How to Make Candied Orange Peels: A Sweet and Simple Guide

Candied orange peels are a delicious treat that you can make at home with only a few simple ingredients. Instead of throwing away orange peels after consuming the fruit, turning them into candied orange peels is an excellent way to make the most out of every part of the orange. These sweet treats are perfect for snacking on, adding to desserts or using as a garnish on cocktails.

Making candied orange peels is an easy process that does not require any special tools or equipment. All you need are oranges, sugar, and water. You can add your own twist to the recipe by adding spices such as cinnamon or even dipping the peels in melted chocolate. This article will guide you through the process of making candied orange peels that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How to Make Candied Orange Peels

Introduction

Candied orange peels are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. They are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will show you how to make candied orange peels that are sweet, tangy, and perfect for snacking.

1. Choose the Right Variety
When it comes to making candied orange peels, the type of orange you choose is important. You want to choose oranges that have a thick peel and are easy to remove. Navel oranges are a popular choice for making candied orange peels.

2. Wash and Dry the Oranges
Before you start making candied orange peels, you need to wash and dry the oranges thoroughly. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the oranges.

3. Remove the Peel
To make candied orange peels, you need to remove the peel from the oranges. Take a sharp knife and cut off the top and bottom of the orange. Make a shallow cut around the circumference of the orange and then peel off the skin.

4. Remove the Pith
Once you have removed the outer skin, you need to remove the pith. The pith is the white layer that is just under the skin. Use a sharp knife to remove it.

5. Cut the Orange Peels
After you have removed the pith, cut the orange peels into thin strips. You can cut them into any size you want, but thin strips will work best for candying.

6. Blanch the Orange Peels
To prepare the orange peels for candying, you need to blanch them. Place the peels in a pot of boiling water and let them boil for 2-3 minutes. This will help remove any bitterness from the peels.

7. Drain the Orange Peels
After blanching the orange peels, drain them and rinse them with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and cool down the peels.

8. Boil the Orange Peels with Syrup
Now it’s time to make the syrup for candying the orange peels. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and then add the orange peels. Let the mixture simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the peels are translucent and the syrup has thickened.

9. Dry the Candied Orange Peels
After the orange peels have finished simmering in the syrup, remove them from the pot and spread them out on a wire rack to dry. Let them dry for 24-48 hours, or until they are completely dry.

10. Store the Candied Orange Peels
Once the candied orange peels are dry, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Use them in recipes, or snack on them whenever you have a sweet tooth.

Conclusion

Making candied orange peels is a fun and easy process that yields a delicious and versatile treat. Whether you’re using them in baking, snacking on them, or giving them as a gift, candied orange peels are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow our step-by-step guide to make your own candied orange peels at home.

Ingredients Needed to Make Candied Orange Peels

When it comes to making candied orange peels, you’ll need to gather a few ingredients to create the perfect treat. These ingredients are easily obtainable and may already be in your pantry. Here is a list of what you need.

1. Oranges
Before you begin your candy-making journey, you’ll require ripe oranges. Choose oranges with firm skin, without any signs of blemishes or visible bruises. While you may use any type of oranges, navel oranges are the best choice for candying.

2. Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar is the fundamental ingredient for candy-making. Choose a high-quality granulated sugar that is free from lumps or foreign particles.

3. Water
Water is necessary to dissolve and cook the sugar. You’ll need enough water to cover the orange peels throughout the process.

4. Vanilla extract (Optional)
Vanilla extract is added to the mixture to complement the orangey flavor. You can skip this ingredient if you are going for a pure orange zest in your final product.

5. Chocolate (Optional)
If you want to take your candied orange peels a notch higher, add chocolate. You may use whatever type of chocolate you prefer, but dark chocolate is the best choice.

6. Wax paper and parchment paper
You’ll require wax paper or parchment paper to line a baking sheet during the drying process.

7. A candy thermometer
To reach the desired candy stages, you’ll require a candy thermometer to measure the temperature of the sugar mixture.

8. A serrated knife
A serrated knife will come in handy when slicing the orange peels into strips.

9. A saucepan
A large saucepan or a Dutch oven that’s wide enough to contain the orange peels throughout the boiling process.

10. A slotted spoon
A slotted spoon is the best tool to transfer the orange peels in and out of the sugar mixture during the candy-making process.

Now that you know what you need let’s talk about the steps involved in making a tasty and sweet candied orange peel.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Candied Orange Peels

Gather the Necessary Ingredients and Tools

Firstly, prepare all the necessary ingredients and tools before starting the cooking process. You will need the following:

• 2-3 large oranges
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 2 cups of water
• A saucepan or pot
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• A wire rack
• Parchment or wax paper

Preparing the Orange Peels

After gathering all the ingredients and tools, the next step is to prepare the orange peels. Start by washing the oranges thoroughly under running water. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the top and bottom off each orange, making sure to remove all the white pith. Next, slice the oranges into thin wedges, and, finally, remove any remaining pith.

Boiling the Orange Peels

Once the orange peels are sliced and ready to go, rinse them once more under running water and place them in a saucepan or pot. Then, fill the pot with cold water until all the peels are completely covered. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, drain the water from the pot and rinse the peels once more with cold water.

Cooking the Orange Peels with Sugar Syrup

The next step is to cook the orange peels with a sugar syrup until they become candied. In a clean pot, add 2 cups of granulated sugar and 2 cups of water, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once the sugar dissolves, add the blanched orange peels. Let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes. Make sure to stir the peels in the syrup occasionally to avoid sticking.

After about 45 minutes, check if the orange peels are translucent and the sugar syrup has thickened. When the syrup becomes thicker, remove the pot from the heat and let the orange peels cool for about 10-15 minutes.

Drying and Storing the Candied Orange Peels

After the orange peels have cooled, place them on a wire rack over a sheet of parchment or wax paper. Let them dry for about 24 hours, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for later use or enjoy them as a tasty snack.

Making candied orange peels may seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple steps, it can be a fun and delicious way to repurpose your leftover orange peels. Now that you know how to make candied orange peels, try experimenting with different citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, or grapefruits to create your own custom flavors. Happy cooking!

Enjoy Your Homemade Candied Orange Peels!

Now that you know how to make candied orange peels, go ahead and try it. These are perfect for adding to cakes, cookies, or pies, or just snacking on their own. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover orange peels and reduce food waste. Thank you for reading, and I hope you found this recipe helpful. Don’t forget to visit again later for more exciting and mouth-watering recipes!