Description
Homemade dried orange slices elevate culinary experiences with Mediterranean charm. Citrus enthusiasts can easily create these delicate, translucent garnishes for desserts, cocktails, and seasonal decorations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 34 oranges (navel, Valencia, or blood oranges)
- 1 wire rack
- 1 baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- 1 mandoline slicer (optional)
- 1 sharp knife
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly wash oranges under cool water, eliminating any external residue or protective wax layer.
- Slicing: Meticulously cut oranges into delicate, uniform translucent rounds using a sharp mandoline, maintaining consistent 1/8-inch thickness to ensure balanced dehydration.
- Arrangement: Distribute orange medallions across a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning slices with minimal spacing to facilitate optimal heat circulation and even drying.
- Oven Configuration: Position rack in center position and preheat oven to 200°F, creating a gentle, controlled environment for moisture extraction.
- Dehydration Process: Place prepared baking sheet in preheated oven, rotating sheet and flipping slices every hour to guarantee uniform drying and prevent potential texture inconsistencies.
- Monitoring: Observe transformation over 3-4 hours, checking for subtle edge curling and leathery, flexible texture with no visible moisture – indicating complete dehydration.
- Cooling and Storage: Remove baking sheet, allowing slices to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to an airtight, opaque glass container stored in a dark, cool pantry for optimal preservation up to two weeks.
Notes
- Slice Thickness Matters: Maintain precise 1/8-inch thickness for consistent dehydration and uniform texture throughout each orange slice.
- Temperature Control is Critical: Keep oven temperature steady at 200°F to prevent burning and ensure gentle moisture extraction without caramelization.
- Rotate for Even Drying: Flip slices every hour to prevent uneven dehydration and guarantee uniform leathery texture across all pieces.
- Storage Preservation Technique: Use airtight glass container in cool, dark space to extend shelf life and maintain crisp, vibrant citrus quality for maximum two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 34 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 33
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg