How to Dry Oranges

Dried oranges are truly versatile. Not only are they a handy snack, but they can also serve as unique home decor. Dried oranges can be used for scrapbooking, in aromatic mixtures, as Christmas decorations, as decor for a bathroom or kitchen, or simply as a bright accent in an interior.

We at 5-Minute Crafts offer you 2 methods to dry oranges that will help preserve their color.

Kitchen utensils

• A baking sheet covered with parchment

• A dryer for fruits and vegetables

How to do it

• Use different varieties of oranges and lemons or limes. You can also use grapefruit.

• Wash the fruit.

• Cut the citrus fruit into slices that are 4 mm to 6 mm thick.

• Squeeze the juice of a whole lemon into a bowl of clean water at room temperature.

• Put the slices into the lemon water for 20-30 minutes. This is necessary to preserve the color of the fruit after it dries.

• Dry the slices by letting a paper towel soak up the moisture.

How to dry oranges in the oven

• Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire shelf.

• Make sure to provide air circulation — you can either dry them with a slightly open oven door or switch on the convection mode.

• Dry the oranges for 4 to 10 hours at a temperature of 140°F to 180°F. Regularly check the condition of the oranges, and turn them over. The cooking time depends on the oven. It’s not recommended to set the temperature any higher than stated, as citrus fruit can easily burn.

How to dry oranges in a dehydrator

• Place the slices onto the dehydrator’s wire rack in one layer.

• Dry the oranges for 18-20 hours at a temperature of 140°F.

• When using the fruit and vegetable drier, it’s not necessary to watch the process because it’s automated. The main thing is to check that the fruit isn’t wet at the end. If necessary, turn the dehydrator on for 2-3 hours more.