How do I create colorful citrus peel candies?

Add a burst of vibrant colors to your candy collection with our homemade citrus peel candies. The perfect treat for a sunny and citrusy day!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I create colorful citrus peel candies. Items include: Citrus Fruits Sugar Water Food Coloring (optional) Granulated Sugar

Citrus Fruits As many as you like!
Sugar Equal parts to the water for the syrups, plus extra for coating
Water Equal parts to the sugar for the syrups
Food Coloring (optional) A few drops for each syrup
Granulated Sugar Enough to coat the citrus peels

Take note
Exercise caution when handling hot sugar syrup. It can cause burns. Make sure to use organic or unwaxed citrus fruits to avoid ingesting any harmful chemicals.

1

Prepare the Citrus Peels

Start by selecting your favorite citrus fruits. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits work well. Wash them thoroughly and slice off the top and bottom. Then, make four shallow cuts lengthwise to divide the peel into quarters. Gently remove the peel, making sure to leave a little bit of the white pith attached. Repeat this process with all the fruits you desire.

2

Remove the Bitterness

Place the peeled citrus peels in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the peels simmer for 5 minutes to soften them. This step helps remove some of the bitterness. Drain the peels and rinse them under cold water.

3

Create Colorful Syrups

In separate saucepans, combine equal parts water and sugar to create colorful syrups. For each syrup, you can add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the vibrancy. Heat each syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the syrups to cool slightly.

4

Candy Coating Time!

Add the citrus peels to the colorful syrups, making sure they are fully submerged. Let them soak in the syrup for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse. Then, remove the peels from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to drip off any excess syrup. Let them dry for a few hours or overnight until they become slightly tacky to the touch.

5

Sugar It Up

Pour some granulated sugar into a bowl. Take each citrus peel and roll it in the sugar until completely coated. This step gives your candies a sweet and sparkly exterior. Place the sugar-coated peels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don't touch each other. Let them dry for a few more hours until the sugar has hardened.

6

Enjoy Your Citrusy Delights

Now it's time for the grand finale! Grab a citrus peel candy and take a bite. Let the explosion of citrus flavors dance on your tongue. You can store the remaining candies in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They make excellent edible decorations for cakes and desserts too!