Magical Candied Citrus Delight Recipe: Zesty Joy in Every Bite

Candied citrus delight sparkles with vibrant, sweet-tangy magic that captures culinary imagination.

Delicate peels become glossy, crystalline jewels through a careful refineation process.

Sugary coating brings out incredible depth and complexity in these zesty treats.

Professional pastry chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the elegant simplicity of this technique.

Bright, sunshine-infused flavors dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Remarkable texture contrasts between tender fruit and crunchy sugar create an irresistible sensory experience.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to anyone seeking a sophisticated dessert.

You can fall in love with these glimmering, intensely flavored morsels that promise pure gastronomic pleasure.

Steps for Making Candied Citrus

Step 1: Cleanse Oranges

Grab fresh oranges and thoroughly wash them under cool running water. Use a soft vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface, removing any dirt or wax residue. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Skillful Peeling

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Position the orange on the cutting board. Slice off the top and bottom to create flat surfaces. Carefully score the peel into four equal vertical sections, running from top to bottom. Gently remove each peel section. Slice the peels into delicate 1/4-inch strips with smooth, consistent movements.

Step 3: Eliminate Bitter Edges

Place orange peel strips into a medium saucepan. Cover completely with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Drain the water using a colander. Repeat the boiling process a second time to remove any lingering bitter flavors.

Step 4: Sweet Sugar Bath

• Orange peel strips
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla bean (optional)

Combine the boiled strips back into the saucepan. Add water, sugar, and vanilla bean if using. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes. Watch as the peels become translucent and the syrup reduces.

Step 5: Drying Magic

Remove the pan from heat. Let the candied peels rest in the syrup for 5 minutes. Using tongs, carefully transfer strips to a wire rack positioned over parchment paper. Allow to dry naturally for 8-24 hours in a cool, dry location.

Step 6: Final Transformation

• Granulated sugar
• Melted chocolate (optional)

Gently roll each dried citrus strip in granulated sugar, ensuring complete coverage. For extra indulgence, dip some strips in melted chocolate. Place on parchment paper and let set until firm and glossy.

Pro Tips for Candied Citrus

• Minimize Bitterness: Double-boiling the orange peels helps remove harsh, sharp flavors, ensuring a smoother, more pleasant taste in your final candied treat.
• Perfect Syrup Consistency: Watch the syrup carefully during simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve a thick, glossy coating on the peels.
• Optimal Drying Technique: Allow peels to dry completely on the rack for at least 8 hours, creating a crisp exterior and chewy interior that enhances the candied texture.
• Sugar Coating Trick: Roll peels in granulated sugar while slightly warm to help the sugar adhere more effectively, creating a sparkling, sweet outer layer.
• Chocolate Enhancement: When dipping in chocolate, ensure it's melted to a smooth consistency and let excess drip off for a professional-looking finish that adds rich depth to the citrus treat.

Storage and Reheating of Candied Citrus

• Refrigerate: Place candied citrus peels in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in a cool, dry spot.
• Freeze: Carefully layer peels between wax paper inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months to preserve their delicate texture and sweet flavor.
• Reheat: Gently warm chocolate-dipped peels at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their original crisp and glossy appearance.

What to Pair with Candied Citrus

• Craft a Chocolate Symphony: Pair these candied orange peels with a rich, dark chocolate truffle that complements the citrusy sweetness and creates a luxurious flavor explosion.
• Sip and Savor Espresso Delight: Match the candied peels with a shot of robust espresso or a creamy cappuccino, allowing the bitter coffee notes to dance perfectly with the sweet, zesty orange strips.
• Create a Cocktail Companion: Crush these candied peels into a classic Old Fashioned or garnish a refreshing gin and tonic, adding a vibrant citrus twist that elevates the entire drinking experience.
• Cheese Board Elegance: Arrange the candied orange peels alongside a selection of aged gouda, creamy brie, and tangy blue cheese, creating a sophisticated sweet-and-savory appetizer that will impress any gathering.

Recipe Twists for Candied Citrus

• Zesty Lemon Candied Strips: Replace oranges with lemons, maintaining the same preparation method. The result offers a sharper, more tangy flavor profile perfect for citrus lovers.
• Ginger-Infused Citrus Treats: Add fresh grated ginger to the sugar syrup during simmering for a warm, spicy undertone. This variation brings an extra layer of complexity to the traditional candied peel.
• Chocolate-Chili Citrus Bark: Mix ground chili powder into melted dark chocolate before dipping the candied peels. This version creates a bold, unexpected combination of sweet, bitter, and spicy notes that will excite adventurous palates.
• Herbal Lavender Citrus Candies: Steep dried lavender flowers in the sugar syrup during the simmering process. The delicate floral essence will complement the bright citrus flavor, creating an elegant and sophisticated treat.

Candied Citrus FAQs

• Why do I need to boil the orange peels twice?

Boiling the peels twice helps remove the bitter taste and softens the peel, making it more pleasant to eat. This process ensures a sweeter, more delicate candied citrus treat.

• How long can I store these candied orange peels?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your candied orange peels will stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month.

• Can I use different citrus fruits for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use lemons, grapefruits, or tangerines instead of oranges. Each citrus fruit will give a unique flavor to your candied peels, so feel free to experiment.

• Is the vanilla bean necessary for the recipe?

The vanilla bean is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the candied peels. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can skip it or add a splash of vanilla extract for a similar aromatic touch.

Candied Citrus Overview

• Experience a perfect balance of tangy orange and sugary coating that creates an explosively delightful flavor profile for your taste buds.
• Turn simple orange peels into an elegant confection using basic kitchen techniques that make you feel like a professional pastry chef without complicated steps.
• Enjoy these candied citrus strips as a standalone snack, elegant dessert garnish, or unique gift that impresses friends and family with minimal preparation time.
• Utilize typically discarded orange peels to create a delicious treat, promoting sustainable cooking and reducing food waste in a fun and delectable way.

Ingredients for Candied Citrus

Main Ingredients:

• Oranges: The star of the recipe, providing sweet and tangy peel for candying. Choose thick-skinned, organic oranges for best flavor and less pesticide residue.

• Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Transforms peels into a sweet treat and creates a glossy coating. Use pure white sugar for clean, consistent results.

• Vanilla Bean (Optional): Adds subtle depth and aromatic complexity to the candied peels. Look for plump, moist beans with visible seeds.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Melted Chocolate (Optional): Provides a rich, indulgent exterior for the candied peels. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for complementary flavor.

• Water: Essential for boiling and creating sugar syrup to soften and sweeten the peels.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with drying and prevents sticking during the cooling process.

Candied Citrus Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty “Candied Citrus Delight” brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table, dancing with sweet-tangy perfection. Delicate orange and lemon peels caramelize into golden jewels, promising pure citrus bliss with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 organic oranges
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar

Enhancing Ingredients:

• 1 vanilla bean

Optional Coating/Dipping:

• Extra sugar for coating
• Chocolate for dipping

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse oranges under running water using a vegetable brush, ensuring the peels are pristine and ready for consumption.
2. Trim the orange’s top and bottom, then carefully score the peel into four longitudinal sections. Delicately remove each section and slice into slender 1/4-inch strips.
3. Submerge the orange peel strips in a pot of water, bringing to a rolling boil. Drain thoroughly using a colander, and repeat the boiling process to eliminate any residual bitterness.
4. Reintroduce the boiled strips to the pot, incorporating water, sugar, and vanilla bean. Elevate to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook uncovered, watching as the peels transform into a translucent delicacy and the syrup gradually reduces.
5. Extinguish the heat, permitting the peels to luxuriate in the warm sugar syrup for a brief moment. Carefully extract the strips using tongs and arrange them on a drying rack positioned over parchment paper. Let them air-dry for an extended period, typically 8-24 hours.
6. After thorough drying, enrobe each candied peel in a crystalline layer of granulated sugar. For an indulgent twist, immerse the sugared strips in melted chocolate, allowing them to set until perfectly firm.

Notes

• Thorough cleaning of oranges is crucial to remove any dirt or wax coating before preparing candied peels.
• Precision in cutting peel sections helps create uniform, elegant citrus strips that cook evenly and look professional.
• Double-boiling technique eliminates bitter flavors, ensuring a smooth, sweet candied orange peel experience.
• Slow simmering in sugar syrup transforms tough peels into tender, glossy delicacies with concentrated citrus essence.
• Extended drying period allows sugar coating to crystallize, creating a delightful crunchy exterior with intense flavor.
• Optional chocolate dipping elevates these treats from simple confection to gourmet dessert, perfect for gifting or entertaining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg