DryingOrangesAt home with a few easy methods
Oranges are one of the most delicious winter fruits and a rich sourceof Vitamin Cwhich can be enjoyed as fresh fruit, juice, or dried fruits, and used to prepare various desserts, cakes, salads, etc. If you want to enjoy the unique benefits of oranges all year round, we suggest preparingdried orangesusing the methods in this section of the fruit drying tutorial onSelMagz.is available.
Drying Oranges Without Bitterness
To dry oranges without bitterness, you need to choose one of the following methods to remove the bitterness.
First Method of Drying Oranges Without Bitterness
Mix one cup of sugar, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of lemon juice over low heat until it thickens. Submerge sliced oranges in the syrup for 15 minutes, then remove and place them on a rack to drain excess syrup. After this, dry the oranges without any bitterness.
Second Method to Remove Bitterness from Oranges
After slicing the oranges, sprinkle powdered sugar on both sides of the orange slices to keep them shiny and prevent bitterness after drying. Once this is done, allow them to dry, but make sure to flip them regularly during the drying process.
Third Method to Prevent Bitterness from Oranges After Drying
After slicing the oranges, sprinkle powdered sugar or sugar mixed withgelatinon both sides of the orange slices to have sweet, shiny, and beautiful dried oranges. After this method, dry the oranges, but make sure to flip them over.
How to Dry Oranges in Sun forHerbal Tea
To dry oranges in sunlight, follow this method:
- Cut the oranges with the peel into uniform one-centimeter slices using a sharp knife.
- After removing the bitterness from the oranges, space the orange slices on a mesh tray that is elevated by a few bricks underneath, allowing air to flow underneath.
- Place a thin mesh over the fruits.
- To speed up the drying process, move the tray to a covered area at night.
- After a few days, the oranges will be dried. It’s better to flip them during this time to prevent mold.
How to Dry Oranges on a Heater or Radiator
To dry oranges on a heater or radiator, proceed as follows:
- Cut the oranges with the peel into uniform one-centimeter slices using a sharp knife.
- After removing the bitterness from the oranges, place a tray on the heater and line it with parchment paper to prevent the oranges from sticking.
- Arrange the sliced oranges with space in between on the tray.
- You can also use aluminum foil instead of a tray on the heater and arrange the orange slices on it.
- Let the oranges dry.
- After drying, to remove bitterness and enhance the flavor of your dried fruit, soak the orange slices in thick syrup and allow them to dry again.
How to Dry Oranges in an Oven
To dry oranges in the oven, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to a temperature between 51 and 71 degrees Celsius.
- Cut the oranges with the peel into uniform one-centimeter slices using a sharp knife.
- After removing the bitterness from the oranges, arrange the orange slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Place a round meshpizzaor silicone liner on top to keep the slices from curling up.
- Put the tray in the oven.
- Flip the fruits every hour.
- It takes about 2-3 hours to dry oranges. Remove the oranges from the oven when they have a leathery texture and are slightly flexible.
- For complete drying, after taking them out of the oven, store them in an uncovered container for several days.
How to Dry Oranges Using a Dehydrator
To dry oranges using a dehydrator, follow these steps:
- Cut the oranges with the peel into uniform one-centimeter slices using a sharp knife.
- After removing the bitterness from the oranges, arrange the fruits in the dehydrator.
- Set the dehydrator to a temperature of 57 degrees Celsius or on the fruit setting.
- It takes 24 to 48 hours for the fruits to dry.
- Check the fruits regularly after the first 24 hours to prevent them from over-drying.
- Gather the dried fruits from the machine.
Drying Oranges in a Microwave
To dry oranges in a microwave, follow these steps:
- Cut the oranges with the peel into uniform one-centimeter slices using a sharp knife.
- Line the bottom of the microwave tray with parchment paper.
- Space the oranges out on the paper.
- Set the heat to 350 degrees and allow for 5 minutes.
- If the oranges do not develop a leathery texture during this time, repeat the process.
- Keep the dried fruits at room temperature for 2-3 hours to cool and become crisper.
What Type of Orange is Suitable for Drying?
An orange suitable for drying should have:
- a thin skin, not thick.
- be ripe, not unripe, to avoid a bitter taste.
- not be too dry or too juicy.
- Use healthy fruits for drying.
Drying Time for Oranges in Different Methods
- The drying time for oranges depends on the temperature and thickness of the slices. It may take several days (3 to 7 days) for orange slices to dry in the sun, depending on the temperature.
- Slices of oranges in a dehydrator take 24 to 48 hours to fully dry.
- Drying oranges in the oven also takes about 2-3 hours.
- It takes about 12 to 13 hours (overnight) to dry oranges on a heater or radiator. It’s better to not have high heat in this method.
For Making Dried Fruits Shiny
To make the dried fruits shiny, it’s best to soak them in syrup (a mixture of water and sugar thickened with very little lemon juice) before drying. Using a dehydrator is also one way to make dried fruits shiny.
How to Store Dried Orange Fruits
- After drying fruits in the oven, microwave, etc., leave them in the open air for one to two hours to cool down and allow all moisture to escape.
- For long-term storage of dried fruits, use airtight plastic containers.
- You can also store the oranges in plastic bags and keep them in the freezer.