Dried Orange Slices

Dehydrated oranges are an easy but impressive garnish that your guests will never guess you made yourself!

this recipe

These dried orange slices are perfect to keep on hand for garnishing drinks, cakes, or anything else you fancy. A lack of a dehydrator means that dried oranges are often placed in the too hard basket but they couldn’t be simpler!

My baked orange slices use the oven, so they’re perfect for anyone who loves the look of dried citrus but doesn’t want to invest in yet another appliance.

This trans-seasonal recipe is perfect at Christmas but can be enjoyed all year round. It is:

• Easy: it only takes a few simple steps to make dehydrated oranges. The prep time is only 5 minutes and then you can let your oven do all of the work!

• Versatile: as well as being used as a mocktail (or cocktail) garnish, dried orange slices can be used as Christmas decorations, to adorn garlands or be served as orange chips.

• Can be made in bulk: dehydrated oranges have a shelf life of up to 12 months if dehydrated and stored properly. Make a big batch and then bring them out when you’re feeling a bit fancy.

WHAT ARE DRIED ORANGE SLICES USED FOR?

Dried oranges are a versatile ingredient. Use them to:

• Garnish mocktails (or cocktails).
• Decorate hot or iced tea.
• Add flavour to marinades.
• Top cakes.
• Add colour to your mulling spice mix.
• Hang upon the Christmas tree.
• Decorate a wreath as part of your Christmas décor.
• For contrast on garlands to hang upon your mantel.

INGREDIENTS

This dried orange slices recipe calls for simple everyday ingredients that combine to make an impressive garnish.

• Oranges: fresh oranges are the star of this recipe. Instead of their sweet juice, this recipe utilizes their beautiful golden hue that deepens and intensifies with the drying process. Note: Citrus like limes, grapefruit, blood orange and lemon also work well in this recipe. See variations for more inspiration.

VARIATIONS

The great thing about this dried orange slices recipe is that any citrus works! Follow the same steps with lime, blood  orange, tangelo, grapefruit, or lemon for a variety of colourful citrus wheels.

EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED 

• Baking sheets: regular cookie sheets or baking trays work well.

• Parchment paper: also known as baking paper, helps to stop your citrus wheels from sticking to the baking sheet and allows for an easy flip at the halfway point.

• Wire racks: a non-stick wire rack can be used as an alternative for a baking tray and paper if you run out of trays or don’t have any on hand.

• Mandolin slicer or sharp knife: a nice even cut will give your dried orange slices a professional look. A mandolin slicer will allow for a more uniform look, however a sharp knife and steady hand works just as well.

• Paper towel: patting down your citrus slices before you bake speeds up the dehydration process. Have a few sheets on hand in case your fruit is extra juicy.

HOW TO DEHYDRATE ORANGES IN THE OVEN

If you’ve ever wondered how to dry oranges in the oven, you might be surprised at just how easy it is. Simply:

Preheat your oven to 70ºC (160ºF), or as low as your oven will go.

Cut the citrus into 6mm / ¼ inch slices. If you have a mandolin, it will make this task much easier. If not, use a sharp knife and cut as evenly as you can.

Line a baking sheet with parchment/baking paper. You could also use a wire rack – just make sure it’s non-stick.

Place the citrus wheels in a single layer on top of the cookie tray, about 1 centimetre/ half inch apart. 

Blot with paper towel to remove the excess moisture. Turn and blot the other side.

Bake for 2 hours then flip the orange wheels. Return to the oven and bake for another 2 hours, then check. If any moisture remains, leave them in a little longer.

Only remove from the oven when all moisture is removed, and they are completely dry.

Once cooled, store the dried orange slices in a zip lock bag in a container until you’re ready to use them.

Frequently asked questions

I hope you enjoy making these dried orange slices as much as I have enjoyed creating the recipe for you!