Drying Orange Slices for Garland, Cocktails, Gift Giving and More
Tis the season to make and create and be festive wherever you are. We thought a simple tutorial on how to dry citrus in your oven might be a great way to connect back to our senses and slow down to savor this holiday season.
Below you will find a variety of ways that you can make and create with dried citrus slices. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need:
- 2 to 4 navel oranges or other citrus such as blood orange, lime or lemon
- serrated knife
- cookie sheet
- paper towel or lint free cloth
- parchment paper
- twine
- scissors
- decorative ribbon
- glass vessels for gifting or storing
How to dehydrate the citrus slices:
- Heat oven to 250 degrees F.
- Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice oranges crosswise 1/8″ – 1/4″ thick using a sharp serrated knife, and pat slices dry with paper towel or cloth.
- Place in a single layer on baking sheet and bake for roughly 2.5 hours. Flip the slices over after about 1.25 hours.
- After 2.5 hours in the oven, remove any slices beginning to brown, and slide the remaining slices back in oven until dried and very slightly browned.
- Let cool completely before handling.
Making and creating with your dried citrus slices:
GARLAND:
We love making garlands for our tree and around our windows. They add a pop of color and holiday spirit!
- Once slices have cooled, use scissors to poke 2 holes about 1/2″ apart on orange slices.
- Thread oranges onto twine and voila, you have a fun and festive garland.
ORNAMENT:
These make such sweet gifts or add to your seasonal holiday decor!
- Once slices have cooled, use scissors to poke a hole in each orange slice you'd like to make into an ornament, thread the orange with twine or decorative ribbon.
- Either hang on your tree or give as a gift to your family or friends.
CITRUS GARNISH:
Why not have a jar of dried citrus slices on hand to adorn the glass of your favorite cocktail, soda or even cup tea.
- Once slices have cooled, use scissors to slice a slit from the outside to the center.
- Place on the rim of your glass of choice and fill with your favorite beverage.