Candied Lemon Orange or Grapefruit Peel
Transform your favorite citrus fruits into irresistible, sweet treats with this recipe for Candied Lemon, Orange, or Grapefruit Peel. Perfectly balancing zesty and sugary flavors, these homemade confections are crafted by simmering thin strips of citrus peel in a simple syrup until they become delightfully translucent. The blanching process ensures a mellow, less-bitter taste, while the option to roll the cooled peels in granulated sugar adds an extra layer of sparkle and sweetness. These candied peels are as versatile as they are delicious—ideal for snacking, garnishing baked goods, or elevating your cocktail game. With just three simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this recipe makes it possible to turn kitchen scraps into gourmet treats that can be stored for weeks.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Citrus fruit peel (lemon, orange, or grapefruit)
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 0.5 cup Additional granulated sugar for coating (optional)
Instructions
Wash the citrus fruits thoroughly to remove any wax or residue from the peel.
Using a knife or vegetable peeler, carefully remove the outer peel of the citrus fruits, avoiding as much of the white pith as possible. If the white pith is thick, scrape it off gently using a knife.
Cut the peels into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide.
Place the peel strips in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Drain the water and repeat this process two more times to reduce the bitterness of the peels.
In the same saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a simple syrup.
Add the blanched citrus peel strips to the syrup and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the peels gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the peels from the syrup and lay them out on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Let them cool completely for 1-2 hours.
Optional: Roll the cooled peels in additional granulated sugar to coat them evenly. This step adds an extra layer of sweetness and prevents sticking.
Store the candied peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or use them immediately as a garnish or snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2237 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.0 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 47 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 598.3 g | 218% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 48.0 g | 171% | |
| Total Sugars | 534.3 g | ||
| Protein | 8.0 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 654 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1040 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
