Homemade Orange Powder

Step 1

Preparation:

Wash the oranges thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.

Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice the oranges into very thin rounds. Thinner slices will dry faster and more evenly.

It’s crucial to slice the oranges very thinly for faster drying and more efficient processing into powder.

Step 2

Drying Method:

Choose your preferred drying method:

Dehydrator: Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between each slice for air circulation. Set the dehydrator to the appropriate temperature for fruits (typically around 135°F or 57°C) and let them dry for several hours, checking periodically until they are completely dried out.

Oven: Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting (approximately 50°C to 100°C). Place the orange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer without overlapping. Place a wooden spoon or a cloth-wrapped item between the oven door to keep it slightly ajar for moisture to escape. Bake for several hours, checking regularly until the slices are fully dried.

The time and duration of drying will vary depending on the quality and performance of your dehydrator or oven.

Placing a wooden spoon or cloth-wrapped item between the oven door helps to keep it slightly ajar for moisture to escape during the drying process.

Step 3

Grinding Process:

Once the orange slices are completely dry and brittle, transfer them to a food processor or blender.

Pulse the dried orange slices until they form a fine powder. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your food processor or blender.