Buzz
Dried orange slices are a timeless choice for adorning trees and wreaths, especially during the festive season. They also offer a delightful treat! Once you've sliced an orange into 1 cm (0.39 in) pieces, you can dry them using various methods such as an oven, microwave, food dehydrator, or simply under natural sunlight. Once the slices attain a dry texture and appearance, they're good to go!
Steps
Cutting and Preparing Fresh Orange Slices
Begin by slicing the orange widthwise into 1 cm (0.39 in) pieces. Consider the stem side as the “North Pole” and position it horizontally. Use a sharp kitchen knife to ensure uniform slices, discarding the top and bottom slices (the “North” and “South Poles”).
- For optimal results, choose ripe oranges free from bruises or blemishes.
Remove any excess moisture by blotting the slices with paper towels. Place the cut slices on a plate or tray, and gently press them with a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Flip the slices and repeat the process with a fresh paper towel.
- While not essential, this step can expedite the drying process.
- Opt for plain white paper towels to avoid any potential transfer of colors onto the slices.
Add a decorative touch by inserting cloves into the slices. Use the tip of a knife to create a small hole in each fresh orange slice, just inside the inner rings of pith and skin. This hole will allow you to thread a string through the slices once they're dry. Place a clove, with its star side facing up, in the center of each slice. Optionally, you can create a ring of cloves around the inner edge of the slice.
- After drying, simply thread a colorful yarn or string through the hole in each slice for hanging purposes.
- In the UK, dried orange slices adorned with cloves are a traditional ornament for Christmas trees and wreaths. However, you can omit the cloves if preferred.
Enhance the flavor by seasoning the slices. Arrange the fresh slices on a plate or tray, and sprinkle them with white sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Follow this with a sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, or a combination of both. Alternatively, experiment with different spice blends until you discover your favorite.
- Once dried, these seasoned slices serve as a delightful snack or dessert topping.
- If using a slice as a garnish for drinks, make a small wedge-shaped cut from the center to the perimeter of the slice before drying.
- Opt for seedless oranges for snacking purposes, or remove the seeds from the slices before drying.
Oven Drying Method
Preheat your oven to 65 °C (149 °F), or the lowest possible temperature setting. If your oven doesn't allow for such a low setting, set it as low as it can go. Typically, drying orange slices at 65 °C (149 °F) takes around 3.5-4.5 hours.
- Drying at 95 °C (203 °F) typically takes 2.5-3.5 hours.
- At 120 °C (248 °F), expect the process to take 2-3 hours.
- Despite the longer duration, aim for the lowest temperature possible to minimize the risk of burning the slices.
Arrange the slices with ample space on an oven rack or similar wire rack. Take out the oven rack from the preheated oven or utilize a wire rack safe for oven use. Ensure the slices are spaced out on the rack, leaving at least 5 cm (2.0 in) of space around each slice.
- Spacing the slices on a wire rack facilitates airflow and reduces drying time. Using a baking sheet may prolong drying time by up to twice.
- If opting for a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Rotate the slices every 30-45 minutes while they are in the oven. Regular rotation prevents sticking and minimizes the risk of burning, especially if the oven temperature is slightly higher. Simply remove the tray from the oven and flip the slices using tongs when it's time to rotate them.
Allow the slices to cool on the rack until completely dry. Once the slices appear fully dried and feel dry to the touch when handled with tongs, remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the rack until they reach room temperature, then verify their dryness with your fingers.
- Cooling to room temperature may take up to 30 minutes.
Using Your Microwave Efficiently
Interleave your sliced pieces between 2 thick layers of paper towels. Position 5-6 white paper towels on the microwave tray or a microwave-safe plate. Place 4-5 orange slices on top of the paper towels, ensuring adequate space around each slice. Cover the slices with another 5-6 sheets of white paper towels.
- Avoid using decorated paper towels to prevent dye transfer to the orange slices.
- If drying more than 4-5 slices, do so in batches.
Microwave the slices covered at 50% power for 8 minutes. Avoid using full power to prevent burning the slices. Refer to your microwave's manual if needed.
- For microwaves with 1000 watts or less, use 50% power. For higher wattages, adjust to 40% or 30%.
- Since microwaves vary, expect some trial and error to find the optimal power and time for your slices.
Replace the paper towels and repeat the drying cycle. After 8 minutes, flip the slices, sandwich them between fresh paper towels, and return them to the microwave for another 8 minutes at 50% power (or lower, depending on your model).
Stop microwaving when the slices are nearly dried. After 2, 3, or possibly 4 cycles, the slices should be almost dry. They won't fully dry in the microwave without burning, so remove them at this stage. Let them finish drying on a wire rack for 30-60 minutes.
- On humid days, consider finishing drying in the oven at the lowest setting, ideally 65 °C (149 °F), for about 30 minutes on a wire rack.
Utilizing a Dehydrator or Natural Sunlight
Follow the dehydrator's instructions for effortless drying. Arrange the orange slices on the dehydrator rack, adhering to the recommended fruit spacing for your model. Set the drying time according to your unit's instructions, typically around 6 hours for 1 cm (0.39 in) orange slices.
- While a food dehydrator requires more time, it offers a convenient 'set it and forget it' option.
Place the slices on a spotless mesh window screen for sun-drying. To solely utilize sunlight for drying your orange slices, lay them out on a framed mesh window screen. (Ensure thorough cleaning of the screen with soap and water, followed by complete drying, prior to usage!). Maintain approximately 5 cm (2.0 in) of space between each slice.
- If opting for regular fruit drying using this method, dedicate a window screen specifically for this purpose.
- For optimal results, choose a warm, sunny, and dry climate for outdoor drying. This method is ineffective on cloudy, humid days!
Elevate the window screen in a sun-drenched location. Position the corners of the window screen on concrete blocks or similar objects to raise it at least 50 cm (20 in) above ground level. Select a spot receiving full sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally 8 or more.
- Higher elevation ensures enhanced airflow beneath the slices, significantly accelerating the drying process.
- Elevating the screen also serves as a barrier against animals potentially disturbing the orange slices!
Rotate the slices every 30-45 minutes until completely dry. Consistent flipping ensures uniform drying under sunlight. Utilize tongs or fingers to flip each slice. When they exhibit complete dryness, they're ready!
- Drying duration varies significantly based on environmental conditions. Slices may dry in as little as 2 hours or as long as 8-10 hours.
Handy Pointers
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If intending to use the dried slices as snacks or garnishes, store any surplus in an airtight container or zip-close bag. Under proper conditions, they usually retain quality for 2-7 days, depending on moisture content and humidity levels. Prior to consumption, check for any signs of mold.
Cautionary Notes
- Exercise caution and use a sharp knife when slicing oranges. Supervise children closely if they are assisting.
