Oh my goodness, let me tell you about dried orange slices! These little gems are not just a snack; they’re a versatile delight that can brighten up any dish. I love munching on them straight out of the jar, but they also make a stunning garnish for cocktails or desserts. The sweet, tangy flavor combined with that satisfying chewiness is just irresistible! Plus, the vibrant color adds a pop of sunshine to my kitchen. Trust me, once you try making your own dried orange slices, you’ll be hooked. They’re super easy to whip up and perfect for snacking or adding a zesty twist to your recipes!
Ingredients List
- 2 large oranges, sliced 1/4 inch thick
How to Prepare Dried Orange Slices
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is crucial for gently drying the oranges without cooking them. Trust me, it helps preserve that vibrant color and keeps them chewy and delicious!
Slice the Oranges
Next up, grab those beautiful oranges! Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice them thinly—about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is key for even drying; if they’re too thick, they might end up chewy rather than perfectly dried. I love how the bright orange slices look as I work my way through them!
Arrange the Slices
Now, let’s get those slices ready for the oven! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re not overlapping; this will help them dry evenly. I like to give them a little space because they tend to shrink as they dry, and you want them to have their own moment in the oven!
Bake and Flip
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the magic happen! You’ll want to bake them for about 2 to 3 hours. Yes, I know it sounds like a long time, but this is where they get that lovely texture. Don’t forget to flip the slices halfway through—this ensures both sides dry out perfectly and prevents any sogginess!
Cool and Store
Once they’re done baking, let the dried orange slices cool completely on the baking sheet. This is super important because they continue to dry out a bit as they cool. When they’re cool to the touch, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. I always make sure to label the jar so I know how long they’ve been sitting pretty in my pantry!
Why You’ll Love Dried Orange Slices
- They’re incredibly easy to make—just slice, bake, and enjoy!
- A healthy, guilt-free snack that satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Perfect for adding a zesty touch to your favorite drinks and desserts.
- Long shelf life when stored properly, so you can enjoy them anytime.
- Versatile enough to use in both sweet and savory dishes.
- They make a beautiful and fragrant garnish for your holiday table.
- Great for gifting—who wouldn’t love a jar of homemade goodness?
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s dive into some tips to ensure your dried orange slices turn out absolutely perfect every time! First off, when selecting oranges, look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have a vibrant, smooth skin. They should smell sweet and citrusy—this is a good sign of freshness. I usually go for organic oranges when I can, as they tend to have better flavor and no waxy coating!
Next, pay attention to the drying process. If you want to speed things up a bit, you can use a dehydrator instead of an oven—it’s a great option if you make these often! But if you stick with the oven, make sure to keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time; every oven is a bit different, and you want to catch them just before they get too dry.
As for storage, once your dried orange slices are completely cool, pop them into an airtight container. I like to use glass jars, as they keep them fresh longer and look pretty on the shelf! You can also throw in a small packet of silica gel to help absorb any moisture. And remember, keep them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. They can last for weeks—if they last that long in my house!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of these delightful dried orange slices is not only satisfying but also quite nutritious. Here’s what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the size of the oranges you use. But honestly, with all that deliciousness packed into each slice, you can’t go wrong! Enjoy these guilt-free snacks knowing they’re a healthy choice for any time of the day!
FAQ Section
How long do dried orange slices last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, dried orange slices can last for several weeks—typically up to 2 months. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dark place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. If they start to feel a bit soft, it’s a sign they may not be as fresh, so enjoy them while they’re at their best!
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with a variety of fruits like apples, lemons, or even kiwi. Just remember, different fruits have different moisture levels, so you might need to adjust the drying time. For instance, apples will dry faster than oranges, so keep an eye on them as they bake!
What can I use dried orange slices for?
The possibilities are endless! Use dried orange slices as a vibrant garnish for cocktails, sprinkle them in salads for a zesty kick, or add them to baked goods like muffins and cakes. They also make a delightful snack on their own, or you can toss them into your morning oatmeal or granola for an extra burst of flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your dried orange slices fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container. I love using glass jars because they not only look great but also help maintain that lovely crunch. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dark place, away from any moisture. They should last for several weeks, so you can enjoy them anytime a craving hits!
No need to reheat these little delights! They’re best enjoyed straight from the jar or used as a garnish. Just grab a slice and enjoy that zesty flavor whenever you like!
Imprimer
Dried Orange Slices: 5 Irresistible Uses You’ll Love
- Temps Total: 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
- Rendement: About 20 slices 1x
- Alimentation: Vegan
Description
Dried orange slices are a delicious and versatile snack. They can be used in various dishes or enjoyed on their own.
Ingrédients
- 2 large oranges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Slice the oranges thinly, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use for garnish in drinks or desserts.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 to 3 hours
- Catégorie: Snack
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 35
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 0mg
- La graisse: 0g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 9g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 0g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: dried orange slices
