How to Make Delicious Orange Peel Candy at Home

Do you love the sweet and tangy taste of citrus fruits? If so, you might be interested in learning how to make orange peel candy. This delicious treat is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack or used as a versatile ingredient in various recipes.

Orange peel candy is made by simmering fresh orange peels in sugar syrup until the peels become tender and coated with a glaze. The result is a chewy and flavorful candy with a bright zestiness that complements the sweetness. It’s not just tasty, but also loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence. So, let’s grab some oranges and get cooking!

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Ingredients Needed for Making Orange Peel Candy

1. Fresh Oranges

First, buy some fresh “seedless” oranges that are firm to the touch, have a bright orange hue, and are free from cuts or bruises. The thicker the peel, the better the final product will be.

2. Granulated Sugar

Purchase some granulated sugar that will be used to make a simple syrup. The ratio of sugar to water will determine the final flavor and consistency of the candy.

3. Water

The next requirement is water. Use cool, clean water for best results.

4. Confectioners’ Sugar

Confectioners’ sugar is needed to coat the finished candy. This gives the candy a velvety texture and helps prevent them from sticking together.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a key player in this recipe, and its function is to maintain the orange peels’ beautiful orange hue.

6. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is an optional ingredient. It aids in the preservation of the candy and also adds a slight tartness to the final product.

7. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract can be added to the recipe to enhance the flavor profile, but it is not essential.

8. Salt

Salt is an optional item but is best used to balance the sweetness and add complexity to the final product.

9. Orange Food Coloring

If, for some reason, the color of the orange peel candy is not as vivid as you would like it, orange food coloring can be added.

10. Time and Patience

Finally, making orange peel candy requires a lot of time, attention to detail, and patience. Be willing to let the candy simmer in sugar syrup for a few days to achieve the perfect texture. Rushing the process or cutting corners will only result in a subpar product. So, time and patience are two essential ingredients for making orange peel candy.

Ingredients for Making Orange Peel Candy

If you love citrus, then orange peel candy is a delicious dessert that you won’t be able to resist. The ingredients for making orange peel candy are minimal, and here are some of the commonly used ingredients:

1. Oranges – Navel oranges or Valencia oranges are the best types of oranges for making orange peel candy.

2. Sugar – White granulated sugar is used to coat the candied orange peels.

3. Water – Water is required to soak the orange peels.

4. Lemon – Lemon juice is added to the recipe to prevent sugar crystallization and add freshness to the candy.

5. Honey – Honey is used to add flavor and keep the orange peels from becoming brittle.

6. Salt – Salt brings out the natural flavor of the orange peel.

7. Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract is used to add a sweet and delicate flavor.

8. Corn starch – Cornstarch is dusted on the orange peels to prevent sticking.

9. Spices – Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg can be added to infuse extra flavor.

10. Chocolate – Chocolate can be used to coat the orange peel candy for added deliciousness.

Before starting the recipe, ensure that you have all these ingredients and that they are fresh and of good quality.

Ingredients for Orange Peel Candy

Making orange peel candy starts with the right ingredients. Here are some of the crucial items you will need:

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

The first step in making orange peel candy is to prepare the oranges. Rinse the oranges under running water and use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from the oranges. Cut the zest into thin strips and place them in a saucepan. Cover the orange peel with cold water and bring it to a boil. Boil the orange peels for one minute, then drain them and repeat the process two more times. Soaking the orange peels this way will help to get rid of any bitterness.

Step 2: Simmer the Orange Peels

Once the orange peels are prepared, place them in a saucepan with two cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and let the peels simmer for about 10 minutes. Drain the peels and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Syrup

In a clean saucepan, mix two cups of sugar, one cup of water, two teaspoons of corn syrup, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Heat up the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir the mixture until it reaches 230°F on a candy thermometer. The syrup should be thick and bubbly.

Step 4: Coat the Orange Peels with Syrup

Add the orange peels to the syrup and stir them until they are fully coated with the mixture. Reduce the heat and let the orange peels simmer in the syrup for about 25 minutes. The goal is to cook the orange peels until they become translucent and the syrup has thickened.

Step 5: Dry and Store the Orange Peels

After 25 minutes, remove the orange peels from the saucepan and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before placing them in the fridge to dry. Let them sit in the fridge for several hours or overnight until they are completely dry. Once dry, store them in an airtight container and enjoy your homemade orange peel candy.

Happy snacking with your orange peel candy!

Thanks for reading our how-to guide on making orange peel candy. It’s amazing that you can turn something that would usually be thrown away into a tasty treat. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and felt inspired to try making your own orange peel candy at home. Don’t forget to share your creations with us and tag us on social media! We’ll be back soon with more delicious and easy recipes, so be sure to check back in for more inspiration. Until then, happy snacking!