Dried Oranges In A Dehydrator
Step 1: Preheat Your Dehydrator
First, ensure your dehydrator is preheated to 125℉. This temperature is just right to slowly draw out the moisture from the oranges without burning them.
Step 2: Slice Your Oranges
Next, slice your oranges into thin rounds, approximately 1/4-inch to 1-8/inch thick.
The thinner your orange slices the more quickly and evenly they will dry.
Step 3: Dehydrate Your Oranges
Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on each dehydrator tray. Be careful to avoid overcrowding the trays to allow for adequate airflow and even drying.
Place the trays into the preheated dehydrator and let the dehydrator do the work! Dry your oranges for 10-12 hours and rotate your trays as needed.
If the orange slices are still sticky they may need a little more time. Your orange slices are done drying when they are transparent and look similar to a stained glass window.
Step 4: Cool And Store Your Dried Oranges
Once the drying process is complete, remove the orange slices from the dehydrator and allow them to cool completely.
Then, once they are cooled, store your dried oranges in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Dried oranges can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Using A Dehydrator Or An Oven To Make Dried Oranges: Which Method Is Better?
The benefit of making dried oranges in a dehydrator is that it gives you pretty, evenly dried orange slices without the worry of them burning in the oven.
The drying time can change depending on your dehydrator, so you might need to play around with it a bit to get the drying time just right.
Oven-Dried Oranges: A Simple Alternative to Using a Dehydrator
If you don’t have a food dehydrator, you can also dry your oranges in the oven.
First, preheat your oven to 200℉. Place your sliced oranges on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between the slices, and don’t overcrowd your baking sheets so the slices dry evenly.
Place your baking sheets in the oven and dry the oranges for 2-4 hours. It’s important to flip the oranges every 30 minutes to an hour and rotate your baking sheets as needed to prevent the orange slices from burning.
What To Make With Dehydrated Oranges
Your dried oranges are now ready to be used in your holiday crafts! Here are a few ideas to help get you started.
Christmas Wreaths
Create a beautiful and fragrant wreath by attaching dried orange slices to a wire wreath frame or pine wreath.
You can also make small rustic Christmas chair wreaths like these ones to hang on your dining room or kitchen chairs.
Holiday Garlands
Make a simple and elegant garland by stringing together dried orange slices with twine or ribbon.
You can also add dried orange accents to existing garlands throughout your home, including on your stairs and your fireplace mantel.
Festive Centerpieces
Create a festive centerpiece for your Christmas tablescape by placing dried orange slices in a bowl or vase.
Or you can attach them to candle holders with greenery and other natural elements like I did with this natural holiday centerpiece with dried oranges.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Make unique and eye-catching ornaments by hanging dried orange slices from your Christmas tree.
You can also use dried orange slices to create other types of ornaments, such as snowflakes, stars, and bells.
Stovetop Potpourri
Dried orange slices can be used in place of fresh oranges to make a homemade holiday simmer pot.
Simply add a few dried orange slices to a Dutch oven filled with water along with other ingredients like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and fresh rosemary Simmer over low heat to fill your home with the cozy, inviting scents of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Dried Oranges For Christmas
Q: What are the best oranges for dehydrating and drying?
A: Any variety will work, but you’ll have the best success using a seedless or low-seed variety. Naval oranges, Blood oranges, Cara oranges, and Valencia oranges are all good options.
Q: Do you peel oranges before drying them?
A: No. The typical way to dry oranges is to slice them thinly with the peels on.
Q: How long will dried oranges last?
A: Properly dried and stored orange slices can last for over two years, making them perfect for Christmas decorations. Simply place them in an airtight container until next holiday season.
Q: Do dried orange slices mold?
A: Properly dried orange slices won’t mold, but if they’re not dried enough, mold might grow. As they hang, they’ll continue to dry out.
Simple Guide To Making Dried Oranges In A Dehydrator For Christmas
Thanks so much for stopping by! No matter how you choose to use them, dried oranges are a beautiful and affordable way to decorate your home for the holidays.
I hope this post gives you the confidence to make your own dried oranges in the dehydrator (or oven!) for Christmas this year.
Xo,
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