This week we harvested our very first Christmas tree together! It’s a cute little one that won’t take up much space in our apartment.
I’ve been working on making some homemade ornaments for it. One of my favorites of all the ornaments I made for it are the dried orange slices. They just add so much color and character to the tree and I think they are just awesome!
I borrowed my mom’s dehydrator to make these ones, but you can also do them in the oven. You can use any type of orange, or even lemons and limes for this.
Dehydrator instructions:
Wash and dry your oranges. Slice them as thin and even as you can. You can oil your dehydrator trays so the citrus is easier to remove. Arrange the oranges on the trays and start the dehydrator.
The one I used didn’t have any temperature settings but if you have one that does, set it to 115° – 135°F (I prefer the lower temps to preserve the natural oils). Dry them for 5 to 12 hours…they need to be brittle. Store them in airtight jars and out of direct light.
Oven Instructions:
Wash, dry and slice your citrus just the same as for using the dehydrator. Preheat your oven to 200°F. Oil your baking sheet or use parchment paper. Let them bake for 3 to 6 hours depending on how thick you sliced them, and keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Let them cool, then store them in airtight jars and out of direct light.
And there! Home dried oranges.
I’m in heaven!
These are very simple to make plus here is a list of all the other ways you could use them!
- Add a slice to your favorite tea. Traditionally, orange peels are used internally in teas to help with stomach cramps and as an appetite stimulant.
- Chop it up and create your own tea mixes.
- Chop or grind them up and use it to flavor dishes or simply garnish your salad. Sprinkle it on your ice cream, cereals, smoothies, soup, noodles, spaghetti sauce, rice, fish dishes, baked goods….the list is endless. All of the foods will have a wonderful taste. (This works well with lemon and lime too).
- Use it to scent or decorate homemade soaps.
- They make great snacks or travel food.
- Use for decorating and get some color into your home!
Blessings!
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