It’s that time of year again when the days get cooler and shorter, and twinkle lights and dried oranges make their rounds again. Hanging these little circles of sunny orbs in strands of garland or using them in simmer pot jars or cocktail jars adds a touch of color and brightness and a sweet, uplifting scent.
Traditionally oranges have also been used because they represent the sun, reminders of brighter days that will come again, when the darker days of winter pass.
Every year I dry oranges and the steps lined below give the best results for bright (none of that brown oxidized color) and even drying.
Here's a short video on drying oranges or follow the steps below.
Dried Oranges
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Slice oranges and try to make them all the same thickness and
blot them with a towel to take up extra moisture
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In a bowl mix 4 cups water, 4 tbs lemon juice and 1 tbs salt and place the oranges in the bowl and soak them for 15-20min, this helps remove excess water. Don’t skip this step, the lemon juice helps to prevent the oranges from oxidizing while drying, this helps them maintain a bright, cheery color.
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Remove the oranges from the soaking bowl and blot again with a towel to remove extra juice and water.
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Lay the oranges on an oven rack lined with parchment paper or on a cooling rack over a cooking sheet. This step helps the air circulate all around the oranges as they are drying in the oven, which makes for more even drying.
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Place in a 170F oven for 4-6 hours. Keep the door slightly propped open to allow extra moisture to escape the oven. Flip the oranges over every hour for even drying.
- Take out of the oven before completely dry and let them finish drying overnight.
In the morning you will have bright, beautiful, perfectly dried oranges!
Enjoy,
Janet
