Dried Orange Slices and Clementine

Welcome to today’s guide on creating beautiful dried orange slices and Clementine!

As we embrace the beauty of the fall season and approach the joyous holidays, there’s nothing quite like incorporating nature’s charms into our homes.

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Drying oranges has become an essential tradition in our household, infusing our spaces with a warm and rustic character.

So, join us on this journey as we unlock the secrets to preserving these delightful citrus treasures, adding a touch of nature’s splendor to your seasonal decorations and festivities.

Let’s dive in and discover the simple yet enchanting process of making dried orange slices and Clementine!

Dried Orange Slices and Clementine Smell Fantastic!

Indulge in the scents of dried orange slices and Clementine that infuse my home decor with their beautiful aroma!

Beyond the charming appeal they bring to my decor, these dried citrus wonders fill the air with a fragrance that will uplift the spirit.

And the best part? Crafting these aromatic delights is surprisingly simple, allowing me to preserve the essence of various fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries.

So, let’s embark on this journey together, uncovering the art of creating these aromatic gems that not only charm the eyes but also captivate the senses with their scent!

Let’s get started and immerse ourselves in the magic of dried fruit!

Crafting Dried Oranges

Crafting dried orange slices and Clementine is an absolute breeze!

The process is surprisingly straightforward and hassle-free, with the only time-consuming task being cutting and slicing the oranges.

But fear not, for the joy of creating these charming delights far outweighs any minor effort required. Plus, think about the moments with your loved ones during the holidays as you embark on this craft together.

So, gather your family around, let the laughter fill the air, and enjoy creating these dried fruits that will undoubtedly add a touch of magic to your home!

Get ready for the ease and joy of making dried orange slices and Clementine, a craft that promises smiles and cherished memories.

Type Of Oranges That Work Best

Citrus Fruit That Works Best

When making dried orange slices, Navel oranges or Blood oranges reign supreme as the top choice! Their impressive size, thick skin, and consistent round shape make them ideal for this craft.

As you venture into your local grocery store to gather your supplies, for the best outcome buy firm oranges. The best way to achieve magnificent results is to opt for citrus fruit with the most vibrant color, they promise the most appealing dried slices.

Choosing Clementines

Clementines are charming citrus gems that have proven to be a perfect match for creating dried fruit wonders. Over the years, their petite size has won me over. These allow me to tuck them gracefully into centerpieces and vignettes, adding a touch of natural elegance to every display.

Whether adorning a holiday table or brightening up a cozy corner of the home, Clementines work their magic effortlessly. Their compact form ensures they fit into any arrangement, spreading their beautiful fragrance and enhancing their beauty.

So, they might be small, but they surely leave a lasting impression on our hearts and decor alike. Let’s embrace the beauty of these little oranges and infuse our homes with their charm throughout the seasons.

Using Citrus Fruit In The Home

• Dried oranges, blood oranges, or dry orange slices are perfect to add to the Christmas tree as orange ornaments. Add cinnamon sticks, star Anise, or whole cloves for a wonderful scent during the holiday season. A piece of twine or jute is all that is needed to hang these beautiful Christmas decorations from the tree.

• String whole dry oranges and dry orange slices with a roll of clear fishing line and bay leaves for beautiful festive garlands. Other dry fruits are a perfect addition to add festive colors and charm to holiday decor. This is a fun and easy project to make with the whole family.
• Dry citrus fruits are a great way to adorn Christmas presents, and look beautiful added to a glass jar with pine cones, or homemade potpourri.
• Dip orange slices in dark chocolate for a fun snack or add these for a festive holiday cocktail garnish.
• Sprinkle the orange slices with sea salt for a healthy snack for late afternoon cravings. Store these in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag for 5 days.

Supplies List:

• fresh oranges 
• paper towel – pat oranges dry
• large baking sheets
• wire rack that’s oven safe – I use a stainless steel cooling wire rack upside and it works great
• sharp serrated knife or chef’s knife
• parchment paper (optional)

Dry Oranges & Clementine In The Oven

Step 1: Slice Oranges And Preheat Oven

The best way to dry whole oranges, Clementine, and orange slices in the oven at a low temperature.

Preheat your oven to a low temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slice oranges with a sharp serrated knife 1/4 inch thick and pat dry with a piece of paper towel.

Step 2: Add Orange Slice To The Wire Rack

As you place the orange slices onto the wire rack and baking sheets, be sure to put the orange slices in a single layer. The typical drying process of orange slices spans 4 to 6 hours.

Flip and rotate the orange slices every hour to ensure even cooking.

As you approach the final half-hour mark, keep a watchful eye on them to avoid over-drying. With this simple and effective oven method, you’ll have dry orange slices, ready to grace your home with their beauty and fragrance.

Add Spices For Extra Scent

Sprinkle A Bit Of Spice:

• clove
• cinnamon
• nutmeg

Drying Whole Oranges or Clementine

Drying whole clementine, mandarins or whole oranges is a wonderful way to carry the citrus theme throughout your home, complementing the dried orange slices beautifully.

Step 3: Dry Whole Clementines:

1. Slice the Orange Peel: Carefully slice through the orange peel of the clementine. Make four incisions at 12 o’clock, 6 o’clock, 3 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions. Ensure you use a sharp serrated knife and leave the ends connected to the orange to keep it intact during the drying process.
2. Remove Excess Juice: After making the slices, gently roll the clementine on a paper towel to remove any excess juice.
3. Lay on Wire Rack: Place the clementine on a wire rack, which should be resting on a baking tray. For optimal results, use a stainless steel wire rack.
4. Drying Duration: Allow the clementine to dry thoroughly. Depending on the size and moisture content, this process may take 10-16 hours.
5. Storage Tip: Unfortunately, dried whole clementines might not last beyond Christmas. However, to preserve the beauty of dry orange slices for years to come, store the dried slices in a brown bag, ensuring it’s kept in a dry and dark area of your home.

By following these steps, you’ll have charming dehydrated orange slices, the citrus theme throughout your living space. Embrace the beauty of natural elements and enjoy the warmth these dried fruits bring to your home during the holiday season and beyond.

Use Dried Oranges and Clementine In Home Decor

Lanterns

Add Dried Orange Slices to Lanterns as Lantern Filler for holiday season

A Lantern With A Battery-Operated Candle 

Dry Oranges/Clementine To Seasonal Decor

These are simple things to add to your mantel 

Add whole oranges to centerpieces

Craft Ideas Using Dry Citrus Slices/Clementine

Dry Orange Wreath with Pine cones and star anise 

Make a Dried Orange/fruit Christmas Garland

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make dried orange slices and Clementine. Do you enjoy using beautiful citrus slices in your home for Christmas decorating or ornaments?

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