Easy Tips: How To Dry Oranges That Stay Vibrant In Color
- wendyasmann
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
How to Dry Oranges That Stay Vibrant in Color. Easy tips for how to dry oranges while keeping their vibrant color-ideal for holiday crafts, garlands, and natural home decor.
Dried oranges are a beautiful, fragrant addition to your home. Whether you use them for holiday garlands, wreaths, simmer pots, or DIY crafts, keeping your orange slices vibrant in color makes all the difference. But if you’ve ever dried oranges before, you may have noticed they sometimes turn brown or lose their brightness.
In this guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions on how to dry oranges and share the best tips for keeping your slices vibrant in color. I've tried a few times over the years to figure out how to dry oranges that don't turn brown, especially for the holidays, and l'll be honest, it took some trial and error. My first attempts left me with dull, brownish slices that weren't the look I was going for. But after experimenting and learning a few simple tricks, I've finally found a way to dry the perfect orange that holds onto that beautiful, rich color we all love for garlands, ornaments, or simply hanging on the Christmas tree. If you've ever wondered how to dry oranges without losing their brightness, I've got the methods that actually work and make them look stunning for holiday decorating.
Two questions I often get during the holidays are: “How long does it take to dry orange slices?” and “How do I keep dried oranges from browning?” Depending on the method, orange slices usually take 2–3 hours in the oven, 6–8 hours in a dehydrator, or a few days if air-drying. To keep them vibrant, slice the oranges evenly, remove seeds, and optionally soak them briefly in lemon juice or a light syrup before drying. This helps preserve their bright color and ensures they look beautiful in garlands, wreaths, or holiday decorations.
Why Dry Oranges?
Dried oranges are a simple, natural way to add that old-fashioned charm to your home for Christmas. Their warm, sunny color pairs beautifully with cinnamon sticks, pinecones, and eucalyptus, creating a timeless, cozy holiday feel. Perfect for garland, wreaths, or simply hanging on your Christmas tree, they also make a delightful addition to stovetop simmer pots, filling your home with a natural, festive fragrance. Check out our Stovetop Simmer Pot Recipes by clicking the highlighted text.
Last year, I wanted a garland for my fireplace. I had just a simple, inexpensive greenery garland from Walmart, and I wish I had taken a picture of it! I added faux cranberries, dried orange slices, and the rustic bells that I sell in my Etsy shop. The colors all came together so beautifully, creating a warm, festive look. You can purchase these rustic bells in my Etsy shop by clicking the highlighted text below.
How To Dry Oranges That Don't Turn Brown
Drying oranges is simple with just a couple of helpful tips. First, dip each orange slice in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water for 15–30 seconds — this keeps the slices bright and prevents browning. Be sure to do this before patting away any excess moisture with a paper towel. Ready for the next big tip? Keep your oven door slightly open while drying to let excess moisture escape and help the slices dry evenly and beautifully.
How to Dry Oranges With Vibrant Color
Before they hit the oven or dehydrator, a little prep goes a long way:
Wash and dry the fruit – Wipe away any wax or residue from the peel.
Slice evenly – Cut into ¼-inch slices. Too thick, and they’ll dry unevenly; too thin, and they may shrivel.
Lemon juice dip (optional for bright color) – To help keep the orange slices bright and prevent browning, quickly dip each slice in a mix of equal parts lemon juice and water (about 15–30 seconds).
Blot excess moisture – After dipping, gently blot both sides of each slice with a paper towel. This helps reduce drying time and keeps the slices from curling.
Honey glaze (optional for shine) – For a subtle glossy finish, lightly brush slices with a mixture of 1 teaspoon honey and 2 tablespoons warm water. This enhances their color and adds a pretty sheen, but may leave them slightly sticky once dried.
Bake Your Orange Slices
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees
Arrange the orange slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Parchment paper helps prevent the oranges from sticking.
Bake 3 to 4 hours, flipping every 45 minutes or so.
Keep the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape for perfectly dried oranges.
Tips for Keeping Oranges Vibrant in Color:
If your goal is oranges that stay bright and vibrant in color, these tips will make all the difference:
1. Choose Fresh, Firm Oranges
The first step to bright dried oranges starts at the grocery store or farmers' market. Not all oranges dry the same way, so here's what to look for:
• Firm, fresh oranges - Avoid soft or overripe fruit.
• Thin-skinned varieties - Mandarins, clementines, and blood oranges tend to keep their color best.
• Deeply colored flesh - The richer the orange is before drying, the brighter it will look once it's preserved.
2. Use Lemon Juice to Preserve Brightness
Lemon Juice Method
Before drying, dip your slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water (equal parts). The citric acid helps prevent browning and keeps the slices vibrant.
3. Dry at a Low Temperature
High heat causes caramelization, which makes the oranges darken. Keeping the oven low and slow is key to maintaining brightness. Keep the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
4. Flip Regularly
Turning the slices often helps them dry evenly and prevents one side from becoming too dark.
5. Finish with Air Drying
If the slices are still slightly tacky after baking, let them air dry on a cooling rack for 24 hours. This helps preserve their natural brightness without risking over-baking. A standard wire cooling rack is essential for proper air drying — it lets both sides dry evenly. This affordable 2-pack cooling rack works perfectly, whether you’re drying or baking cookies! Click the highlighted text to shop.
6. Store Properly
Once fully dry, store your slices in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This prevents moisture from dulling their color over time.
If you love dried oranges, you’ll absolutely adore dried cranberries too! There’s something so nostalgic and cozy about the combination of dried oranges and cranberries. Nothing says 'home' or 'old-fashioned Christmas' quite like these two classics. Click the highlighted text to see our post on how to dry cranberries and bring even more warmth and holiday charm into your home.
Creative Uses for Vibrant Dried Oranges
Once you’ve mastered how to dry oranges that stay vibrant in color, the possibilities are endless:
String them into a festive holiday garland.
Add to a natural wreath with pine branches.
Add a rustic touch with gift wrapping.
Place in a bowl as natural potpourri.
Use in simmer pots for a cozy, citrusy aroma.
Learning how to dry oranges is simple, but the real secret is keeping them vibrant in color. By choosing fresh fruit, using lemon juice or honey, and drying them slowly at a low temperature, you’ll have beautiful slices that last for months. These bright, cheerful decorations add a touch of nature to your home and are a wonderful way to celebrate the seasons.
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