Drying orange slices allows you to enjoy their sweet, tangy flavor year-round. However, not everyone has access to a food dehydrator or oven to dry oranges properly. Thankfully, there are several effective ways to dehydrate orange slices at home without an oven using just your refrigerator or air circulation in your home.
With a few simple tricks, you can make tasty dried orange slices in just a couple of days. Learn how to prepare orange slices for drying, the best drying methods, storage tips, and how to rehydrate dried oranges before eating them. Soon you’ll discover how easy and rewarding it can be to dry orange slices without specialized equipment.
Benefits of Dried Orange Slices
Drying concentrates the natural sugar and tangy citrus flavor of oranges into chewy, candy-like treats. Here are some top reasons for drying your own orange slices:
- Intensifies sweetness – Moisture removal concentrates the fruit sugars.
- Long shelf life – Dried oranges can last for many months stored properly.
- Healthy snack – Dehydrated oranges offer vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Adds flavor – Dried orange slices can flavor teas, baked goods, salads and more.
- Saves money – Less expensive than buying pre-dried fruit.
- Reduces waste – Use up oranges before they spoil.
With just some sliced oranges, time and air circulation, you can make your own tasty and nutritious dried oranges at home.
Choosing Oranges for Drying
For the best results, select juicy, fresh oranges with thin peels. Thick-skinned oranges don’t dry as well and have more bitter pith. The best types of oranges for dehydrating include:
- Navel oranges
- Valencia oranges
- Cara cara oranges
- Blood oranges
Navel and Valencia oranges are ideal choices for their thinner peels and juiciness. Cara caras add a pretty pink blush, while blood oranges offer a vivid color and berry-like flavor when dried.
For convenience, choose oranges with smooth, blemish-free peels. Oranges that require peeling are harder to slice thinly. Washed, organic oranges are ideal if you’ll be drying the peel too.
Pick plump, heavy oranges with fresh tight skins. Avoid soft, lightweight oranges with dry or wrinkled skin. The juicier the orange, the better it will dry.
Preparing Oranges for Drying
Proper prep is key for evenly dried orange slices. Follow these steps:
1. Wash oranges
Wash oranges in cool water before slicing. Scrub the peel gently to remove dirt and debris if needed. Pat dry.
2. Cut in half
Cut each orange in half through its equator. This gives you flat surfaces to stabilize the fruit while slicing.
3. Slice into rounds
Place orange halves flat-side down on a cutting board. Carefully slice into 1/4 to 1/8 inch rounds using a sharp knife. Aim for uniform thinness. Cut slices detach from the orange halves.
4. Remove seeds
Pick out any seeds from the orange slices using the tip of the knife or your fingers.
5. Separate slices
Gently separate any orange slices that are sticking together for faster, more even drying.
Drying Methods
With your sliced oranges prepped, it’s time to dehydrate them. Here are 5 popular methods for drying oranges without an oven or dehydrator:
1. Air Dry
This passive method relies on air circulation to gradually dehydrate the oranges. Place orange slices in a single layer on parchment paper or a mesh screen. Allow 1-2 inches between slices for air movement.
Let them sit at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Stir or flip the slices once a day. Air drying can take 1-2 weeks depending on humidity.
2. Refrigerator Dry
The cold, dry environment of the fridge can dehydrate citrus effectively over time. Arrange the slices on a parchment lined plate in a single layer with space between.
Place in the refrigerator for 1-3 weeks. Rotate the slices and blot moisture every few days. The chilled air pulls moisture from the oranges.
3. Fan Dry
Speed drying by pointing a fan directly on the orange slices. Rotate the slices occasionally to expose all sides to the airflow. Fan drying takes 2-5 days.
4. Desiccant Dry
Desiccants like silica gel absorb moisture rapidly. Place gel packs or loose beads in an airtight container. Add a layer of parchment paper. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on top without touching.
Close the lid and check daily until the oranges are dried, about 3-5 days. The desiccant beads will darken as they absorb water.
5. Sun Dry
On hot, dry, breezy days, the sun can quickly dehydrate fruit. Place orange slices on mesh screens, avoiding metal. Elevate the screens off any surfaces.
Set in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours, flipping halfway through. Bring inside at night. Sun drying takes 1-3 days.
Drying Tips
Follow these tips for best results as your orange slices dehydrate:
– Aim for 1/8 inch thick slices for faster drying.
– Make sure air can circulate around the slices.
– Blot moisture from the surface of the slices periodically.
– Stir or flip the orange slices 1-2 times daily.
– Dry until no moisture remains on slice interior when torn.
– If mold appears, discard those slices and dry the rest faster.
– Patience leads to better preservation of flavor.
– Consider peeling oranges first for faster drying.
Testing for Dryness
It’s important to dry orange slices long enough to extend shelf life while preserving taste and nutrition. Here are ways to check if slices are adequately dried:
– No visible moisture inside when sliced.
– Exterior feels dry, not tacky.
– Slices feel pliable but not sticky.
– Orange peels feel completely dry and brittle.
– Interior color remains vibrant, not dark or faded.
When in doubt, dry for longer. Oranges that still contain moisture will mold quickly.
Conditioning Orange Slices
For pliable, shelf-stable dried oranges that resist moisture reabsorption, take these final steps:
- Place slices in an airtight container.
- Add a dry desiccant pack to absorb residual moisture.
- Seal and let sit 1-2 days for conditioning.
- Remove desiccant packet when moisture is stabilized.
Proper conditioning equilibrates the moisture content in the dried oranges for storage. The desiccant pack soaks up any remaining dampness.
Storing Dried Oranges
The best storage methods for dehydrated oranges include:
- Glass jars or plastic freezer containers
- Vacuum sealed bags
- Food grade plastic buckets or bins
Key tips for storage:
– Use air-tight containers to keep out moisture.
– Store away from light, heat and humidity.
– Keep dried fruit separate from desiccants in storage.
– Check periodically for moisture and mold.
– Use within 6-12 months for best quality.
– Refrigeration extends shelf life.
Properly stored, dried orange slices can last for over one year. They may gradually lose flavor and nutrition over time.
Rehydrating Dried Oranges
For use in recipes, dried oranges often need rehydration first. Here are simple methods:
Hot Water
Place dried slices in a bowl and pour over enough hot water to cover. Let soak until pliable and enlarged, about 30 minutes. Drain then pat dry.
Cold Water
Submerge dried oranges in cold water for 1-2 hours until softened. Drain then pat dry. Refrigerate in water overnight for fuller rehydration.
Steam
Steam dried orange slices for 10-20 minutes until plump and moist. Allow to cool before handling.
Simmer
Add slices to a saucepan with water or juice. Gently simmer for 15-20 minutes until rehydrated. Add sugar to sweeten if desired.
Avoid over-soaking dried oranges or they can become mushy. Pat off excess moisture before using rehydrated oranges in desserts, drinks and recipes.
Using Rehydrated Orange Slices
Reconstituted dried orange slices add a burst of citrus flavor and texture to both sweet and savory foods. Ways to use rehydrated oranges:
- Salads – Add to spinach, fruit or chicken salad.
- Yogurt parfait – Mix into yogurt and granola.
- Baked goods – Include in breads, muffins and cakes.
- Cereal topping – Sprinkle on oatmeal or cold cereal.
- Smoothies – Blend into fruit smoothies.
- Tea – Infuse into hot black, green or herbal tea.
- Cocktails – Muddle into drinks.
- Sauces – Puree into chutney, barbecue or glazes.
Dried oranges offer a delicious way to add bright flavor to recipes any time of year.
Nutrition of Dried Oranges
Dehydrating concentrates the vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content of fresh oranges. Dried orange slices are high in:
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Potassium
- Beta carotene
- Polyphenols
- Dietary fiber
The Natural Sugars in oranges are also concentrated as the fruit’s moisture content decreases. Dried oranges can be enjoyed as a healthy sweet snack.
Troubleshooting
Use these tips if your dried orange slices don’t turn out quite right:
Moldy slices
– Increase air circulation during drying
– Dry slices faster at warmer temperatures
– Ensure slices are completely dry before storing
– Check for moisture inside containers
Hard slices
– Slice oranges thinner
– Rehydrate in hot water before eating
– Add to liquids when cooking
– Simmer in simple syrup to soften
Stuck slices
– Ensure slicing knife is sharp
– Soak in water briefly to separate slices
– Cut orange halves into wedges before slicing
Bitter taste
– Remove all white pith before drying
– Soak in cold water 30 mins to leach bitterness
– Blot surface moisture frequently while drying
– Add sugar or sweetener before eating
FAQs
Can you dry orange slices in the sun?
Yes, the sun can effectively dehydrate orange slices. Place prepared slices on a mesh screen and set outdoors in direct sun for 6-8 hours, flipping halfway through. Bring indoors overnight.
Do you have to peel oranges before drying?
Peeling is not necessary but does speed drying time by removing the protective peel. Leaving peels intact provides more nutrition.
How long does it take to dry orange slices?
Drying times range from 1 day (sun drying) up to 1-3 weeks for air/refrigerator drying. Thinner slices dry faster. Ensure slices are completely dehydrated before storing.
Can you dry orange slices in the oven?
Yes, oven drying on the lowest setting with the door propped works well. Slice oranges thinly and bake at 225°F for 1-2 hours until dried. Prop door with a wooden spoon.
How do you soften dried orange slices?
Simmer in water for 15-20 minutes or soak in cold water 1-2 hours to rehydrate dried oranges. Steam for 10 minutes or soak in orange juice overnight in the fridge.
Conclusion
Drying your own orange slices at home is an easy, cost-effective way to enjoy their flavor and nutrition year-round. With just the air in your kitchen or sunshine in the yard, you can make tasty dried oranges in 1-3 weeks.
Preparing orange slices correctly and drying them completely before storage are vital to prevent mold growth. Air-tight containers stored in a cool, dark place keep dehydrated oranges fresh for up to a year. Rehydrate dried slices before enjoying in recipes.
Dried oranges offer a healthy, versatile pantry staple. Make a batch using these simple oven-free methods to add bright citrus flavor to snacks, baked goods and meals.