Candied Orange Peel
Why Make This Recipe
Candied orange peel is a delightful treat that adds a burst of citrus flavor to desserts and snacks. It’s easy to make and offers a unique take on the often-discarded orange peel. Making your own candied orange peel allows you to control the sweetness and quality of the ingredients, which makes it a fun project for home cooks. Whether you want to use it in baking or simply enjoy it as a snack, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover oranges.
How to Make Candied Orange Peel
Ingredients:
- 4 large oranges
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar for coating
Directions:
- Peel the oranges and slice the peels into thin strips.
- Boil the orange peels in water three times to help remove the bitterness. Each time, drain the water and replace it with fresh water for boiling.
- After the final boil, combine the 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water in a pot. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
- Add the boiled peels to the sugar syrup and let them simmer for about 45 minutes. The peels should become tender and translucent.
- Once done, remove the peels from the syrup and allow them to cool slightly.
- Coat the peels with the ½ cup of sugar until they are fully covered.
- Place the coated peels on a wire rack to dry overnight.
How to Serve Candied Orange Peel
Candied orange peel can be served in various ways. You can enjoy it as a sweet snack on its own, use it as a topping for desserts like cakes and cupcakes, or chop it up and add it to granola or trail mix. It also makes a lovely garnish for cocktails or tea.
How to Store Candied Orange Peel
To store your candied orange peel, keep it in an airtight container. It can last for several weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, which will help retain its freshness.
Tips to Make Candied Orange Peel
- Use organic oranges to avoid pesticides on the peel.
- If you want a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the syrup or skip the coating step.
- Be patient while simmering; this process is key to achieving the right texture.
Variation
You can try using other citrus fruits like lemons or grapefruits to create a variety of candied peels. The process remains largely the same.
FAQs
Q: Can I make candied orange peel with store-bought orange peels?
A: It’s best to use fresh oranges, as store-bought peels may contain preservatives and chemicals.
Q: How can I use candied orange peel in baking?
A: Chop it up and add it to cookies, cakes, or muffins for a zesty flavor.
Q: Can I freeze candied orange peel?
A: Yes, you can freeze candied orange peel in an airtight container for up to six months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Candied Orange Peel
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large large oranges Use organic oranges for best results.
- 2 cups sugar Used for the syrup.
- 1 cup water Used for the syrup.
- ½ cup sugar For coating the peels.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel the oranges and slice the peels into thin strips.
- Boil the orange peels in water three times to help remove the bitterness. Each time, drain the water and replace it with fresh water for boiling.
Cooking
- After the final boil, combine the 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water in a pot. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
- Add the boiled peels to the sugar syrup and let them simmer for about 45 minutes. The peels should become tender and translucent.
- Once done, remove the peels from the syrup and allow them to cool slightly.
- Coat the peels with the ½ cup of sugar until they are fully covered.
- Place the coated peels on a wire rack to dry overnight.
