Candied citrus peel transforms discarded fruit skins into delightful treats. This simple process involves blanching citrus peels and simmering them in sugar syrup. The result is a sweet, zesty confection that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a flavorful garnish.
Oranges are commonly used for candied peel, but lemons, limes, and grapefruits work equally well. The technique requires just a few basic ingredients and steps. Cooks can create these sparkling sugary morsels in less than an hour, making them an accessible homemade candy option.
Candied citrus peel offers a versatile addition to desserts and baked goods. It can elevate cakes, cookies, and chocolates with its bright flavor and crystalline appearance. This traditional confection also makes for an appealing edible gift during holiday seasons.
The Basics of Citrus Peel Candies
Citrus peel candies are sweet treats made from the outer rinds of citrus fruits. These confections transform discarded peels into delightful, flavorful morsels enjoyed on their own or as ingredients in baking.
Defining Citrus Peel Candy
Citrus peel candy, also known as candied citrus peel, is created by simmering citrus rinds in sugar syrup. Common varieties include candied orange peel, lemon peel, and grapefruit peel. The process involves removing the bitter white pith, cutting the peel into strips, and cooking it in sugar water.
The result is a chewy, sweet confection with a concentrated citrus flavor. Candied peels can be enjoyed plain, coated in sugar, or dipped in chocolate. They’re often used in holiday baking, adding zest to fruitcakes, cookies, and other desserts.
History and Cultural Significance
Candied citrus peels have a rich history dating back centuries. Ancient civilizations preserved citrus fruits by candying them, extending their shelf life and creating a luxury item. In medieval Europe, candied peels became popular treats and medicinal remedies.
Today, candied citrus peels remain significant in various cultures. They’re traditional additions to Italian panettone and German stollen during Christmas. In the Middle East, candied citrus peels are often served with tea or coffee.
The art of making candied peels has been passed down through generations. It represents resourcefulness by transforming food scraps into delicacies. Home cooks and professional chefs alike continue to value these sweet, aromatic confections for their versatility in cooking and baking.
Selecting the Right Citrus Fruits
Choosing high-quality citrus fruits is essential for making delicious candied peels. The best options have thick, aromatic rinds free of blemishes or damage.
Lemons
Lemons are a popular choice for candied citrus peels due to their bright flavor and thick rinds. Meyer lemons are not ideal, as their thin skins tear easily during the candying process. Instead, opt for Eureka or Lisbon lemons.
These varieties have thicker peels that hold up well to cooking. Look for lemons with smooth, firm skins and a vibrant yellow color. Avoid fruits with soft spots or greenish tints, as these indicate unripe lemons.
Organic lemons are preferable, as their peels are free from pesticides and waxes. This results in a cleaner, more natural flavor in the finished candy.
Oranges
Navel oranges are excellent for candied peels due to their thick, flavorful rinds. Their natural sweetness complements the sugar syrup used in the candying process.
When selecting oranges, choose fruits that feel heavy for their size. This indicates juiciness and a good peel-to-flesh ratio. The skin should be bright orange and free from blemishes or soft spots.
Valencia oranges are another good option, especially when navel oranges are out of season. Their thinner peels still produce tasty candied treats, though they may require more careful handling during preparation.
Limes
Persian limes, the most common variety found in grocery stores, work well for candied peels. Their thick rinds hold up to the candying process and provide a zesty flavor.
Select limes that are firm and heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth and bright green, without any brown spots or yellowing.
Key limes, while flavorful, have very thin skins that are challenging to candy. It’s best to stick with Persian limes for more consistent results.
Grapefruits
Grapefruits offer a unique flavor profile for candied peels, ranging from sweet to slightly bitter. Ruby Red and Pink varieties are popular choices due to their sweeter taste.
Choose grapefruits that feel heavy and have smooth, unblemished skin. The peel should be firm and springy when gently pressed.
Grapefruit peels tend to be thicker than other citrus fruits, which can be an advantage in the candying process. However, they may require longer cooking times to fully soften and absorb the sugar syrup.
Preparation Techniques
Proper preparation is crucial for creating delicious citrus peel candy. The key steps involve cleaning, peeling, and cutting the citrus peels with precision.
Cleaning and Peeling
Start by thoroughly washing the citrus fruits under cool running water. Scrub gently with a soft brush to remove any dirt or wax. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Use a sharp paring knife to carefully remove the peel from the fruit. Cut off the top and bottom of the citrus, then score the peel vertically from top to bottom.
Gently separate the peel from the fruit, working your fingers between the pith and flesh. Remove the peel in large sections to make cutting easier.
Removing White Pith
The white pith beneath the colorful outer peel is bitter and should be removed. Use a spoon or paring knife to scrape away as much pith as possible.
For stubborn pith, blanch the peels in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then shock in ice water. This softens the pith, making it easier to scrape off.
Repeat the blanching process 2-3 times if needed. Thoroughly dry the peels before proceeding to the next step.
Creating the Perfect Cut
Cut the cleaned peels into uniform strips or shapes. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch wide and 2-3 inches long for even cooking.
Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board. Consistent sizes ensure even candying and a more attractive final product.
For variety, try different shapes like diamonds or small circles. Experiment with lemon, lime, and orange peels for a colorful mix.
Store cut peels in water if not using immediately to prevent drying out. They’re now ready for the candying process.
The Candying Process
Transforming citrus peels into sweet treats involves a series of simple steps. The process removes bitterness and infuses the peels with sugar, resulting in a delightful confection.
Making Simple Syrup
To begin, prepare a simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This syrup forms the base for candying the citrus peels.
For a standard batch, use:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Bring the syrup to a gentle simmer, ensuring all sugar crystals have dissolved before proceeding.
Boiling the Peel
Before candying, the citrus peels need preparation. Cut the peels into strips about 1/4-inch wide. Blanch them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then drain. Repeat this process 2-3 times to remove bitterness.
After blanching, add the peels to the simmering simple syrup. Cook them for 45-60 minutes, or until the peels become translucent. The syrup will gradually thicken as it coats the peels.
Drying and Coating
Once the peels are tender and translucent, remove them from the syrup using a slotted spoon. Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch drips. Allow the peels to cool and dry slightly for about 15-20 minutes.
For extra sweetness, roll the cooled peels in granulated sugar. This step creates a crystallized exterior and enhances their flavor. Store the candied peels in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Storage and Preservation
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of citrus peel candy. Careful preservation techniques can keep these sweet treats fresh and flavorful for weeks or even months.
Airtight Containers
Store citrus peel candy in airtight containers to protect it from moisture and air exposure. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work well, as do plastic containers with secure seals. Ensure the container is completely dry before adding the candy to prevent mold growth.
Place a sheet of wax paper or parchment between layers of candy to prevent sticking. For extra protection against humidity, add a small packet of silica gel or a few grains of uncooked rice to absorb excess moisture.
Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is ideal. Avoid storing near heat sources or in areas with temperature fluctuations.
Shelf Life Considerations
When stored properly, homemade citrus peel candy can last 1-2 months at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life to 3-6 months. For even longer storage, consider freezing the candy for up to a year.
Factors affecting shelf life include sugar content, drying time, and storage conditions. Fully dried peels last longer than those with residual moisture. Higher sugar content acts as a preservative, increasing longevity.
Check the candy periodically for signs of spoilage such as mold, off-odors, or texture changes. Discard any pieces that show these signs. To maintain freshness, only remove the amount needed and promptly reseal the container.
Nutritional Information
Citrus peel candy offers a mix of nutrients and sugars. While high in carbohydrates, it also provides some beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Calories and Carbohydrates
Candied citrus peel is calorie-dense due to its sugar content. A typical serving of 1/2 ounce (about 14 grams) contains approximately 48-50 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates in a 1/2 ounce serving:
- Total: 13g
- Sugars: 12g
- Dietary fiber: 0-1g
Protein and fat content are negligible, usually less than 1 gram per serving. The high sugar content makes citrus peel candy a concentrated source of energy.
Vitamins and Minerals Content
Citrus peels retain some of their nutritional value even after candying. They are particularly rich in vitamin C, with orange peel providing up to 35-38% of the daily value per serving.
Key nutrients in candied citrus peel:
- Vitamin C: 17-35mg
- Calcium: 3-41mg
- Iron: 0-1mg
- Potassium: Varies by citrus type
The candying process may reduce some nutrient content compared to fresh peels. However, citrus peel candy still offers small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a slightly more nutritious option than many other sweets.
Creative Uses in Cooking and Baking
Citrus peel candy offers versatile applications in the culinary world, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes with its vibrant flavor and aroma. From dessert toppings to baked goods and gourmet confections, this zesty treat adds a unique twist to various recipes.
Toppings for Desserts
Citrus peel candy makes an excellent topping for ice cream and other frozen treats. Its sweet, tangy flavor complements creamy textures perfectly. Sprinkle chopped candied peels over vanilla ice cream for a refreshing twist.
For a more indulgent option, dip the candied peels in tempered dark chocolate. This creates a sophisticated garnish for cakes, tarts, and mousses. The combination of citrus and chocolate offers a delightful contrast in flavors.
Candied citrus peels can also be used to decorate cupcakes, providing both visual appeal and a burst of flavor. Their vibrant colors make them an attractive choice for special occasion desserts.
Incorporating into Baked Goods
Bakers can fold chopped citrus peel candy into cookie dough for a zesty surprise. This works particularly well in shortbread or sugar cookie recipes. The candied peels add texture and bursts of citrus flavor throughout the baked goods.
For a twist on traditional florentines, incorporate finely chopped candied citrus peels into the mixture. This adds a delightful aromatic quality to these thin, crispy cookies. The citrus complements the nuts and chocolate typically used in florentines.
Muffins and quick breads also benefit from the addition of candied citrus peels. Mix them into the batter for lemon poppy seed muffins or orange cranberry bread to intensify the citrus notes.
Gourmet Confections
Candied citrus peels can be used to create sophisticated, gourmet confections. Dip them in tempered chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for an elegant after-dinner treat. The combination of sweet, tart, and salty flavors creates a complex taste experience.
For a unique take on sour patch kids, coat citrus peel candy in a sour sugar mixture. This homemade version offers a more natural alternative to store-bought sour candies. The contrast between the sweet candy and sour coating is irresistible.
Citrus peel candy can also be chopped and mixed into homemade chocolate bars. Spread tempered chocolate on a baking sheet, sprinkle with the candied peels, and allow to set for a custom chocolate creation.
Homemade Candied Citrus Peel Recipe
This recipe yields delicious candied citrus peels using a simple three-step process: preparing, blanching, and simmering in syrup. It works for various citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 citrus fruits
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
Wash the citrus fruits thoroughly. Cut the peel into strips, removing as much of the white pith as possible.
Place the peels in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then drain. Repeat this process two more times to remove bitterness.
In a clean saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until sugar dissolves, then add the blanched peels.
Simmer the peels in the syrup for about 45 minutes, or until they become translucent.
Remove the peels with a slotted spoon and let them cool on a wire rack.
Once cooled, toss the peels in additional sugar for a crystallized effect, if desired.
This recipe typically serves 6-8 people. Store the candied peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
The candied citrus peels can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat or used as a garnish for desserts. They also make excellent homemade gifts when packaged attractively.