Drying orange slices is one of the easiest Christmas crafts to do, and the orange slices can be used in so many different ways around the house. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment like a dehydrator, you simply use an oven on a low heat – it doesn’t get much easier than that!
Read on to find out how to dry citrus slices, what to use them for, and how to make your own dried citrus garland. All this recipe requires is firm citrus fruits of your choice (oranges, lemons, limes, or a mix!).
Method
Follow these steps to make our Dried Citrus Slices
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 95°C. The low heat helps preserve the vibrant colours and essential oils of the citrus slices without burning them.
Using a sharp knife and a stable cutting board, slice the citrus fruits into thin, uniform slices, approximately 0.5cm thick. Thinner slices tend to dry more evenly. If you are struggling to cut your slices evenly and thinly enough, you can also use a mandoline.
Line your baking trays with greaseproof paper to prevent your citrus slices from sticking. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the sheets, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows for proper air circulation and even drying in the oven.
Use a few sheets of kitchen roll to dab away any excess moisture from the citrus slices. This will help them dry more quickly and evenly. Dry both sides if you wish.
Place the baking trays in your preheated oven and bake your orange slices for 1-2 hours, flipping every 15 minutes to encourage even drying. Once your orange slices are no longer wet and have a leathery texture, remove them from the tray (even if it hasn’t been the full 1 or 2 hours).
Allow your dried citrus slices to cool completely on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Your homemade dried citrus slices are now ready to use – use them to make decorations, garnish your cocktails, or give to friends! Experiment with different citrus varieties and get creative with how you use these vibrant, fragrant slices.
How To Make a Dried Citrus Garland
Creating a dried citrus garland is a wonderful way to infuse your home with a natural, festive ambiance. Follow this step-by-step guide to craft your own beautiful dried citrus garland.
Materials Needed
- Dried citrus slices (oranges, lemons, limes)
- Twine or string
- Large, blunt needle
- Additional embellishments (optional, e.g., cinnamon sticks, dried berries)
Prepare the Twine
Cut a length of twine or brown string according to your desired garland length. Leave a little extra length on each end for hanging.
Thread the Needle & Add Your Slices
Thread a large, blunt needle with the prepared twine. This will make it easier to string the citrus slices. Carefully pierce the needle through the centre of a dried citrus slice. Pull the twine through until the slice rests against the knot or a secure loop at the end of the twine.
Add Variety and Space
Continue threading the citrus slices onto the twine, adding variety by interspersing different citrus fruits. Leave a small gap between each slice to prevent crowding and ensure that each slice is visible.
Incorporate Additional Elements (Optional)
For added visual interest, consider incorporating other elements like cinnamon sticks or dried berries. Thread these items onto the twine alongside the citrus slices, spacing them out as desired. Repeat the threading process until you’ve reached the desired length for your garland.
Hang & Enjoy
Once you’ve threaded all the citrus slices and any additional elements, tie a secure knot at each end of the twine. This will ensure that your garland remains intact when hung. Find the perfect spot to showcase your handmade dried citrus garland. We love hanging ours above the mantelpiece, above doorways, or around our Christmas tree!
How Long Do Dried Orange Slices Last?
Once you’ve successfully dried out your citrus slices, proper storage is key to preserving their freshness. If you have completely dried out your citrus slices, and you store them in an airtight container, they will last for months – if not years! This longevity makes them a very sustainable addition to your seasonal decorations.
What Can You Use Dried Citrus For?
Dried orange slices are easily made in big batches, and can be used for a number of things from food, to decorations, to gift toppers and more! Find out more below:
Dried Citrus Garland
Create a stunning garland by threading dried orange slices onto a string or twine. Although orange slices work well on their own, consider combining them with other seasonal elements like cinnamon sticks or dried berries. This elegant decoration can be hung across mantels, and doorways, or even as a unique addition to your Christmas tree.
Cocktail Garnishes
Dried citrus slices are the perfect cocktail garnish, often used on cosmopolitans or on top of a G&T. They make for a visually appealing finish, whilst adding an aromatic layer whenever you take a sip! Keep them in a cute jar on your bar cart for easy access. If you prefer a warm drink, dried citrus slices also work great on top of hot chocolate.
Food Garnishes
At Christmas time, we love using dried orange slices on our grazing platters and cheese boards. For a sweet treat, dip your dried orange slices in dark chocolate and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Serve as a simple and elegant dinner party appetiser!
For more dinner party appetiser ideas, read one of our recent blogs: How to Host a Fuss-Free Dinner Party
Christmas Decorations
Add a rustic and natural charm to your Christmas tree by hanging dried citrus slices as ornaments. Simply thread each dried orange slice with a piece of brown string and tie to make a loop. You could also add your dried citrus slices to your Christmas wreath or scatter the slices on your festive table-scape.
Gifts & Gift Toppers
Consider gifting your homemade dried citrus garlands or package up your orange slices in jars or cellophane bags. They make for thoughtful, handmade presents that are sure to be appreciated. If you want to make your actual gift wrapping stand out, you could complete your wrapped gift with a colourful bow, an orange slice, and a sprig of rosemary! Read this blog for more Christmas gift ideas: 12 Gifts That Aren’t a Bottle Of Wine
Christmas Crafts & Recipes From Savery Grazing
And that’s it – a simple Christmas craft that literally anyone can have a go at. If you’re looking for more seasonal tips & tricks, keep up to date with our blog, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
If you have any questions, or you’d like to find out more about Savery Grazing, get in touch with our team. We’d love to hear from you!
Related Questions
Can You Dry Oranges in an Air Fryer?
Yes – you can! You can dry your orange slices in any type of air fryer, regardless of whether or not your air fryer has a dehydrating function. Line your air fryer with greaseproof paper, and lay out your orange slices. Bake your orange slices on the lowest heat setting and flip every 15 minutes. Remove the orange slices once they have browned slightly and are no longer sticky.
Should You Eat Dried Oranges?
Yes, dried oranges can be enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into various recipes. They retain the sweet and tangy flavour of fresh oranges, making them a delicious and portable treat. Try:
- Dipping them into dark chocolate
- Using them as a cake decoration
- Chopping small and adding them to your favourite granola
- Eating them on their own with a sprinkle of sugar
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