Make Candied Orange Peel
Candied orange peel is a great way to make a treat and reduce waste at the same time. If you eat a lot of oranges or make your own orange juice, you can use the peels to make this popular candy recipe. Orange peels are a good source of vitamin C. They act as a digestive aid, reducing nausea and bloating. They also have the potential to lower cholesterol. Candied orange peel is made by boiling the peels in a sugar syrup, then rolling them in granulated sugar and allowing to dry. It is a very straightforward process but does require a bit of drying time, so be sure to plan ahead. Just follow these steps and you can learn how to make candied orange peel.
Steps
- Cut 4 oranges into quarters.
- Slice the peel away from the fruit carefully.
- Cut the peel into 1/4 inch (.6 cm) slices.
- Place the peel strips into a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them.
- Heat the pan on high until the water begins to boil.
- This boiling process allows the peels to soften and become more porous, allowing more sugar to be absorbed.
- Drain the water through a colander and set the peel strips aside.
- Add 3 cups (709 ml) of sugar and 1 cup (236 ml) of water to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to make sure the sugar dissolves fully.
- Return the peel slices to the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Allow the peel strips to simmer on low for 30 to 45 minutes or until the peel strips are soft and slightly translucent.
- Remove the peel strips from the pan and roll them in sugar.
- Place the sugared orange peel strips onto a wire rack.
- Allow them to dry for 4 hours to overnight.
- Store your homemade candied orange peel for up to 2 weeks in an air-tight container, lined with sugar for best results.
Tips
- You can dip your homemade candied orange peel in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate for a more decadent treat. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in-between intervals, until the chocolate is smooth. Dip the orange peels into the melted chocolate about 2/3 deep and allow to dry on waxed paper. Vanilla flavored almond bark works nicely as well.
- When removing the peel from the orange, you can decide how much of the white pith to leave on; it really depends on your preference. More of the white part might make the candy a little more bitter. If this is the first time you are making a candied orange peel recipe, you might start by leaving more of it on the peel. You can always remove more the next time if it does not turn out as desired.
- Honey or sugar substitutes do not work well for this recipe in the cooking stages. But you may choose to roll the cooked peels in a granulated sugar substitute for a reduced sugar alternative.
- It is not necessary to use organic oranges when making this candy, but if you are concerned about pesticides and chemical fertilizers in your food, you may be more comfortable with organics. This recipe also works with other citrus fruit peels, such as lemons, limes, tangerines and clementines.
Things You'll Need
- 4 oranges
- Large saucepan
- Cold water
- 3 cups (709 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (236 ml) water
- Sugar for coating
- Wire rack
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