How To Dehydrate Oranges For Vibrant Dried Orange Slices
Everything you need to know for how to dehydrate oranges to create lasting vibrant, colorful dried orange slices.
In a world where colors could be smelled and not just seen, I think the color orange would stand out. On the color wheel, shades of orange blend and fade into red and yellow. But, in the market, orange citrus fruits always catch my eye with their intense saturation of color.
An intensity that is twofold when you slice open an orange and smell the fresh, zestiness. It’s simply invigorating, yet comforting. Is it not?
Its unique influence is due, in part, to the familiar smell of orange and the iconic color and shape of each slice. That of which, evokes memories of holiday traditions, summer treats, and celebrations with friends and family.
So, why not learn how to dehydrate orange slices?
Have a citrus grove of oranges at your fingertips with this hobby, I know you’ll love learning, too!
With a little know-how, you can capture the vibrant hue and refreshing scent of oranges.
I’m sharing everything you need to know to dehydrate oranges and create lasting vibrant, colorful dried orange slices!
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How Long Does It Take To Dehydrate Orange Slices?
To dehydrate oranges in a dehydrator it takes eight to twelve hours. I know, I know, it sounds like a long time. But, it’s not like making candles or candy because you don’t have to constantly stir anything or consistently monitor the temperature.
Once you’ve prepped the oranges, it’s pretty much hands-off. And the entire time you’re dehydrating oranges you’re home will smell absolutely incredible!
While this method for drying oranges does require more time, it comes with a lot of benefits.
With a stackable dehydrator, you get consistent, even drying. A very, very low risk of burning orange slices, unlike drying oranges in the oven. And the BEST PART by dehydrating oranges you retain their bright color and natural oils!
For me, that’s what it’s all about. – Plus, I figured out how to shorten the time needed to dehydrate orange slices….
How Do You Dehydrate Oranges Faster?
After drying many varieties of oranges and other fruits, I learned a few things that reduce the time needed to dehydrate.
Tip #1 Thickness
Hang The first tip is about getting the right thickness for each slice. Thinner slices dry more quickly. And evenly thin slices greatly shorten the time needed to dehydrate.
But, unless you’re an ace with a knife, it’s quite difficult to get consistent even orange slices. That’s why I bought a mandoline slicer. It costs only about as much as a stop at Starbucks and saves me so much time.
It has three choices for thickness. You’ll want the 2nd setting as I show in this video. At 4mm it’s just a little over ⅛ inch, and perfect for navel orange slices.
(To note: I tried blood oranges and they are too big for the mandoline. Mandarin oranges work, but they are very small compared to a navel orange. So, you won’t get many slices out of those.)
As you’ll see in the video, a mandoline will give you a ton of slices from a navel orange. So, you’ll not only get even slices, but you’ll also get more out of each orange!
#2 Temperature
It’s commonly recommended to dehydrate orange slices between 135-145°F / 57-63°C. After much testing, I discovered if you start at 145°F / 63°C dehydrating for two hours – You’ll give the fruit a boost, speeding up the drying time.
Then after the initial two hours, lower the temperature to 135°F / 57°C and dehydrate for 4-6 more hours. Why lower the temp? This temperature preserves that beautiful hue, scent, and flavor.
How do you tell if dehydrated oranges are done? Each slice should be brittle enough to snap, not just leathery dry.
What if they’re sticky? Sticky slices are often a result of not getting your orange slices thin enough. Remember to use a mandoline. If the oranges are sticky or tacky add more drying time to thoroughly dry and prevent mold.
#3 Air Flow
When you use a dehydrator with a drying system that pushes heated air up and across each tray, you get great airflow and a hands-off approach. Yep, you can do as you please while drying oranges. Ha, Ha.
The difference is when you dehydrate versus oven dry, the orange slices dry evenly. If you’ve ever burnt a pie because it was too close to the top of the oven or burnt the bottoms of cookies because they were too close to the bottom of the oven – then you know what a difference this is.
What To Do With Dehydrated Oranges
Whether you want to learn how to dry orange slices for potpourri, to make an orange garland or other DIY, you’ll be ready!
Dried oranges offer us a natural, eco-friendly way to decorate our homes, create handmade gifts, and more.
Ideas To use Dehydrated Orange Slices
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Follow this tutorial to dehydrate orange slides quickly, while maintaining their vivid color, oils, flavor, and scent.
Orange Dehydrating Instructions
Wash each orange well to remove any residue. It is especially important to remove possible pesticides. Plus, we don’t want anything preventing that gorgeous color from staying.
After washing each orange, unlock the mandoline slicer and select the 2nd setting of 4mm. Place it on top of a cutting board. Then place one navel orange firmly, against the mandoline and slide it down, over and over again, to cut even slices. (You may want to use the finger guard for safety.)
Repeat until you’ve sliced each orange. Then begin filling the dehydrator trays. Place orange slices spaced briefly apart in a single layer. Do not overlap oranges. (If you’re drying a whole bag of oranges you can stack up to 12 trays in this dehydrator.)
Once the trays are filled with orange slices, stack them on the bottom of the dehydrator and place the top on. Start dehydrating with an initial boost of heat at 145°F / 63°C for two hours.
Then lower the temperature to 135°F / 57°C and dehydrate until thoroughly dry, approximately four to six more hours.
Optionally, briefly turn off the dehydrate halfway through and rearrange the orange slices to remove one tray and speed up the drying. (The slices shrink somewhat when drying, so this can easily be done.)
Play the video for more details and while you’re there, follow Oily Chic for more inspired ideas. P.S. Did you know you can tag #oilychic on Instagram to share your essential oil DIYs with us?
Dehydrate Orange Slices
Bring a pop of color and zest to your DIY projects and recipes with beautifully, crisp dried orange slices! Follow this tutorial to dehydrate orange slides quickly!
Materials
- oranges
Tools
- mandoline slicer
- cutting board
- dehydrator
Instructions
- Wash each orange well to remove any residue. It is especially important to remove possible pesticides. Plus, we don’t want anything preventing that gorgeous color from staying.
- After washing each orange, unlock the mandoline slicer and select the 2nd setting of 4mm. Place one navel orange firmly, against the mandoline and slide it down, over and over again, to cut even slices. (You may want to use the finger guard for safety.)
- Repeat until you’ve sliced each orange. Then begin filling the dehydrator trays. Place orange slices spaced briefly apart in a single layer. Do not overlap oranges. (If you’re drying a whole bag of oranges you can stack up to 12 trays in this dehydrator.)
- Once the trays are filled with orange slices, stack them on the bottom of the dehydrator and place the top on. Start dehydrating with an initial boost of heat at 145°F / 63°C for two hours.
- Then lower the temperature to 135°F / 57°C and dehydrate until thoroughly dry, approximately four to six more hours.
Notes
Optionally, you can briefly turn off the dehydrate halfway through and rearrange the orange slices to remove one tray and speed up the drying.
(The slices shrink somewhat when drying, so this can easily be done.)
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How long will dehydrated oranges last?
Dried orange slices hold up best when stored inside an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. When properly dried each will last one to two years for culinary purposes. And, well, indefinitely for decorative purposes.
I love the look of these dried orange slices! Each thin delicate slice is vivid in color and full of citrus flavors and scents. Plus, they’re versatility is welcomed in all seasons.
