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Natural decor is an integral part of the New Year and Christmas holidays, as it creates a special coziness, warmth and aroma in the house. And citrus fruits play an important role in this. Therefore, as the New Year approaches, many housewives are thinking about how to dry an orange for decoration. To make the fruit look fresh and original, you need to know the features of the process, which you should familiarize yourself with in advance.
Oranges retain their beautiful color and pleasant aroma only if they are dried properly.
Preparing oranges for drying
To make dried oranges for decoration with your own hands, you need to first prepare the fruit. To do this, you need to wash them and wipe them with a clean towel.
Further actions:
- Cut the citruses into rings 0.5-0.7 cm thick.
- Remove the seeds.
- Prepare an acidic solution in an enamel container at the rate of juice of one lemon per 1 liter of water.
- Soak the rings in it until the liquid completely covers them.
- Leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Place citrus fruits on a paper towel.
- Blot off any remaining moisture with a napkin without disturbing the structure of the pulp.
- Dry slightly.
How to beautifully dry orange slices for decoration
There are different ways to properly dry an orange for decoration. At home, for this you need to use an oven, a frying pan, a dryer, a battery, and under favorable weather conditions, carry out the procedure in the air. However, to ensure that the final result does not disappoint expectations, it is necessary to know the specifics of the processing in each specific case.
How to dry oranges for decoration in the oven
There are two different ways to dry oranges in the oven for decoration. In the first case, you need to place the prepared fruits on a baking sheet lined with parchment so that they do not come into contact with each other. Then place in an oven preheated to 150°C and use the convection mode for increased air circulation inside.
With this drying mode, citrus fruits must be kept for 15 minutes, and then turned over and left for the same time. After this, lower the temperature to 70 °C and wait an hour. Dried oranges for decoration in the oven when using this method are obtained in 90 minutes. But in this case, their shade will be much darker, since the fruits intensively lose moisture during processing.
In the second case, it is recommended to lay out the slices on a wire rack. The oven temperature should be set at 70°C. The rings need to be turned over periodically. Leave the decor in this drying mode overnight. In the morning, take it out and let it cool.
After the oven, citrus rings need to be dried for two days at room temperature
Dried oranges for decoration in a frying pan
This method involves regular stirring and turning of the slices. To dry, place the rings in a single layer on a dry frying pan lined with parchment. Then put on low heat and constantly monitor the process until the decor is ready.
The duration of drying in a frying pan takes from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cut rings. A frying pan is not the best way to prepare decorations, as using it increases the likelihood of burning.
It is recommended to store prepared orange slices for decoration in an airtight glass container.
How to dry oranges in the microwave
You can quickly dry an orange for decoration in the microwave. In this case, you must use a fireproof flat plate covered with parchment. Place the prepared oranges on it and put it in the microwave.
The duration of drying of the decor directly depends on its volume. This is the difference between the effects of ultra-high-frequency waves and the heat emanating from the oven. Therefore, it is impossible to say exactly how long it will take. Initially, you need to set the microwave operating mode for three minutes at a power of 200 W. Subsequently, it is recommended to inspect the decor every 30 seconds until the moisture has completely evaporated from it.
Turn the fruit as needed. Do not dry them in the microwave until they are fully cooked, as they may catch fire. It is recommended to dry them and then further dry them at room temperature.
Drying in the microwave gives a small yield of decor at one time
How to air dry orange slices for decoration
You can dry oranges for decoration not only in the oven, but also in the fresh air.To do this, you need to lay them out on a flat surface covered with parchment in one layer. It is recommended to keep raw materials in a shaded, well-ventilated place.
The decor should be turned over daily so that moisture evaporates evenly. Dry it at a temperature of +18-25 °C and low humidity for several days. Readiness can be determined by the fragility of the product when pressed. When using this method, it will not be possible to achieve perfectly even rings.
The rings must be periodically leveled as the moisture evaporates in the air.
How to dry oranges for decoration in a dryer
You can also make decorations in an electric dryer. To do this, you need to place the prepared rings on pallets in one layer and turn on the device. Drying time is 24-48 hours. Periodically, the raw materials need to be turned over. This method makes it possible to immediately obtain a sufficient amount of decor without much difficulty.
When using an electric dryer, citrus rings have a bright shade and a presentable appearance.
How to dry oranges for decoration on a radiator
You can quickly dry orange slices for decoration on a radiator during the cold season. To do this, prepare the cardboard and make several holes in it for air exchange. Place the rings evenly on it in one layer. Then cover the top with another piece of cardboard and tie tightly with twine or thread. Place the structure in the battery or place it on it. It will be possible to dry citrus fruits in this form within 5-7 days.
The rate of moisture evaporation from fruit directly depends on the heating temperature of the battery
How to dry whole
You can dry the fruit whole. To do this, first make cuts on the peel at equal distances. But at the same time, the fruit must be whole at the top and bottom so that it does not subsequently fall apart into slices.
It is recommended to dry whole fruits for decoration using a radiator. The cuts need to be renewed periodically to speed up the evaporation of moisture, and the fruit must also be turned over regularly. The drying time depends on the size of the fruit. You can determine the readiness of the decor by its light weight.
It is recommended to store the finished decor in a dry, dark place, and to achieve a low level of humidity next to dried citruses, keep an open container with salt.
How to choose oranges
Medium and large fruits of moderate ripeness are suitable for decoration. If they are unripe, then after drying they will become faded, and if they are overripe, they will darken. When choosing a size, you must take into account the purpose of their further use: to decorate a Christmas tree, larger paintings, panels, smaller postcards.
The best option for drying are fruits with thin peels weighing from 100 to 150 g. In this case, citrus fruits should have a smooth surface without signs of dents, freezing, or spoilage. Because only high-quality fruits, after drying, are able to exude a pleasant citrus aroma that will fill the house with a festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
Anyone can dry an orange for decoration at home. To do this, you just need to choose the right fruits, prepare them and process them. As a result, you can get excellent decorations to create a festive atmosphere. And everyone decides for themselves which drying method to choose, but in the absence of experience, it is necessary to give preference to safe options.
