How To Make Dried Orange Slices

Dried orange slices make for beautiful Christmas and winter decorations, especially set against winter greenery or in a dried orange garland. Equally beautiful and tasty in a warm cup of tea, these are easy to make at home using a dehydrator. I'm excited to share a tutorial on how to make dried orange slices, yourself, at home (without burning them) with a few notes on how to make a little extra Christmas money.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may be compensated when you purchase through these links at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I use the Presto Dehydro Electric Dehydrator to make my dried oranges slices.

How To Make Dried Orange Slices

I have a story to tell you today...and an idea to make a little extra Christmas money...honey. Last year, I had the idea to sell bundles of fresh magnolia leaves and dried orange slices in my Etsy shop. I thought it was a long shot, but they were really, really, pretty all packaged up in clear cello bags. Here on our farm, we have several 100+-year-old magnolia trees and they are at the peak of their beauty in the winter. So I had plenty of materials, I was really excited to list these pretty winter packages in the shop.

I dried my orange slices and picked a few leaves to get pictures ready, and I listed them. Shocking is what happened next. I got order after order.

After order.

I was out for two months in the rain, sleet, and snow. Picking fresh leaves, only the best most unblemished leaves (because I am a perfectionist), and then shipping my perfect packages. There were more orders than I could keep up with at times, it was so fun. So I'm excited to tell you how to make these dried orange slices to inspire you to use them in your holiday/winter decorations or even to sell them (people want them!). After the Christmas rush, people started ordering them for weddings and I had to slow down. I had a 10 month old and I was really pushing it.

INGREDIENTS & EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE DRIED ORANGES

• Oranges: Any kind of oranges!
• Dehydrator: I have the Presto Dehydro Electric Dehydrator (and I love it) I find this is the best and most reliable method to make dried oranges. You can also use your stove. I haven't had much luck with that, they often burn and/or cook unevenly.

HOW TO MAKE DRIED ORANGES IN A DEHYDRATOR

Making dried orange slices in a dehydrator is so easy!

1. Slice: Start by slicing your oranges ⅛" thick.
2. Arrange: Lay them in a single layer, making sure no orange slices are touching.
3. Set temperature: Set the dehydrator to 135°F
4. Set time: Set the timer for 16 hours. If your dehydrator does not go that long, you may need to break up the time. For a deeper color, they will need to dehydrate a little longer on a higher temperature.

DRIED ORANGE SLICES CAN BE USED FOR:

• I love these in a Sangria (they will rehydrate)
• Winter greenery
• As ornaments for a Christmas tree
• Topping off a cup of tea (they will rehydrate)
• Table setting or Napkin rings with a little wire.

Hey- you’ve made it this far, and now we’re BFFs.  If you make this recipe, I would love for you to give it a star rating below (scroll down to the comments).  P.S. What makes me happiest is hearing from you!  Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!

Print

Sharing is caring!