What do you do with dehydrated oranges? Dehydrated oranges can add a bright, citrusy touch to many recipes and decorations. Whether you just need some dried orange slice ideas or are wondering what to do with dehydrated oranges, we’ve got you covered. You can use your dried oranges to make delicious snacks, attractive holiday ornaments, or even fancy cocktail decorations. There are so many great ways to use dehydrated oranges once you start thinking of all the possibilities.
Not only are dehydrated orange slices a delicious snack—they’re also an incredibly versatile snack and gorgeous decoration that can add a bright touch to any event.
From crafting gorgeous table decorations to sprucing up your cheese platters, dried orange slices are a wonderful addition to your household. Keep reading to find out all the ways you can use this colorful and aromatic dried fruit.
Have you ever wondered what to do with dehydrated oranges after a holiday or kitchen adventure? Look no further! This versatile citrus can be utilized in so many ways beyond its fresh counterparts. Whether you just need some dried orange slice ideas or are wondering what to do with dehydrated oranges, we’ve got some inspiring uses for you. You can easily dehydrate orange slices using a food dehydrator or oven by following specific directions and turning the slices regularly until they are dehydrated.
Fresh oranges (navel oranges, blood oranges, or smaller oranges)
A sharp knife
Paper towels
Baking sheet
Wire rack
Optional: cinnamon sticks and star anise
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, about 200°F (93°C).
Prepare and clean your fresh oranges thoroughly with paper towels.
Use a sharp knife to cut the oranges into 1/4-inch slices.
Use paper towels to pat excess juice from the orange slices.
Place orange slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Insert the baking sheet into the oven and allow the oranges to dry for 3-4 hours, flipping them once during the drying process.
When the slices are thoroughly dry, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Store your thoroughly dried orange slices in an airtight container or mason jar.
Dried oranges can be used as a charming addition to your holiday decorations. From Christmas tree ornaments to table accents, these citrus slices bring a rustic and festive flare to any setting.
garlands and Wreaths: When strung together with some cinnamon sticks and star anise, dried orange slices can make gorgeous garlands and wreaths for the holidays. You can also add bay leaves for extra festiveness.
Ornaments: Slide a ribbon through a slice and hang it on your Christmas tree for a natural and citrusy ornament. Use smaller oranges for smaller and more delicate ornaments.
Gift Tags: Tie a dried orange slice to a gift with twine for a sweet and citrusy gift tag.
Dried orange slices have a variety of culinary uses.
Tea and Infusions: Dried orange slices can be added to your hot or cold beverage for a light and citrusic touch. Use them as a garnish for both hot or cold drinks like tea, hot chocolate, and cocktails. You can also pair them with cinnamon sticks and star anise for a warming winter tea.
Cocktail Garnish: Spice up your drinks with a dehydrated orange slice as garnish. This is perfect for festive or everyday cocktails.
Chocolate Dip: Half a dried orange slice dipped in melted chocolate makes for a tasty snack. This goes great with dark chocolate or even white chocolate.
Cheese Platters: Add a bit of zest to your cheese platters with a few rehydrated orange slices. These pair well with various cheeses and meats.
Baking: Dried orange slices can also be used as cake decorations or added to cookies and other baked treats.
The essential oils contained in dried citrus can have many aromatic and wellness benefits.
Simmer Potpourri: Dried orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks can be added to a simmer pot for a delightful home fragrance. This is perfect for the winter months.
Homemade Potpourri: You can mix these with dried flowers, bay leaves, and other dried citrus for a sachet or mason jar of lovely potpourri.
Dehydrated oranges maintain many of the nutritional benefits of fresh oranges. Although some vitamin C is naturally lost in the drying process, these dried citrus slices still provide a healthy amount of this important vitamin.
Low in Saturated Fat: Dried oranges are very low in saturated fat, making this a healthy snack for the heart.
High in Fiber: The drying process helps to concentrate the natural fiber which can help with digestion.
Natural Sugars: The sugar content is higher due to the reduction of water, but it’s all natural sugars from the fruit.
Other nutrients: Besides vitamin C, dried oranges also contain other nutrients like potassium and small amounts of iron.
When storing your beautifully dried orange slices, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:
Use Airtight Containers: Keep them in an airtight container to block out moisture and maintain their crispiness.
Store in a Cool Dark Place: The containers should be kept in a cool and dark place to help prolong shelf-life.
Ensure Properly Dried: Before storing, ensure the slices are thoroughly dried to prevent mold and food spoilage.
What do you do with dried oranges besides eating them or decorating with them? Get creative and make DIY projects with dehydrated orange slices!
Dried oranges can be a charming and earthy addition to your holiday season and decorations.
Napkin Rings: Craft unique napkin rings by attaching a dried orange slice to a simple ring or string. This adds a rustic charm to your holiday tablescape.
Festive Ornaments: Use dried orange slices paired with cinnamon sticks and star anise to create aromatic and visually appealing ornaments for a Christmas tree.
Here are some ideas for holiday gifts and tags:
Pretty Jars: You can fill up a mason jar with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for a ready-to-gift potpourri mix.
Gift Tags: You can tie a dried orange slice to your gift wrapping for a lovely and aromatic touch. Add some greenery or bay leaves for extra prettiness.
You can also discover ways these dried fruits can aid your wellness routines.
Simmer Potpourri: Dried orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks can be added to water and simmered to release their fragrance throughout your household. This is especially lovely during the colder winter months.
Bath Soaks: Incorporate dried orange slices into homemade bath soaks. The essential oils will help rejuvenate your skin and senses.
If these haven’t passed the eye test they will certainly pass the nutrition test. Oranges offer a multitude of health benefits and when you dehydrate them you’re essentially creating a concentrate of the nutrients by removing the water content. So, sit back, relax, and let the orange sunshine shine on you with these tantalizing tidbits. Oranges are renowned for being an excellent source of vitamin C. Dried orange slices still contain some of these wonderful nutrient. A serving of dried oranges can yield about 11 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps support the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Dehydrated oranges are also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps with digestion and can keep you feeling full longer. When it comes to calories, dried orange slices are not what you would call a fatty-laden snack. They are considered low on the calorie scale which makes them an excellent choice for a healthy snack. With the thin slices, you can achieve a satisfying crunch while enjoying the natural sugars found in citrus fruits. They contain little to no saturated fat and are packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which help promote a healthy heart.
In addition to the vitamin C and dietary fiber, you’ll find in dehydrated oranges, you’ll also discover essential oils that can offer numerous health benefits. The oils found in dried oranges may help reduce inflammation and improve your mood. So, not only can you incorporate dried oranges into various recipes, but you can incorporate them into your nutrition plan as well.
