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Jewel-Like Candied Orange Peel: A Low-Waste Delight

Close-up of glistening, sugar-coated candied orange peel strips piled high on a white dish.
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Make beautiful, jewel-like candied orange peel using this simple recipe. This method removes bitterness, creating a perfect garnish for cocktails and desserts while reducing kitchen waste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Peel of 4 large oranges (avoiding the white pith where possible)
  • 4 cups water, divided
  • 4 cups granulated sugar, divided

Instructions

  1. Use a sharp knife to cut the orange peel into thin strips, about 1/8 inch wide. Try to keep the white pith minimal.
  2. Place the orange strips in a small saucepan and cover them with 2 cups of cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once boiling, immediately drain the peels in a colander. This is the first blanching step to remove bitterness.
  4. Return the peels to the saucepan and cover them again with 2 cups of fresh cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain well.
  5. In the same saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  6. Add the blanched orange peels to the sugar syrup. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the peels look translucent and tender.
  7. Remove the peels from the syrup using tongs or a slotted spoon, allowing excess syrup to drip off.
  8. Place the drained peels onto a sheet of parchment paper set on a baking sheet.
  9. In a separate bowl, toss the warm, sticky peels with the remaining 2 cups of granulated sugar until they are fully coated.
  10. Let the candied orange peel dry completely at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or until the sugar coating is dry and crystalline. Store in an airtight jar.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, you can simmer the peels in the syrup with a cinnamon stick or a few star anise pods.
  • Save the leftover sugar syrup; it makes an excellent simple syrup for cocktails or drizzling over pound cake.
  • If you want a very clear, jewel-like look, dry the peels on a wire rack instead of parchment paper.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/candied-orange-peel-foolproof-low-waste-recipe/