Candied Citrus Peel
Candied citrus peel offers a sweet, chewy treat infused with vibrant citrus flavors, perfect for snacking, baking, or garnishing desserts, appealing to citrus lovers and confectionery enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove peel from 3 large oranges or grapefruit.
- Cut peel into long strips, 1/4 inch wide.
- Place peel in a 2-quart saucepan; cover with water and bring to boil over full heat; drain.
- Cover with more cold water and repeat the boiling and draining process 3 more times.
- Cover again with water and cook peel for 15 minutes after water reaches boiling point.
- Drain thoroughly.
- Add 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups water and cook over low heat until syrup almost evaporates, about 45 minutes.
- Watch continuously so that peel doesn't stick and scorch.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar on a breadboard.
- Lift peel out and place on the sugared board.
- Mix until all sides are thickly coated with sugar.
- Dry on a cake rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using a mix of oranges and grapefruit for a more complex taste. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the syrup or try using a sugar substitute. Always keep an eye on the peel while cooking to prevent scorching, and use a non-stick pan if available. This can be a fun project for kids when making edible decorations.
Serving Suggestions
Candied citrus peel makes a delightful addition to holiday gift baskets or can be served as a sweet snack. It pairs beautifully with Mrs. Nolte'S Chilli Chicken as a contrast to savory dishes, or can be chopped and added to desserts like cakes or cookies for a zesty twist. Enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or as a topping for yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store the candied citrus peel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a month. If you want to enjoy it later, layer the peel with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and avoid moisture to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candied Citrus Peel contains roughly 580 calories, with 12g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (291% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or tangerines. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the peel, so adjust accordingly to ensure a tender result.
How can I make candied citrus peel less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the amount of sugar in the syrup. Alternatively, you could also soak the peel in water overnight before cooking to draw out some of the sweetness, or use a sugar substitute if you're looking for a healthier option.
What can I do with leftover syrup?
The leftover syrup can be used in various ways! Consider using it as a sweetener for cocktails, drizzling it over pancakes or waffles, or incorporating it into salad dressings. It can also be refrigerated and used later for other desserts.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).