Turning Citrus Peels into Candied Treats: A Sweet and Simple Guide
Have you ever enjoyed a fresh orange or lemon and wondered what to do with the leftover peels? Instead of throwing them away, why not transform them into delicious, candied treats? This eco-friendly and tasty approach gives your citrus peels a second life, turning them into a delightful snack or a fancy addition to your desserts. Here’s how you can easily make candied citrus peels with just a few simple ingredients and steps.
What You Need:
- Citrus peels (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits – whatever you have!)
- Sugar
- Water
- Optional: Chocolate for dipping, spices like cinnamon or cloves for extra flavor.
Step 1: Prepare Your Peels
First, choose your citrus fruits. Any type will do, but oranges and lemons are popular choices. Wash the fruits thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides. Then, peel the fruit. You can use a peeler or a knife, but try to get strips of peel without too much of the white pith attached, as it can be bitter.
Once you have your peels, cut them into strips if they aren’t already. If you find the pith too thick, gently scrape some of it off with a knife. But remember, a little pith is okay and will add to the texture of your candied peels.
Step 2: Blanch the Peels
Blanching your citrus peels helps remove bitterness and prepares them for candying. Simply put the peels in a pot, cover them with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, drain the water and repeat this process two more times. This might seem like a bit of work, but it’s a crucial step for getting the best flavor out of your peels.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
Now, it’s time to sweeten those peels up. In the same pot, mix equal parts of sugar and water (1 cup each is a good starting point) and stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Then, add your blanched peels to the pot. Let the mixture simmer gently, turning the peels occasionally, until they become translucent. This usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 4: Dry the Peels
After your peels have become translucent and infused with the syrup, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a wire rack over a sheet pan to catch drips. Make sure to separate them so they don’t stick together. Let them dry, which can take a few hours to overnight, depending on the humidity and temperature. If you want them to be extra sugary, roll the semi-dry peels in granulated sugar.
Step 5: Enjoy or Enhance
Once dry, your candied citrus peels are ready to be enjoyed as they are or used to decorate desserts like cakes and pastries. For an extra indulgent treat, you can melt some chocolate and dip the candied peels halfway into it, then let them dry on parchment paper.
Not only do these candied peels taste great, but they’re also a wonderful way to reduce food waste. By using parts of the fruit that are often discarded, you get to enjoy every bit of flavor and goodness your citrus fruits have to offer.
Extra Tips:
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, or cloves to your syrup to infuse your peels with additional flavors.
- Storage: Candied peels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few weeks, making them a delightful treat to have on hand.
Turning citrus peels into candied treats is a simple, satisfying project that is friendly to both your taste buds and the planet. Whether you’re looking for a unique kitchen project, a homemade gift idea, or just a way to cut down on food waste, candied citrus peels are a delightful solution. So, the next time you find yourself with some extra peels, give this method a try – you might just discover your new favorite treat.
Conclusion:
Candied citrus peels are a testament to the old adage, “Waste not, want not.” With just a little effort, ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and some creativity, you can turn what would be trash into a treasured treat. Happy candying!
