DIY Dehydrated Oranges for Christmas Decor
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Dry Orange Slices will get you started on making beautiful natural decor to add to your packages, make a garland, create Christmas ornaments, or simply as seasonal accents for your home or the holiday season.
The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with natural, handmade decorations, and dehydrated oranges are a wonderful addition to your Christmas decor.
With their bright colors, subtle fragrance, and rustic charm, dehydrated oranges can bring warmth and a festive feel to your home. They are versatile and can be used in garlands, wreaths, or as ornaments for your Christmas tree. Plus, making them yourself is a fun and rewarding process that fills your home with the comforting aroma of citrus!
I’ve seen these for years all over Pinterest and just kept telling myself that I would make them next year. Well, that time came and I don’t know why I waited so long to make this really easy project. It’s too easy not to do.
Choosing the Right Oranges
To begin, select fresh, firm oranges from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Navel oranges work well due to their size and vibrant color, but feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or even grapefruit for variety. The key is to ensure the fruit is not overripe or too soft, as it could make the drying process uneven and affect the final appearance.
If you live in Florida, you know this time of the year there are fresh oranges everywhere. There are so many pick-your-own groves or they have some already picked at their fruit stand. The picture above was taken at Bok Tower in Lake Wales and the orange blossoms are so intoxicating.
Slicing the Oranges
After selecting your oranges, wash them thoroughly and pat them dry. Next, slice the oranges into thin, uniform rounds—approximately ¼ inch thick. Slices that are too thick may take longer to dehydrate, while those that are too thin could burn or tear during the drying process. Try to keep the slices as consistent as possible to ensure they dry evenly and look beautiful once finished.
Dehydrating the Oranges
You can dehydrate your orange slices in the oven or use a food dehydrator. For the oven method, preheat your oven to a low temperature—around 150-200°F (65-95°C). I placed the slices on a cookie sheet with a grate so that the heat would go all around the orange slices for a more even bake. Bake for about 4 to 6 hours, turning the slices every hour to prevent them from sticking. The goal is to dry them out slowly, preserving their color and natural beauty without burning them. If using a food dehydrator, set it to the recommended temperature for fruits and dehydrate for about 8-12 hours.
Using Your Dehydrated Oranges
Once your orange slices are fully dehydrated and cooled, you can start incorporating them into your Christmas decor. String them together with twine for a simple and elegant garland, or attach them to a wreath with pine branches and cinnamon sticks for a rustic holiday touch. They also make lovely Christmas tree ornaments, either on their own or paired with other natural elements like pinecones and dried berries. The possibilities are endless, and their bright, golden color complements traditional green and red Christmas themes beautifully.
I loved how they looked on the dining room table with the centerpiece. It just added enough for that room.
Storing Dehydrated Oranges
If you have leftover dehydrated orange slices or want to store them for future use, keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last for several months if stored properly, so you can reuse them for multiple holiday seasons. Just make sure they are completely dry before storing to avoid mold or spoilage. I have mine in Tupperware containers in a cabinet so that they stay at room temp. They wouldn’t survive the Florida heat in my garage with my other Christmas decorations.
DIY dehydrated oranges add a unique, festive touch to your Christmas decorations, and making them is a simple, enjoyable project that can become a cherished holiday tradition. Their natural beauty and versatility make them a perfect addition to any holiday setting, whether you prefer rustic, minimal, or traditional decor styles.
Best of all, they’re an eco-friendly option, bringing a touch of nature into your home and reducing waste.
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I’ve always wondered how these were made! I honestly thought they weren’t real oranges…This is fantastic, I will make them….Thanks a lot.
This is so much fun! I decorate with orange slices every year. I can’t wait to try making my own!