A very quick craft for you – how to dry orange slices for Christmas. I love the “rustic” look of dried oranges – they are so simple and yet so cheerful and Christmassy (many more Christmas Ornament DIYs for you here).
I have only really had time to dry our slices and to hang them by a ribbon (I do actually think this looks quite lovely that way), but I have also selected some orange slice crafts below for you to be inspired by! Wouldn’t they be fabulous combined with some Cinnamon Ornaments too?
Once you get a hang of drying orange slices.. why not go a step further and try our DIY Orange Slice Foxes?!
More Ornament Fun, in our downloadable eBook
Supporting the upkeep of Red Ted Art
These fabulously traditional orange slices are also included in our practical, easy to download and print out Christmas Ornament Book. Each craft is shared on one page – making the perfect worksheet print outs. Lovely to have them all in one place too!
Only $7.99 – Get yours today and keep it forever!
How long will dried orange slices last?
Dried orange slices, if stored properly can last pretty much forever. However, I find that they really darken over time. If you want a vibrant bright orange, you will need to make these annually. If darking into brown oranges is fine by you, then stored properly these can last indefinitely! The more dried orange slices are perfect for our Fox Decoration!
Can you dry orange slices in the microwave?
Believe it or not, but YES you can dry orange slices in the microwave. The process is very simple and fast than the oven. Though we still like the traditional method of using the oven. Learn more about how to dry orange slices in the microwave with Rainy Day Mum!
Can you dry Orange Slices in the Dehydrator?
Yes! Like all fruit drying that you do in the oven, you can also use a dehydrator.
How can I make my Dried Oranges really bright and really orange?
The darkness or brightness of your orange slices are all to do with drying times. If you want a lighter orange slice, you need to bake it for less long – it may still be a little sticky AND it may be susceptible to going mouldy. Also, even lightly dried orange slices WILL darken with time. So if you are after the “bright orange” look, you will need to make a fresh batch each year. As they will go a rich drak brown over time – unless of course you use chemicals, which I advise against.. Having said that, our dried orange foxes, have darkened beautifully over time and kept really well. I have kept our three little foxes hanging on a photo display in the hall way all year.
If you want a darker orange slice… dry it for longer. There is no real rule of “how many minutes”.. i would basically keep an eye on the oven and take then oranges out, when they look and feel right to you! The key thing, is that they are not too sticky and feel “mostly” dry.
So.. how do you dry out orange slices?
Time for our quick “how to make dried orange slices”! Making dried orange slices is really straight forward. All you need is oranges and an oven!
How to Dry Orange Slices – Materials
- Oranges (haha),
- an oven (really?) and
- a knife (of course)!
- An oven rack (the big secret!)
How to Dry Orange Slices – How to
1) Slice your oranges approx 1cm wide
2) Place on a rack (if you put them on a tray they will *really* stick) in the oven at approx 120C (250F)
3) Leave for 2-3 hours. Turn 2-3 times and keep checking on them. I had to make two batches as I burnt the first lot (the oven was too hot). Turning (especially at the beginning) them will prevent them sticking from the rack.
Once cooled, add a ribbon and hang! Add fairy lights as a “back light”:
I found my were still slightly moist, but ready for crafting with and that over time they dry out completely.
Dried Orange Slices DIY
Equipment
- Oranges
- Oven & rack for oven
- Ribbon for hanging
- Sharp knife
Instructions
- Slice your oranges approx 1cm wide.
- Place on a rack (if you put them on a tray they will *really* stick) in the oven at approx 120C (250F)
- Leave for 2-3 hours. Turn 2-3 times and keep checking on them. I had to make two batches as I burnt the first lot (the oven was too hot). Turning (especially at the beginning) them will prevent them sticking from the rack.
- Once cooled, add a ribbon and hang!
Notes
Part of our Christmas Ornaments ebook, available for $7.99. https://www.redtedart.com/christmas-ornaments-book/What to do with Dried Orange Slices
Here are some great ways to use your homemade dried orange slices for ornaments and decor!
NEW: Dried Orange Slice Foxes.
1. A GORGEOUS garland by Design Megillah
2. A traditional advent kranz (version 1) select tab 21 by Wunderweib
3. Traditional advent kranz (version 2) by Bastelspass
4. Gypsy Daisy makes another easy and fun garland. Combine it with berries
5. A wreath by Bastelideen.info
6. Simple table decoration by Bastel Elfe – collect and scatter!
7. Anis Decoration from Canadian Country Woman
8. Cinnamon & Orange Decoration by Bastelideen.info
9. Gift embellishment by Lea
10. Making DIY Mulled Wine Kits is super fun and easy – they look supper pretty if you add some dried orange slices and star anise!
Oooh and a lovely tree from a reader on twitter (www.twitter.com/@SineadGray)
You may also like our Cinnamon Dough recipe:
Find ALL Our wonderful Christmas Ornaments here:
Mutiple Mummy says
They are so pretty! I never knew you could make them! Off to give them a go! x
Red Ted Art says
Hooray! Have fun – involve the kids if you want – a great one to do together!
Esther says
Wow! I like the one with back light! I guess the whole house will smell like oranges! I love the orange aroma!
Aadel says
This is so cool! I love the smell of oranges at Christmas time. It reminds me of the oranges and pecans we would always get in our stockings.
You might think about linking this or another crafty post up to Natural Family Today’s Holiday Homemade gift list!
http://naturalfamilytoday.com/nutrition/homemade-gifts-from-your-kitchen/
It can be any kind of homemade gift or decor.
-Aadel
Red Ted Art says
It does look rather nice with light, doesn’t it?! And yes, whilst I was drying them we did indeed have an orangey smell in the house. Very festive!!!
Lindsi B says
This is sooo gorgeous! I love these! So festive, and I bet they smell fantastic! Yummy!
Could you please link this post on my blog? I’d love to share it with my readers too!
http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2011/11/introducing-fun-stuff-fridays.html
Red Ted Art says
Have joined both your link up parties! Thanks for the invites ladies!
maryanne @ mama smiles says
I used to make these in high school! They are so pretty hanging on the tree! Maybe the kids and I can make some this year =)
Ruth says
I tried these last year. and failed. will try again, maybe I cut them too thin?
Red Ted Art says
Possible? Also, did you put them on a rack AND turn them? I do find that that helps.. I did burn one batch (oven too hot). I think slowly slowly?
Jaymie @ Dances, Dishes, & Dreams ... says
I love the idea of this. Thanks for sharing!
Nicki Cawood says
I couldn’t remember where I saw this post so sliced, put them on a tray and set the oven off at 180. Oh the mess!
Will try again now I’ve found (and saved!) this post lol!
Red Ted Art says
Nicki fear not! I burnt my first batch too!!
Nicki Cawood says
Define “burnt” …….
*Scrapes gooey black mess and curses*
Red Ted Art says
Ha! Mine were quite black. Did you put it on a rack or sheet? Rack is better!!
Nicki Cawood says
I know that now lol!
I’ll let you know how I get on when I buy more oranges!
Red Ted Art says
Can’t wait to see your second batch!
Red Ted Art says
(and I do hope you managed to get your tray clean!!! Sticky messes not good!)
creativejewishmom/sara says
Thanks so much for sharing all your great projects on craft schooling Sunday! I’m hoping to finally try this for The Jewish New Year of the Trees in February, so thanks for the inspiration!
Christine says
WOW!!! Do they smell after??? I can just imagine the wonderful citrus scent! 🙂
Red Ted Art says
They do smell a little… but not like fresh oranges do…
Lani says
Hi, I was wondering how long these last before they start to go bad or mouldy? Do you have any idea?
Red Ted Art says
If done properly, they shouldn’t go mouldy – i.e. if they have been fully dried they should day that way. If you are worried that yours haven’t dried 100% then make sure that at the end of the season you pack them in a way that they can continure drying, e.g. loosely between newspaper. Then just check on them now and again.
Ally says
Thanks for linking to momstown.ca!
Amanda says
Great idea! How many ornaments are you getting from 1 orange?
Red Ted Art says
I would say about 4 perfect ones and 2-3 smaller end ones?
Julia, kidstravel2 says
thanks for this – I have been wanting to ‘make’ these orange decos for a while and stumbled across your post today – bet they smell lovely ‘cooking’ too don’t they? Shall be trying this weekend 🙂
Melitsa says
I just made some this week for our tree. I left them out and they dried in two days. Fab! Bit of colour for the tree.
Red Ted Art says
Ooh how lovely Melitsa, am so pleased!!
Erica says
Could I do the same with apples?
Red Ted Art says
I haven’t tried.. I suspect that it would work, but that they shrivel up more and loose their shape, so wouldn’t look as nice?
Lisa @ Lisas Creative Designs says
I love these! I made them years ago when I was really into Country Prim decor and put them on my Christmas Tree. My style these days is more shabby chic, cottage but I am going to make these again for bowl fillers. They smell wonderful!
Justin Stubbings says
Thank you I had 2 disasters but have got the hang of it now. I’m doing huge garlands to hang in the kitchen with holly, Ivy pine cones and your wonderful orange and grapefruit slices
Elaine Croft says
I just lay mine on a baking tray and put them in the airing cupboard for 2 days, they have come out perfect and no risk of burning them 😀
Red Ted Art says
Ooh interesting that they dry quickly enough in the airing cupboard! Great idea!
Kareem says
After I initially ledt a comment I appear to have clicked
on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox
and now each time a comment is added I get four emails
with the exact same comment. There has to be a way you are able to renove mme from that service?
Many thanks!
Red Ted Art says
Oh, I am so sorry to here this. Will see if I can sort it out!
Liz Weston aka @TheLizWeston says
Do they still smell orangey? And does this work with limes? I don’t mind them being smaller, I just prefer the smell of limes to oranges! Random question but hope you can help! Than you 🙂
Red Ted Art says
The smell isn’t overpowering – well whilst they are cooking you can smell it, would say less so afterwards. Should work with limes, but don’t know how well they hold their colour!
Stephanie says
I like it. I dried orange slices a few years ago. It’s much easier using a dehydrator. They still look great.
Red Ted Art says
Oh yes, I think dehydrators are definitely the best way to do it. Wish I had one!!
Susanna says
8-year-old just looked up hw ow to make these yesterday. good timing! x
Red Ted Art says
Ooh lovely timing indeed! Have fun!
Jacki says
About how long would you put them in a dehydrator? and how would you keep them from sticking? I assume you’d rotate the trays too?
Red Ted Art says
Hi, I don’t have a dehydrator and have never used one, so I have no idea! Sorry.
marilyn smith says
While they are drying, lightly sprinkle with ground cloves on both sides~~they smell heavenly!
Frances says
Are they still sticky once they’ve dried? I have a fake tree.
Melissa says
Hi I just wondered what you would recommend if my oven only goes down to 170? Should I just not do it at all?
Red Ted Art says
Mmmmh, I guess experiment? Turn frequently and don’t leave them in too long?
Sabrina Quairoli says
SO lovely! I especially love the center piece with the candles. The orange adds a nice color to the piece. You can also do this with lemon which will bring a brightness to the trees and other decorations. Thanks for sharing.
Red Ted Art says
My pleasure!
Rosemary says
A food dryer works really well ?
Red Ted Art says
Yes, if you have one, that is a great option!
Sumru Ramsey says
Wow thank you so much for sharing this! I want to dry some orange slices this year and make them part of my decoration.
Red Ted Art says
Wonderful! Enjoy!!