How to Dry Whole Oranges

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Drying whole oranges takes some time but is simpler than you might think. You can dry them in the oven or use a food dehydrator if you have one at home. Dried oranges can be used for au naturel holiday decor, craft projects, or as a colorful and fragrant addition to potpourri. You can even eat the dried pulp or use the hardened peels to spruce up cocktails! However you choose to use them, the drying process will make your house smell bright and citrusy.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Drying in an Oven

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  1. Drying fruits requires a slow, low-heat setting, so set your oven to the mildest temperature possible.
    • Temperatures ranging from 170 °F (77 °C) to 200 °F (93 °C) will work. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    Your fingers should be placed at the top and bottom of the orange. Using a sharp knife, cut the peel into quarters from top to bottom, leaving a pinky-sized space at both ends so the orange stays intact. [2]
    • The slits should be about 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) deep.
    • You can also place the orange on a cutting board and hold it firmly to make the slits.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    You should now have a total of 8 slits all around the orange.
    • Don’t worry if your slices aren’t all equal. The drying process will change the shape of the oranges a little anyway, and mismatched slits can look even more charming and rustic. [3]
    • Repeat this slicing process for each orange.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    You may want to layer the baking sheet with wax paper in order to avoid any sticking. [4]
    • Make sure they’re not touching after sliding the sheet into the preheated oven so they don’t stick together. [5]
  5. The juicier and larger the food, the longer it takes to dry out. [6] It probably won't take a full day, but be prepared to leave them in there for long time depending on the size of the oranges and the power of your oven.
    • If you need to use your oven for something else during this time, it’s okay to take them out for an hour, just remember to let the oven cool to the lowest heat setting before putting them back in. [7]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    If you notice some parts are drier than others, check to make sure that all slits go down to the pulp and cut shallow slits a little deeper if necessary. [8]
    • Rotating them on occasion will also help them dry more evenly. [9]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    When the oranges are done, they’ll feel hard, leathery, and have a slightly orange-brownish hue. [10] The pulp inside the slits should appear dark orange or maroon with no signs of moisture. [11]
    • If they feel spongy or sticky, put them back in the oven and check on them in another 4 hours.
    • Don’t worry about over-drying the oranges, so if you’re not sure, leave them in for a little longer.
    • Allow them to cool completely before handling, which will probably take a couple hours.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Dehydrator

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  1. Depending on the power of your dehydrator, certain foods may take less or more time, so refer to the manufacturer’s manual to find the recommended fruit temperature settings and estimated drying times.
    • If you don’t have the manual or are unsure, set the temperature anywhere between 125 °F (52 °C) and 140 °F (60 °C). [12]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    Your fingers should be placed at the top and bottom of the orange. Using a sharp knife, cut the peel into quarters from top to bottom, leaving a pinky-sized space at both ends so the orange stays intact. [13]
    • The slits should be about 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) deep. It’s okay to go into the pulp a little, but avoid going too deep.
    • You can also place the orange on a cutting board and hold it firmly to make the slits.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    Notice where you made the first set of slits and make another slit down the middle of each for a total of 8 slits all around the orange.
    • Don’t worry if your slices aren’t all equal. The drying process will change the shape of the oranges a little anyway, and mismatched slits can look even more charming and rustic. [14]
    • Repeat this slicing process for each orange.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    Evenly space out the oranges on the tray because fruits dried while touching will tend to stick together during and after dehydrating. [15]
    • If your dehydrator has sliding trays, double check that the oranges haven’t rolled together after inserting.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Whole Oranges
    They won’t be done yet, but take a look at them to ensure the cuts are deep enough to allow even drying. This is also a good time to rotate the dehydrator tray to ensure uniformity. [16]
    • If you need to make a few deeper cuts, it’s okay to take them out and put them back in. [17]
  6. Because they're so juicy, whole oranges can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours (or more) to fully dry in a dehydrator, so be patient! [18]
    • As they dehydrate, you’ll notice slight discoloration or browning of the peel as well as a beautiful citrus smell!
    • Don’t worry about over-drying the oranges, so if you’re not sure, leave them for a little longer.
  7. Fully dried oranges should feel hard, leathery, lightweight, and have a slightly orange-brownish hue. [19] The pulp inside the slits will appear dark orange or maroon and there should be no signs of moisture. [20]
    • If they feel spongy or sticky, put them back in and check on them in another 2 to 4 hours.
    • Allow them to cool completely for a couple hours before handling.
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      Tips

      • To prevent oranges from browning, soak them in a mixture made up of half lemon juice and half water for five minutes before drying and slicing. [21]
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      • If you have a small dehydrator, select small oranges or rearrange the shelves so larger ones can fit.
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      • Feel free to experiment with small zig zags or swirls if you have a small paring knife and some knife skills. Just keep the designs as symmetrical as possible to ensure even drying.
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      Warnings

      • If you’re using the oven, plan to be home for the entire drying process as leaving the house with an oven on (even at low heat) is not a good idea. [22]
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Oranges
      • A sharp knife
      • Cutting board (optional)
      • An oven or dehydrator
      • A baking sheet (if using the oven method)
      • Wax paper (optional)
      • Lemon juice and water (for optional presoak)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.chowhound.com/food-news/186047/how-to-dehydrate-food-without-a-dehydrator/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1iHfMRt-lw
      3. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      4. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/dont-have-a-dehydrator-use-your-oven/
      5. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/dont-have-a-dehydrator-use-your-oven/
      6. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/dont-have-a-dehydrator-use-your-oven/
      7. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      8. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      9. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      1. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-dehydrate-fruit-step-by-step-article
      2. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      3. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-dehydrate-fruit-step-by-step-article
      4. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      5. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      6. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/dont-have-a-dehydrator-use-your-oven/
      7. ↑ https://www.easy-food-dehydrating.com/dehydrating-citrus.html
      8. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      9. ↑ https://commonsensehome.com/home-food-drying/
      10. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-dehydrate-fruit-step-by-step-article
      11. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/dried-orange-christmas-tree-ornaments/
      12. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/dont-have-a-dehydrator-use-your-oven/
      13. ↑ https://www.baylor.edu/dps/doc.php/248231.pdf

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