Dried oranges: not just a decoration!

Dried oranges make beautiful Christmas decorations, but they're also great to taste. Let's find out how to do it together.

Drying fruit is one of the oldest methods of preservation and if today we can count on special appliances, once it was done in the air or with the heat of the stove. Dried oranges are an example of how this preservation technique is still in use today, despite undergoing some changes. Yes, because drying has ceased to be a mere preservation technique and has turned into a real recipe . Curious to find out how to prepare dried orange slices?

How to dry oranges

There are different ways to dry oranges ranging from the most traditional, such as air drying, to the fastest with the oven, passing through the professional ones with the dryer. The result, however, remains unchanged: excellent slices of citrus fruit to be candied, covered with chocolate or enjoyed alone . The only precaution is to choose organic citrus fruits whose peel is not treated since we are not going to remove it.

Before proceeding with the drying of the oranges, we advise you to wash and dry them carefully. With a sharp knife, cut out slices of half a centimeter thick. You can then proceed with one of the following methods.

Dry the oranges in the air

It is the most natural method but also the one that takes the most time. The ideal would be to have a stove or a fireplace , but even a simple radiator will guarantee you an excellent result.

1. Place the slices as close to the heat source as possible.
2. Wait 8-10 days for complete drying.

Dry the oranges in the oven

If you are looking for a faster method, the oven is the ideal solution. The effort required is minimal, but the result is extraordinary .

1. Arrange the orange slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 100°C for 3-4 hours
2. Turn them over every 30 minutes.

Dry the oranges with the dehydrator

It is the most "professional" method but by now there are many who have this small appliance at their disposal. The times are certainly longer than those in the oven, but the process will take place perfectly because gradually all the water present in the fruit will evaporate.

1. The time varies , depending on the working temperature, from 4-6 hours to 12. The only way to know when they are ready is to check from time to time.

Here are all the methods to prepare them in this video :

Dry oranges in the microwave

It is the fastest method but also the one that requires the most attention .

1. In fact, the oranges will be put on high power for a variable period of time.
2. It's important to never lose sight of them and turn them every 15-20 seconds to prevent them from burning.

How to keep them and use them to decorate the house

Once you have dried the citrus fruits, you can keep them in a tin for a few weeks, add them to teas and herbal teas to flavor them, or cover them in dark chocolate to create beautiful homemade gastronomic gifts.

You can use dried oranges for Christmas decorations, piercing the pulp with a string and hanging them on the Christmas tree . A cinnamon stick or a star anise berry will complete the decoration and perfume your rooms.

Another idea with oranges, perfect to give as a gift or to enjoy as comfort food, are candied oranges . Try the one you like best! Furthermore, those who love this fruit cannot miss all our recipes with oranges !

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