Citrus Delight: Candied Citrus Peels
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Candied Citrus Peels, a delightful confection crafted from the peels of grapefruits, oranges, or lemons. This recipe transforms what would typically be kitchen scraps into a luxurious sweet treat with a uniquely fruity and bittersweet profile. Each strip is lovingly simmered in a rich syrup until tender and is then coated in granulated sugar for a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a stand-alone dessert or an elegant accompaniment to a robust after-dinner coffee, these candied peels are not only delicious but also a creative way to reduce waste and enjoy the full essence of citrus fruits.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grapefruits or Oranges
2 or 4 (Peeled, with pith attached)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (For syrup and coating)
Water
1 1/2 cups (For boiling and syrup)
Light Corn Syrup
6 tablespoons (For syrup)
Granulated or Superfine Sugar
For coating (As needed)
Instructions
1
Start by scoring the skin of the fruit with a sharp knife, then peel off the skin, ensuring that the pith remains attached.
2
Place the peeled quarters on a cutting board and slice them into uniform strips, measuring between 1/8 to 1/4 inch in width. Aim for about 3 cups of peel strips.
3
Combine the peel strips in a saucepan, cover them with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, allow it to boil for 1 minute, then drain and repeat two more times for a total of three boils to remove bitterness.
4
After the final boil, cover the peels with water again and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and set the peels aside.
5
In the same saucepan, create a syrup by combining the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Bring this mixture to a boil for about 2 minutes, then gently add the prepared peels.
6
Allow the mixture to simmer briskly, stirring occasionally. Monitor closely until the syrup reduces significantly. Decide on the texture you prefer: for tender peels, stop when about 3 tablespoons of syrup remain; for medium-firm, leave a spoonful; and for candy-like crisps, continue until most syrup has evaporated.
7
Arrange the drained peels on a jelly roll pan sprinkled with sugar, straightening them if desired. Scatter more sugar over them and toss occasionally as they cool.
8
Once cool enough to handle, transfer the strips to cake racks to dry completely. The final texture will depend on how long you dry them, with firmer peels lasting indefinitely while softer ones may have a shorter shelf life.
9
Enjoy your luscious candied citrus peels, savored on their own or used as garnish for desserts or beverages!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Candied Citrus Peels?
Candied Citrus Peels are a sweet confection made by simmering citrus skins in a rich syrup until tender and then coating them in granulated sugar.
Which types of citrus fruits can I use for this recipe?
You can use grapefruits, oranges, or lemons to make these candied peels.
Should I remove the white pith from the citrus skins?
No, you should ensure that the pith remains attached to the skin for this recipe.
How do I properly peel the fruit?
Score the skin with a sharp knife and peel it off in quarters.
What is the ideal width for the citrus strips?
The strips should be sliced into uniform widths measuring between 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
How many cups of peel strips does this recipe require?
You should aim for approximately 3 cups of citrus peel strips.
Why do the peels need to be boiled three times at the start?
Boiling the peels three times in fresh water is necessary to remove their natural bitterness.
How long should each of the first three boils last?
Each boil should last for exactly 1 minute before draining the water.
What is the step after the initial three boils?
After the third boil and drain, cover the peels with fresh water again and simmer them for 20 minutes.
How long do the peels simmer before they are added to the syrup?
They simmer in fresh water for 20 minutes after the initial bitterness-removal boils.
What ingredients are used to create the syrup?
The syrup is made from a combination of 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 1/2 cups of water, and 6 tablespoons of light corn syrup.
How long should the syrup boil before adding the peels?
The syrup mixture should be brought to a boil for about 2 minutes before the peels are added.
When is the correct time to add the prepared peels to the saucepan?
Gently add the peels to the saucepan after the sugar, water, and corn syrup mixture has boiled for 2 minutes.
How should the peels be cooked in the syrup?
The peels should simmer briskly in the syrup while being stirred occasionally until the liquid reduces.
How do I make tender candied peels?
To achieve a tender texture, stop the simmering process when about 3 tablespoons of syrup remain in the pan.
What is the technique for making medium-firm peels?
For medium-firm peels, continue simmering the mixture until only one spoonful of syrup remains.
How can I make candy-like crisp peels?
To create a crisp, candy-like texture, continue simmering until most of the syrup has evaporated.
What should I do once the peels have finished simmering in syrup?
Arrange the drained peels on a jelly roll pan that has been sprinkled with sugar.
Is it necessary to straighten the peels?
Straightening the strips on the jelly roll pan is optional but can be done if you desire a specific look.
What type of sugar is best for coating the peels?
You can use either granulated sugar or superfine sugar for the final coating.
How do I prevent the peels from sticking together while they cool?
Scatter more sugar over the peels and toss them occasionally as they cool on the pan.
Where should the peels be placed to dry?
Once cool enough to handle, transfer the strips to cake racks so they can dry completely.
What factors determine the final texture of the peels?
The final texture is determined by how long you allow the peels to dry on the racks.
How long do the candied peels last?
Firmer peels can last indefinitely, whereas softer peels have a shorter shelf life.
Can these peels be used as a garnish?
Yes, they are excellent for use as a garnish for various desserts or beverages.
What is a good beverage pairing for these treats?
These candied peels are an elegant accompaniment to a robust after-dinner coffee.
How does this recipe promote zero-waste cooking?
It uses citrus skins that would typically be thrown away, transforming them into a luxurious treat.
Can I use lemon peels instead of oranges?
Yes, lemons are explicitly mentioned as a suitable citrus fruit for this recipe.
What role does light corn syrup play in the syrup?
Light corn syrup helps create the syrup base and contributes to the final texture of the confection.
Can I eat these peels on their own?
Absolutely, they are delicious when savored as a stand-alone sweet snack or dessert.