How to Make Dried Oranges for Christmas Decorations (and Fill Your Home with a Festive Scent)

 How to Make Dried Oranges for Christmas Decorations (and Fill Your Home with a Festive Scent)

Ingredients and Materials Needed

2 to 4 oranges (vanilla, lime, navel, or pear — all work!)

Sharp knife

Paper towels

Baking sheet

Parchment paper (optional)

Oven

String, twine, twine, or ribbon (if you want to hang them)

How to Cut the Oranges Correctly (the Secret!)

The ideal thickness makes the slice translucent when dehydrated:

Cut the oranges into slices of 0.5 cm maximum.

Slices that are too thick take longer to dry and may darken.

Slices that are too thin dry out too much and may tear.

Blot excess juice with paper towels before baking — this speeds up the process and prevents burning.

Preparation method

(step-by-step without error)

Preheat the oven to 90ºC–100ºC: The lower the oven temperature, the more beautiful the final color.

Arrange the slices on the baking sheet: Place them side by side, without stacking them.

Bake for 2 to 3 hours, turning every 40 minutes: The time varies depending on the oven. The slices are ready when they are very dry, but flexible.

Let cool completely: This is when they become firm and ready to decorate.