Stores are filled with artificial holiday decorations this time of year. However, plastic trees and wreaths just don’t fill me with the yuletide spirit. For me, the smell of fresh greenery, a live tree, and wreaths made from natural materials give a nostalgic “decking the halls” feeling to the holiday season.
Drying oranges for holiday decorations in America is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century and was commonly used before glass ornaments became popular in the mid-1800s. When you visit Colonial Williamsburg during the holiday season, you will see beautiful, creative wreaths using fresh and dried fruit.
Homes in Colonial Williamsburg are decorated with beautiful wreaths using natural materials and dried fruit, including dried orange slices.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension
It’s a fun holiday activity that can include young and old alike and will make the house smell wonderful. You can use any type of citrus for drying, but my favorite is navel oranges.
What You’ll Need for Drying Oranges
- Navel oranges or other citrus, such as limes, lemons, or grapefruit
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Dish or paper towels
- Oven or dehydrator
- Wire cooling rack
- Florist wire or decorative ribbon
Step-by-Step Guide to Drying Citrus
Using a sharp knife and cutting board, cut the oranges into consistent 1/8-inch-thick slices. If they’re too thin, they’ll burn; if they’re too thick, they won’t dry well. Place the slices on a clean dish towel and pat dry. This will help cut down the drying time.
Using a sharp knife and cutting board, cut the oranges into 1/8-inch-thick slices.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
There are two methods for drying citrus: a traditional oven or a dehydrator. The process takes about 6 hours when using the oven method, whereas a dehydrator takes about 12 to 14 hours to dry the fruit slices completely. I prefer using the oven as I can keep watch on how the oranges are progressing.
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 175 °F. If your oven setting doesn’t go that low, preheat at the lowest temperature, but not over 200°F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices so they do not touch each other. Set a timer for 30-minute intervals, as you will need to flip the slices every 30 minutes to keep the slices nice and flat and to prevent curling of the edges. Depending on the thickness, the process should take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. Your house will smell amazing.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices where they don’t touch each other.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The oven method will take about 3 to 5 hours for the slices to be completely dry.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Dehydrator Method
Using a dehydrator will take about 12 to 14 hours to dry the citrus. The temperature should be set at 130°F. Arrange the slices where they do not touch. You will need to flip the slices every hour for uniform drying. Using a dehydrator takes longer, but the slices are more uniform, and you have less chance of burning them.
After removing the slices from the oven or dehydrator, place them on a wire rack to allow them to cool at room temperature. Check to make sure they are totally dry without any sticky or soft places. If there are, you can let them air dry on the wire rack for several days until they are totally dry.
Place the orange slices on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Tips for Storing Dried Oranges
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to decorate. If you store the slices correctly, they can last several years.
Creative Ways to Decorate with Dried Oranges
Use florist wire to tie dried slices together and attach them to wreaths, trees, or other holiday decorations.
Use florist wire to tie the slices together for use in decorations.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Use on wreaths, garlands, or trees, along with other natural materials
This festive wreath was created using a grapevine wreath as a base with greenery, Spanish moss, and wired orange slice clusters.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Decorate gifts
Three dried oranges were wired together to decorate a present.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Fill up a bowl and place on a table
A bowl of dried oranges adds a fragrant touch to holiday decorations.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Use in stovetop potpourri with cinnamon sticks and cloves
A stovetop potpourri of orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves will fill your home with holiday aromas.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Eat them!
Start a new holiday tradition with your family. Happy Holidays, everyone!
