These remind me of ‘ simpler times when decorations were made with whatever on/e had on hand – they are so versatile and pretty – when put near Christmas lights they remind me of me of mini stained glass windows
Dried Oranges as Decorations
Dried orange slices as decorations date back to simpler times when people made use of what they had on hand to celebrate the season. They were often strung together to create garlands or added to wreaths for a natural, festive touch.
Their bright color and subtle citrus scent added cheer to homes during the darker winter months.
How did this tradition start ?
The tradition of gifting oranges during Christmas likely stems from St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus. Legend has it that St. Nicholas gave gold to a poor family by placing it in their stockings. Over time, oranges-due to their golden color-became a symbolic representation of these gifts.
The holiday season is upon us, and there’s nothing like the scent of dried oranges to fill your home with warmth and cheer. Not only do they smell divine, but they also make forbeautiful, natural decorations. Today, I’m going to show you how to dry sliced oranges in the oven and share some of my favorite ways to use them in Christmas crafts.
First, let’s talk about the process of drying oranges. You’ll need to start with fresh, ripe oranges. Slice them thinly – about a quarter-inch thick is perfect. You can slice them with a knife you could use a mandolin for perfect slices
How to Dry Oranges and Lemons
1. Select Your Fruits: Choose fresh, firm oranges and lemons. Organic fruits are recommended to avoid pesticides.look for orange that have a Thick skin, they have more edges on the slices . When you slice them and will be sturdier..
2. Slice the Fruits: Using a sharp knife, slice the fruits into even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they dry uniformly.
3. Prepare for Drying: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (around 150°F or 65°C). Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator or air-dry them if you have the time.
4. Bake or Dehydrate: Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 2-4 hours, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid I burning. They should be dry and slightly leathery when done.
5. Cool and Store: Allow the dried slices to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Oven or air dry ?.
Now, you might be wondering about the differences between air drying, frying, and / baking in the oven. Air drying is a longer process, taking up to a week, and the results can be less predictable.Air Frying can make the oranges crispy, but they lose some of their natural aroma. Baking in the oven, on the other hand, is a quicker process that retains the oranges’ beautiful color and delightful scent, making it my preferred method. –
These I dried in the oven
Creative Uses for Dried Oranges and Lemons
• Garlands and Wreaths: String dried slices together with twine or ribbon for a beautiful ‘ garland or wreath that can hang on your door or mantle.
• Table Centerpieces: Arrange dried oranges and lemons in a bowl or on a platter with pinecones and candles for a rustic centerpiece.
• Gift Wrapping: Use dried slices as unique gift tags or embellishments on wrapped presents.
• Scented Potpourri: Combine with other dried herbs and spices for a fragrant potpourri that adds a festive touch
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Thanks for stopping by , happy decorating .