How To Dry Orange Slices For A Sustainable Christmas

Make plastic-free and zero-waste decorations, with my full, easy guide on how to dry orange slices for use in garlands, wreaths, and other Christmas decorations.

I’m in a full-on natural and plastic-free Christmas decorations kick this year. I’ve already shown you how simple it is to make a popcorn garland, with popcorn and fresh cranberries. Now, for another eco-friendly DIY Christmas craft, let me show you just how easy yet stunningly effective it is to dry orange slices.

The slices can then be used to make garlands, decorations, gift tags, wreaths, and other Christmas trimmings that can, with proper storage, be re-used for years.

It’s such a cheap and eco-friendly way to bring some Christmas cheer to your home. After all, unlike plastic decorations, which often end up in landfill, materials like dried orange slices, popcorn, or greenery are compostable or reusable. This means they help to reduce the mountain of waste associated with the festive season.

And, the best part is they smell so amazing. If someone were to bottle the smell of Christmas, for me, it’s these slices drying in the oven.

Here’s all you need to know to make, use and store them for future festive celebrations:

How To Dry Orange Slices

Here’s everything you need to get your home ready for Christmas sustainably. To make this really cost-effective, and to help reduce food waste (I am all about reducing food waste), look for short-dated oranges reduced in price at your local shop. It’s easiest to find these towards the end of the day.

You Will Need

• Oranges (unbruised ones will give a better finish)

Equipment Required

• A sharp knife or a mandolin slicer
• A clean, dry tea towel
• A metal cooling rack
• A baking tray

Method

• Preheat your oven to 120°C fan / 140°C regular oven / 250°F / Gas Mark 1 or 2
• Slice your oranges into 1 cm thick slices. Use a sharp knife, or a mandolin if you have one. It’s important to cut them as consistently sized as you can so that they cook evenly in the oven. I find the mandolin is the easiest option – just watch your fingers!
• Place each slice on the tea towel, and fold over the fabric so that the slices are covered. Gently pat as much juice out of the slices as possible without damaging them. Repeat this step for each slice.
• Next, lay your oranges out onto the metal cooling rack, that is placed on a baking tray, and pop it in the oven for around 3 hours. The metal cooling rack is essential, as the orange slices would otherwise burn and stick to the baking tray. The use of the cooling rack allows air to circulate and dry out the orange slices without burning.
• Turn your oranges every half an hour to allow them to dry out evenly and to prevent them from sticking to the cooling rack. Opening the oven to turn your orange slice also allows moisture to escape from your oven, aiding the drying process.
• If your orange slices are thin, they will dry out quicker. As well as regularly turning them, keep a watchful eye on them to prevent them from burning.
• Your orange slices are ready when they are dry to the touch (although they may still feel a little bit sticky when they are warm). Do bear in mind, the longer you dry your slices, the longer they will last, so don’t be tempted to take them out of the oven too early.

How To Use Dried Orange Slice Decorations

Orange slices can be used for a whole host of décor ideas. Here are some of my favourites:

Dried Orange Garland

To make a natural orange garland, simply take a knitting needle, a large embroidery needle, or similar. Next, string a length of twine through each orange, being careful not to rip the orange as you string.

You can put them as close together or as far apart as however suits your best. Once finished, simply tie a knot with a loop at each end to make hanging easy.

Baubles

Of course, it’s not just garlands that you can make. Dried orange slices make great eco-friendly alternatives to plastic baubles hanging on your Christmas tree. Simply tie a bit of twine through them and hang them on your tree. They will glisten in the glow of your lights.

Other Clever Ideas

You can use dried orange slices in your Christmas wrapping, in place of a plastic bow. You add them to an indoor Christmas wreath. You can even use the slices in your Christmas place settings.

The only limiting factor is your imagination! If you are struggling, I’ve got lots of ideas on my eco-friendly Christmas Pinterest board to help inspire you.

When Not To Use Dried Orange Slices

The only thing I don’t use the slices for is on outdoor decorations, such as Christmas door wreaths. This is because the oranges tend to rehydrate when exposed to rain. When rehydrated, they don’t last for very long at all – and start to rot quite quickly.

How Long Do Dried Orange Slices Last For?

Dried orange slices, if stored correctly and used indoors only, will last for years. The slices do darken over time, but I like the rustic look this gives.

How To Store Orange Slices For Next Year

With that in mind, to store your orange slices for next Christmas, I find it best to store them in a sealed jar or tub. This helps to prevent moisture from potentially rehydrating your slices whilst they are stored in your loft. Moisture getting in would cause the slices to rot. A sealed jar or tub helps prevent this.

If your loft or similar is particularly damp, you can pop in some dried rice in the tub to help absorb excess moisture, and keep your slices dry.

If your dried oranges do start to rot, they can be fully composted – provided you haven’t put any glitter, paint or similar on them. Just remove any non-compostable hangings you may have added – such as wire before putting it in your food waste or compost bin.

Happy making!

More Sustainable Christmas Inspiration

For more ways to green your Christmas, check out my ultimate guide on how to have an eco-friendly Christmas. I have tons of ideas in there, taken from almost a decade’s worth of writing here on Moral Fibres – all recently updated. From the most eco-friendly Christmas tree to zero-waste decorations you can make, to gift ideas as well as Christmas dinner ideas, it is all there!