Candied Orange Peel

The candied orange peels have a delicate sweetness, a citrusy scent and a deliciously chewy texture. They look elegant, but they are surprisingly simple to make. This simple recipe with only three ingredients can be used to dress up holiday cookie trays, garnish cocktails or give as a gift.

Sugaring up fresh fruit is a centuries old tradition that was once used to prolong the season of the fruit. Sugar was expensive, so candied orange peels and other candied fruits were reserved for special occasions, like holidays. They could be eaten on their own, or they could be added to breads such as Easter bread, Fruit Cake, or King's Cake.

This recipe for candied orange peel boils the peels to remove the bitterness of the pith. You then simmer the peels in simple syrup, until they are tender. Then, you coat them in sugar and let them dry overnight. That's it! You can eat the candied peels candied, or dip them into chocolate for a decadent treat. Use the syrup to enhance pancakes, French toast or fruit salad.

Candied fruit has remained a holiday favorite, even though sugar prices have dropped. No wonder their sweet and tart flavor can brighten even the darkest of times! These chewy treats are a great addition to holiday cookie platters, or as a gift for family and friends.

Food Stories: La Boqueria Market, Barcelona

As I walked through the main entrance of La Boqueria in Barcelona, the stand to the right of the middle aisle always caught my attention. In a market so busy, it's quite a feat! It was difficult to ignore the bright, shiny candied fruit.

Vendors sell everything from maraschino cherry slices and peels to whole candied oranges. Candied orange peels, while a task best left to the professionals, are easy and require little effort.

It's worth it. You end up with a gift that is as lovely as the Spanish markets, but has the unique charm of a home-made confection.

Candied Orange Peel Ingredients

Oranges, sugar and water are all you need to make candied peel. I use two kinds of sugar: granulated to candy and fine for a more polished look.

• Oranges : Any type of orange will work. You should use organic oranges because you will be using the rind. This way, you can avoid the chemicals that are sprayed onto the fruit.
• Granulated Sugar: The granulated sweetener I use for the syrup is free of impurities which could burn in the long cooking process and it has a neutral taste that lets the oranges shine.
• Superfine Sugar: Also called caster sugar, baker's or granulated sweetener, superfine sugar has a finer texture than granulated but is not powdered. This gives candied orange peels a beautiful finish. If you cannot find superfine sugar you can use granulated white sugar and pulse in the food processor until it resembles table salt. Do not overprocess or you will end up with powdered white sugar.

How to make candied orange peel

It doesn't require much effort, but you will need patience. The peels take about 45 minutes to become candy. (This is when I eat the oranges.) You then need to wait for them to dry, which can be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

• Peel the orange. Prepare the peel.
• Peel the fruit. Separate the peel using your fingers. Peel should come off the fruit easily without tearing.
• Cut into strips. Use a knife to cut the peel into pieces of 1/4 inch width.
• Peel the oranges. Add the orange slices to a medium pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil on high heat. Reduce the heat and cook for another 15 minutes. Drain the peels.
• Repeat (optional) You can boil the peel up to two more times in order to remove any bitterness before you candy it. If you're pressed for time, you can blanch the orange peels once or twice. But if your citrus fruit is bitter, like lemons, limes or grapefruits, it's best to repeat the process twice.
• Make a syrup. Remove the sugar syrup from the pan. Set the saucepan on medium heat and add 2 cups of each granulated water and sugar. The sugar will melt into a liquid and then boil.
• Add the peels. As soon as the syrup starts to boil, add the orange peels carefully and turn the heat down to low. Cook the peels by adjusting heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
• Simmer. Cook 45 minutes until the peels of the oranges are softened and the pith begins to become translucent. The bubbles and syrup will look thicker and more glassy. Use a candy temperature to determine if the syrup is done. It should read between 235degF and 245degF.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Drain. After the syrup has stopped bubbling, strain the peels and save the syrup in an oven-proof measuring cup. I had approximately 1 cup of orange syrup.
• Cover the candied orange peels with sugar. Pour one cup of superfine, coarse sugar into a shallow bowl or sheet pan. Use a set of small tongs or two forks to coat the candied peels in sugar.
• Let them dry. Spread out the candied peels on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack. Allow them to sit at room temperature, uncovered, until they are dried. This can take up to 12 hours or overnight. When they are no longer tacky or stick together, you know that they're dry.

Use up your orange syrup and oranges

Do not throw away the syrup left over after you have made candied orange peel. The syrup is fragrant, delicately sweet and full of bright orange flavor. It can be used to replace simple syrup in lemonade, mocktails and cocktails. It can be used to replace maple syrup or honey on French toast, pancakes, baked pears, and fruit salad.

The orange syrup becomes sweeter and more concentrated after cooking. Use less syrup or mix it with 1/4 cup water in a small pan. The syrup should be brought to a boil, cooled and drained through a sieve. The mixture will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Use leftover oranges to make salads like Mediterranean orange-pomegranate or fresh fennel-orange salad. You can also juice them to make mango smoothies or roasted spatchcock poultry (you can even freeze the juice). You can also keep the desserts going with a ricotta orange cake, honed honey cake or an orange cardamom oil cake.

Oranges aren't the only fruit you can use! You can mix it up!

The candied orange peel is a very versatile recipe. You can use it with any citrus fruit, including lemons, limes and grapefruits.

Blanch citrus peels twice or three times to make them more bitter.

Use Candied Orange Peels

Candied orange peels can be eaten on their own, just like jelly beans coated with sugar. But they are better. They taste more like oranges than orange flavor because they are homemade. You can use them in all sorts of recipes.

• To elevate dessert. Use the peels to garnish a dessert like chocolate cake, chocolate mousse with olive oil, or orange cardamom.
• Give your cocktails a restaurant flair. Add a twist to your mocktails or cocktails, whether it's a gin cocktail or a bittersweet Negroni.
• Even Breakfast !
• To be used at holiday parties or cookie trays. Not only are they delicious, but add a beautiful orange sparkle to your dessert table. They're gluten-free and vegan (if you're using organic sugar). Everyone can enjoy this sweet treat. Dip the dark chocolate half of each candied peel to add a festive touch.
• Gifting. They make a wonderful gift for friends and can be included in cookie boxes.

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The Mediterranean Dish first published Candied Orange Peel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mediterranean Diet gluten-free possible?

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet can be adapted to be gluten-free. Rather than using whole-grain sources of carbohydrates such as wheat or barley, gluten-free grains such as millet and quinoa can be incorporated into meals. Additional gluten-free options include fruits like melon, pears and fresh vegetables as well as legumes, nuts, seeds and nuts. If you are intolerant to dairy or milk, it is possible to opt for lactose-free products. Other ideas include making porridge for breakfast instead of oatmeal, baking salmon with potatoes, bean soup, or roasting vegetables with herbs.

Is it possible to use extra virgin olive oil in place of regular olive oil?

You can choose regular olive oil over extra virgin olive if you follow the Mediterranean diet. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is better for its nutritional benefits and higher quality, but regular olive oil is still an option due to its mild flavor. Regular olive oil is great for everyday cooking, from stir-frying to roasting vegetables. It is more affordable than EVOO and may be more suited for high heat applications like deep frying. It does not have the same nutrients and positive compounds as EVOO so make sure to get these benefits from other areas of your diet.

Is Banana permissible in the Mediterranean diet

Yes, banana is allowed on the Mediterranean diet. Bananas provide healthy and low-calorie nutrition. They are rich in vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. It can be added to smoothies, soups, salads, and even sweet potatoes as a healthy side or main dish. This can be eaten as a snack or with nut butter, such as peanut or almond. When following the Mediterranean diet, it may be beneficial to pair fruits such as bananas with a source of healthy fats like nuts and seeds to improve digestion and promote satiety when eating meals throughout the day.

Are Rice and Rice part of the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet allows rice and encourages it. This diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. It also allows for moderate amounts of dairy products, fish and meat. Whole-grain whole-grain rice provides excellent carbohydrate sources that provide energy for the body. It's also rich in dietary fiber, which can improve digestion as well as provide essential nutrients for your health such iron, B vitamins and magnesium. Rice can be incorporated into meals by adding cooked grains to salads, soups, and stews. It is possible to reduce added fat, if necessary, in order to eat rice-based meals within the guidelines of Mediterranean nutrition.

Is milk OK on the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, milk may be allowed in the Mediterranean diet. Low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese are important components of the Mediterranean diet. They provide calcium and other essential nutrients. It is also nutritious, and milk should be consumed in moderation. If you prefer, it can be used to make smoothies and oatmeal. Opt for organic varieties whenever possible to promote more sustainable farming when shopping for milk. For a healthy start to your day, add milk to breakfast options such as avocado toast or smoothie bowls.

Is the Mediterranean diet primarily plant-based?

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet consists primarily of plants. This ancient diet is primarily based on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, legumes (nuts), and seeds. Because of their historical presence in the Mediterranean Sea, red meat, poultry and fish are also found in small amounts. If you choose to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, these protein sources can be eliminated. Other dairy sources, such as tofu and soy yogurt, are great alternative options for added nutrition and protein.

How do I get started on the Mediterranean Diet?

Get started on the Mediterranean diet by stocking up your kitchen with fresh fruits and veggies. This could include preparing various vegetables and proteins every week that can be used in recipes throughout the following days. Quinoa, oat groats, and millet can be substituted for refined grains. For added flavor and nutrition, healthy fats such as olive oil and sesame should be included in meal preparation. Garlic, oregano or basil, turmeric and other seasonings are excellent additions to meals.

Statistics

• 1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)
• The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
• Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
• In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)

External Links

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• American Heart Association


• What is the Mediterranean Diet? American Heart Association

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• Traditional Med Diet | Oldways


• Mediterranean Diet | Oldways

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• (PDF) The Association Between Dietary Patterns and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review


• (PDF). Citrus is a part of the Mediterranean Diet

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• Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Using a Mediterranean Diet

How To

How does the Mediterranean Diet support brain health?

Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern that emphasizes fruits, vegetables legumes, whole grains and nuts. However, it is low in red meat, added sugar, and high in fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and healthy fats. There have been many benefits, including improved brain health. Research shows that the Mediterranean Diet may reduce dementia risk and slow age-related cognitive loss. It may help with mood disorders, and provide protection against oxidative injury as it can protect against aging-related oxidative damages.

A number of aspects of the Mediterranean diet can support brain health, and help reduce cognitive decline. The most significant benefit comes from consuming large amounts of antioxidant-rich plant foods such as fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins and minerals for healthy neurological functioning. Monounsaturated fats from olive oil, for example, help to maintain adequate levels of omega-3 in the body. This is a crucial component in maintaining a healthy brain. Lastly, limiting processed carbohydrates may also support better mental clarity by stabilizing blood glucose levels throughout the day and reducing inflammation associated with chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's or stroke.

A Mediterranean diet that includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein like poultry or fish; whole grains; plenty of healthy fats from olive oils; occasional red wine; moderate dairy intakes such as yogurt and cheese will help to maintain adequate nutrition over time. This will help reduce cognitive decline. In addition, regular vigorous exercise will strengthen serotonin, which is a key component of mental well being. These tips will increase your chances for good mental health and physical well-being into old age.

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