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Dehydrated Candied Oranges

Enjoy the sweet and fragrant taste of homemade dehydrated candied oranges, perfect as a festive dish, gift, or garnish for various treats.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 9 hours
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 large large oranges, thinly sliced Choose organic or unwaxed if possible.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar Add extra for dusting if desired.
  • 1 cup water Filtered if your tap is hard.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Helps balance sweetness and preserve color.
  • 1 cinnamon stick or 2 star anise (optional) Adds warm spice for a festive twist.
  • 1 pinch sea salt Brightens the flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and slice the oranges into 1/8–1/4 inch rounds.
  2. Blanch slices in boiling water for 1 minute (optional), then plunge into ice water and drain well.
Candying
  1. In a wide skillet or shallow pot, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and spices (if using). Heat gently until sugar dissolves.
  2. Arrange orange slices in a single layer in the syrup. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
  3. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the rinds become translucent and syrup thickens slightly.
  4. Turn off heat and let slices sit in the cooling syrup for 30 minutes to absorb more sweetness.
  5. Transfer slices to a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch drips. Pat lightly if very sticky.
Dehydrating
  1. Dehydrate in a dehydrator at 135–140°F for 4–8 hours until preferred texture is reached (chewy or crisp).
  2. For the oven method, place racks in the lowest setting (around 170–200°F) with the door slightly ajar and check every hour after 3 hours.
Finishing Touches
  1. While still slightly tacky, toss slices in extra sugar for a crystallized finish or dip lower halves in dark chocolate.
  2. Allow cooling completely before stacking in an airtight container.

Notes

For a lighter syrup, reduce sugar to 1 1/2 cups and add 1/4 cup honey. For a healthier option, try oven-dehydrated orange slices without candying.