How do I transform citrus peels into delightful homemade candies?

Turn ordinary citrus peels into extraordinary homemade candies! Learn the art of creating citrus delights that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I transform citrus peels into delightful homemade candies. Items include: Citrus fruit Granulated sugar Water

Citrus fruit 3-4 pieces
Granulated sugar Equal parts as citrus peels (e.g., if you have 1 cup of citrus peels, use 1 cup of sugar)
Water Equal parts as citrus peels (e.g., if you have 1 cup of citrus peels, use 1 cup of water)

Take note
Be careful when handling sharp knives and hot syrup during the candy-making process. Always supervise children and exercise caution to avoid accidents.

1

Prepare the Citrus Peels

Wash the citrus fruit of your choice thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the peel, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. Cut the peels into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

2

Boil and Blanch the Peels

Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Add the citrus peels to the boiling water and let them simmer for 5 minutes to soften them. Drain the peels and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Repeat this blanching process two more times to remove most of the bitterness.

3

Create the Syrup

In a separate saucepan, combine equal parts water and granulated sugar. For example, if you have 1 cup of citrus peels, use 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the syrup to a gentle boil.

4

Add the Citrus Peels to the Syrup

Carefully add the blanched citrus peels to the bubbling syrup. Reduce the heat to low and let the peels simmer in the syrup for about 45 minutes or until they become translucent and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5

Cool and Coat

Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the candied citrus peels to a wire rack or parchment paper to cool. Let them sit for about 10 minutes until they are no longer sticky to the touch. Optionally, you can roll the peels in granulated sugar for an extra sweet and crunchy coating.

6

Store and Enjoy

Once the candied citrus peels have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for longer shelf life. Enjoy the delightful homemade candies as a delicious snack or use them to enhance your desserts and cocktails!