How to candy orange peel

Have you ever wondered what to do with leftover orange peels? Instead of discarding them, why not turn them into a delicious and fragrant treat? Candied orange peel is a delightful confection that combines the natural sweetness of oranges with a satisfying chewiness. Whether you enjoy them on their own or use them as a garnish for desserts, they are sure to add a burst of flavor to any occasion. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps of how to orange peel.

To begin the process, gather the following ingredients:

– 2 large oranges
– 2 cups of granulated sugar
– 1 cup of water

Start by carefully removing the orange peel from the fruit. It’s important to remove as much of the pith (the white spongy layer) as possible, as it can give a bitter taste. Slice the peel into thin strips or desired shapes. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, blanch the strips in boiling water for a few minutes. This step helps to remove excess bitterness.

Next, place the orange peel strips in a saucepan with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and let the peels simmer for about 5 minutes. This step further eliminates any remaining bitterness.

Once the peels have simmered, drain them and discard the water. Return the saucepan to the stovetop and add the sugar and fresh cup of water to it. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.

Gently place the blanched orange peel strips into the simmering syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the peels to cook in the syrup for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the syrup has thickened and the peels have become translucent and soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate peels.

Once the peels have reached the desired consistency, remove them from the syrup using a slotted spoon or tongs. Transfer them to a wire rack, arranging them in a single layer to cool and dry. Let the candied orange peels sit for a few hours, or overnight, to completely dry out. The drying process allows the peels to harden slightly, giving them a satisfying chewiness.

After the candied orange peels have thoroughly dried, they are ready to be enjoyed! You can savor them as a sweet treat on their own, or use them to enhance the flavors of various desserts. They make fantastic additions to cakes, cookies, and breads, adding a burst of citrus flavor and a visually appealing touch. Dusted with a sprinkle of sugar, these candied peels can also be used as beautiful and edible garnishes to elevate your culinary creations.

In conclusion, candying orange peel is a simple and wonderful way to turn something that might have been discarded into a delicious and versatile treat. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create your own batch of homemade candied orange peels. So next time you have leftover orange peels lying around, don’t let them go to waste – transform them into a sweet and tangy delight that will impress your taste buds and those of your family and friends. Enjoy!