OpenTube

The Trick to Bright, Golden Dried Oranges — No Dehydrator Needed!

Our Upcycled Life

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If you’ve ever tried drying oranges for Christmas décor and ended up with dull or brown slices — this is the video you need! 🍊
I spent hours testing every method out there to finally find the trick for bright, glowing, dried orange slices that look like stained glass. No dehydrator, no guessing — just a few simple steps for perfect results.
You’ll learn:
✔️ How to prep oranges to keep their color
✔️ The secret soak that prevents browning
✔️ Oven settings and air circulation tips
✔️ How to finish them so they last all season

These are perfect for garlands, wreaths, tree ornaments, or gift toppers — and they smell amazing!

🎥 Watch until the end for my finishing tip that makes them shine.

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20 Comments

@OurUpcycledLife Creator 8 months ago Pinned

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@thisandthatat70 10 months ago (edited)

When I was little we did not get oranges very frequently but at Christmas time It was like a Christmas treat. We would get an orange at the end of our Halloween parade too and a 50-cent piece. So when I smell oranges it takes me to Christmas. So I love having that around my house through the holidays. I'm turning 70 years old tomorrow😊

@Bettinasisrg 10 months ago

Wonderful! And a tip, instead of using paper towels for crafts use old towels or cut up cotton sheets or t-shirts! They're more absorbent and you can reuse them again and again! Thank you!!!

@jeanmm2996 10 months ago

A few years ago, I dried oranges, and thin slices of pears. The pears turned papery brown and curly, which I loved! I tied the orange and pear slices to a piece of cinnamon stick and used them to garnish gifts. I threaded some cranberries for it, too.

@annasamazingdesigns 10 months ago

My mom received an orange and some pecans in the shell in her stocking for Christmas due to the Great Depression. I carried that tradition on with my son. I would have him crack the pecans and I would zest the orange and then make orange pecan waffles for breakfast. He doesn't remember any of it. I'm turning 71 in december. 😊

@lauraclaudia8159 10 months ago

I would not add polycrylic sealer, it is syntethic and for me the purpose of the dried oranges, beside the decorative one, is to have natural decorations.

@jen.8475 10 months ago

For some reason, the brown orange slices never bothered me😂

@judym7153 10 months ago

I have been seeing dried oranges in so mucb of the decor online and was just looking for a tutorial last weekend, so I was delighted to find one from the best DIY teacher on Youtube! Thank you, Dierdre!

@uskok4636 1 day ago

I actually love when they go broen

@karenwilliams2522 13 hours ago

This is the best details I have seen! I am going to try and practice today. !!!!

@michelleharris4014 10 months ago

I just attempted to dry orange slices to make simmer pot gifts for some dear friends. Half of them turned an ugly brown. It seems the only thing I did right was slicing them! I followed other YouTube tutorials and they recommended a 200 degree oven, did not suggest blotting them dry or soaking them in the salt lemon juice water, or propping the oven open. I’m going to try your method next and feel confident that I’ll have better success. Thank you!

@FoxinSmocks 9 months ago

Would be fun to alternate orange and brown slices on a garland. I saw a blog that threaded them with cinnamon stars made of applesauce and cinnamon and it was very cute.

@jetfueled2563 10 months ago

powdered vitamin C prevents browning;
salt can be sprinkled right on the orange slices;
cloth towels absorb better than paper & are re-usable

@LisaRB-q4e 9 months ago

For a more natural, food-safe option, I wonder if dipping the dried slices in melted beeswax would keep them for years to come ✨️❄️🍊🐝

@MyFocusVaries 10 months ago

For those with radiator heating, putting the oranges on a tray on the radiator is another option. Overheating is a big cause of browning. If your oven doesn't have a low temperature setting, this is an option.

@Jennlovesstitching 9 months ago

One tip I do is I keep mine in the freezer in a plastic container, this is my 3rd Christmas for them and they look great !

@crimenently 10 months ago

I would use kitchen towels as opposed to paper towels to avoid waste

@ashleepratt3118 9 months ago

I’ve watched a lot of videos in preparation of making my first batch. Your video was by far the most informative. Thank you!

@sheilamcintosh5835 10 months ago

Thank you for this method. This worked for me! First time they have stayed really orange. I’ve tried before to make these and they always went brown. I thought it was because my oven won’t go very low but I propped the door open and it worked. The lemon and salt works.

@Loretta_C 10 months ago

I love this. I just followed all your steps and just set my timer for my over for the first hour. This is a great craft for kids to teach them patience and that good things take time.