How to Make Dried Orange Slices Recipe
Introduction
Dried orange slices are a beautiful and flavorful addition to holiday decor, teas, or snacks. This simple recipe guides you through slowly dehydrating fresh oranges to achieve perfectly dried slices with bright citrus notes and a pleasant chew.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 medium-sized oranges, washed and dried
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to a low temperature between 170-175°F (80°C) to prepare for slow, even dehydration of the orange slices.
- Step 2: Thoroughly wash and dry the oranges to remove any dirt or residues. Slice them into 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch thick rounds, using a mandolin if possible for uniform thickness.
- Step 3: Pat each slice with a paper towel to remove surface moisture. This helps speed up the drying process and improves texture.
- Step 4: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place a baking rack on top. Lay the orange slices in a single layer, spaced evenly to avoid sticking and allow air circulation.
- Step 5: Place the rack with orange slices in the oven and bake for about 6 hours, flipping the slices every hour to ensure even drying and prevent sticking or burning.
- Step 6: Check for doneness—the slices are ready when their centers look dry and matte rather than glossy. If needed, let slices air dry further outside the oven to preserve flavor and avoid bitterness.
Tips & Variations
- Use organic oranges to avoid pesticides since the peel is included in the slices.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or star anise powder before drying.
- Try dehydrating other citrus fruits like lemons or limes using the same method to mix up your dried fruit collection.
Storage
Store fully dried orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for several weeks without losing flavor. If moisture returns, allow them to air dry again before sealing. Use them in teas, decorations, or as snacks, reheating is not necessary.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a food dehydrator instead of an oven?
Yes, a food dehydrator works great and may be more energy-efficient. Set it to around 135°F (57°C) and dry for 6 to 8 hours, checking for dryness periodically.
Why do the slices turn bitter sometimes?
Over-drying or exposing the orange slices to too high heat can cause bitterness. It’s best to dry gently at a low temperature and remove the slices as soon as they are dry but not brittle.
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How to Make Dried Orange Slices Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This recipe guides you through making dried orange slices using a slow oven dehydration method. Perfect as a natural snack or decorative garnish, the process involves thinly slicing oranges and gradually drying them at a low temperature to achieve chewy, flavorful dried slices without any additives.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 medium-sized oranges, washed and dried
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to a low temperature between 170-175°F (80°C) to prepare for slow, even dehydration of the orange slices.
- Prepare the Oranges: Thoroughly wash and dry the oranges to remove any dirt or residues. Slice them into 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch thick rounds, preferably using a mandolin slicer to maintain uniform thickness for even drying.
- Dry the Slices: Pat each orange slice with a paper towel to remove surface moisture. This step helps speed up the drying process and improves the final texture of the dried slices.
- Arrange on Baking Rack: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place a baking rack on top. Spread the orange slices in a single layer on the rack, ensuring they are spaced evenly to avoid sticking and promote proper air circulation.
- Dehydrate in Oven: Place the baking rack with orange slices in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 6 hours, flipping the slices every hour to ensure even drying and prevent sticking or burning.
- Check for Doneness: The dried orange slices are ready when their centers look dry and matte instead of glossy. If needed, you can air-dry the slices further outside the oven to avoid overbaking and preserve the flavor without bitterness.
Notes
- Using a mandolin slicer ensures even thickness for uniform drying.
- Flipping the slices every hour is essential to prevent burning and ensure even dehydration.
- Air drying after oven dehydration can help avoid bitterness that comes from overbaking.
- Store dried orange slices in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Dried orange slices can be used as snacks, garnishes for drinks, or decorative elements.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dried oranges, dried orange slices, dehydrated orange recipe, healthy snack, natural fruit snack, homemade dried fruit
