Candied Grapefruit Peels
Sweet and tangy candied grapefruit peels with a glossy finish, perfect for snacking or garnishing desserts, offering a burst of citrus flavor and chewy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Score grapefruit into quarters and remove peel.
- Place peels in a large pan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Remove peel and allow to cool.
- Scrape as much of the pith as possible with a spoon.
- Cut cleaned peel into 1/4-inch wide strips.
- Combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup in a 2-quart pan and bring to a boil.
- Add peels to the sugar syrup.
- Reduce heat and cook slowly until peels are translucent, about 1 hour.
- Set a cake rack over a baking sheet and remove peels, a few at a time, to the rack.
- Spread out the peels and let excess syrup drip off for about 1 minute.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider using organic grapefruit as they tend to have a richer zest. If you find the peels too bitter, you can soak them in sugar water overnight before cooking. Additionally, granulated sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile. This method is similar to making Red Hot Apples, where the sweet and tart balance is essential.
Serving Suggestions
Candied grapefruit peels make a delightful snack on their own or can be used as a garnish for cocktails, desserts, or even salads. Pair them with a cheese platter for a sweet and savory contrast, or chop them into smaller pieces to add to baked goods. They also work well with Fern'S Apple Butter as a topping.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the candied grapefruit peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, which can extend their freshness for about a month. Avoid freezing, as it may alter their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candied Grapefruit Peels contains roughly 352 calories, with 3g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g 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 oranges, lemons, or even limes for a similar candied peel effect. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the peels.
How do I know when the peels are done cooking?
The peels are done when they become translucent and slightly sticky to the touch. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and preservation of the peels. A reduction of up to 25% can work, but for best results, maintain the original balance.
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).