Dried oranges for New Year decor: how to make them and decoration ideas

How to choose and prepare oranges for drying

Dried oranges for decor are easy to make at home. But first you need to choose the right citrus. It should be juicy and sweet. But that is not the only criterion by which oranges should be selected for drying.

• The orange's weight and size. Usually the heaviest ones contain a lot of juice, which makes them sweet. And small or medium-sized fruits are also tastier.
• Smell. If an orange has no familiar citrus aroma, then its taste will be bland as well.
• The peel. It is a mistake to assume that oranges with a thick peel are easier to peel. But a thin peel with nearly invisible pores indicates a sweet and juicy orange. The peel should be clean, without dents or gray or brown spots. Such specimens are suitable for New Year decor made from oranges.
• Color. For making New Year decorations from oranges, golden, bright orange, and red citrus fruits are ideal.

Before drying oranges for decor, you need to prepare them. To do this, we rinse the oranges and then wipe them with paper towels. We let the fruit sit for some time so that any remaining moisture can dry off.

Then we cut the oranges into even slices about 3 mm thick. Carefully remove all the seeds. If you cut them thinner, the oranges will over-dry and even burn, and if thicker – the slices will turn out soft. Before drying oranges in the oven, each slice needs to be blotted of excess moisture and only then placed in the oven. Or use another method of making dried oranges.  Ideally, the result of drying should be slices with a crispy center.

If you plan to make a garland from dried oranges, then make a small slit in the middle of the slice so that a thread can later be passed through it.

1. To make original New Year decorations from oranges, the slices can be decorated before drying. For example, with powdered sugar. However, it is better to sprinkle the slices not at the very beginning (otherwise the sugar will burn), but later in the process, closer to when they are done.
2. Cut the slices a bit larger in diameter (up to 5 mm) and use a cocktail straw to make small holes in the peel. Insert dried cloves into them and place them in the oven in this form.
3. Gelatin will turn dried oranges into frosty slices. Sprinkle the slices with gelatin powder and put them in the oven. Do not be alarmed that they turn out sticky – a couple of hours on a clean towel and the oranges for decor will dry out.

Ways to dry oranges for decor and for eating

There are several ways to make dried oranges.             

Natural drying

The simplest – is to let the oranges dry in the fresh air. However, this method will take from one to three days. You can also dry oranges on a home radiator. In the first case, it is better to take the dish with the orange slices for decor out onto the balcony. Here the oranges will dry faster under the action of the sun's rays. In the second case – we lay the orange slices on heavy paper or a silicone mat (the main thing is that the tray holds firmly and does not fall), prick them with a fork, and place them on the radiator.

In the oven

Dried oranges in the oven turn out even and neat. And this drying method is the most popular among homemakers. First we preheat the oven to 150 degrees, then turn on the convection mode – if there is no such function, then we leave the oven door ajar.

We cut the oranges into slices, blot them with a paper towel or napkin, and lay them on parchment. We dry them for 15 minutes in the oven, then turn them over and dry for the same amount of time again. Then we reduce the power to 70 degrees and leave them for an hour. We periodically check – to make sure the oranges for decor are not burning in the oven. If a brown crust appears ahead of time, then lower the heat to 50 degrees and turn the slices over once more. If some slices are already done, take them out of the oven.

After the allotted time, we take out our dried oranges and lay them on a tray. The slices should be allowed to sit for one more day – this way they will dry out a bit more. The dried oranges for New Year decor and culinary recipes are ready!

In the microwave

In a heatproof dish (it is better to use a horizontal rectangular container), we first place parchment paper, and then the orange slices. We set the timer for 30 seconds and wait. The downside of this method of making dried oranges is that they often burn. So you will have to constantly monitor the condition of the slices. Reduce the power, add or subtract seconds.

On a non-stick frying pan

We line the frying pan with parchment, place the oranges, and set it over low heat. The slices need to be turned over often, not allowed to stick together or burn. You should also constantly drain off the juice that forms, otherwise the oranges for decor will turn out boiled rather than dried.

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In an electric dehydrator

It is deceptive to think that this electric helper will do everything for you. You will have to turn the slices over every hour and a half. But this really is the most time-efficient and least troublesome method. We spread the cut oranges for decor on the dehydrator's trays, turn it on to maximum power, and leave it for a day. But there is an important point to know so as not to be disappointed. When using an electric dehydrator, the slices will not turn out even – they become slightly deformed from dehydration.

Dried oranges for eating

Dried oranges contain a lot of vitamin C, as well as the beneficial antioxidants the body needs. Dried oranges prepared in the oven can be eaten like ordinary chips. And if you add powdered sugar beforehand, you get sweet candied fruit.

Dried oranges go wonderfully with meat – for example, you can roast pork in the oven, adding citrus slices and seasoning it with curry.

Dried oranges are often used as edible decor for cakes, pies, pastries, and muffins. Add a cup of fragrant, spiced tea with dried oranges to your baking.

Dried oranges should be stored under certain conditions. The ideal storage container – is a glass jar. Add a few cinnamon sticks, cloves, and mint leaves to it and you will get a very tasty and aromatic tea blend. You can also store dried oranges in a plastic bag. But it must be tightly sealed so that no moisture gets in – otherwise your supplies will get moldy. In addition, in a bag the fragile slices break easily, while in a jar they retain their integrity. Dried oranges can be stored for up to a year.

Ideas for decor with dried oranges

Even the smallest gift can be made original by adding a few slices of dried orange to the wrapping. Place a couple of slices inside the gift box, and also attach them to the wrapping paper with ribbon or glue.

The most common New Year decorations from oranges – are garlands and wreaths. You can also use slices individually, hanging them on the tree.

To make a New Year garland from oranges with your own hands, you will need ready-made dried slices, twine or any other strong thread, scissors, a few fir branches (artificial ones will do), pinecones, and cinnamon sticks. We assemble the New Year decor from oranges on a thread and look for the most visible spot where your handiwork will be on display.

A Christmas wreath is made on the same principle. But you need more fir branches. Add ribbons and bows to them. We gather our «ingredients» and roll them into a circle, secure the ends with glue, and hang it on the front door.

Dried oranges can be used not only for New Year decor. Place the slices mixed with pinecones, vanilla and cinnamon sticks, and bright beads in a glass vase or other glass container. An original and stylish air freshener for your home is ready!