How to Make Homemade Citrus Peel Candy
Did you know you can turn citrus peels into a delicious, natural candy? Not only is it a fun and creative way to reduce waste, but it’s also a treat that’s packed with sweet and tangy flavour. Whether you’re looking for a unique snack or a way to garnish your drinks, citrus peel candy is perfect. Let me show you how I make mine!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Lemon or orange peels (thinly sliced)
Equal parts sugar and filtered water (I used 2 cups of each for this batch)
Additional sugar and citric acid for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peels Start by gathering your lemon or orange peels and slicing them thinly. Here’s an important tip: make sure to remove as much of the white pith (also called rime) as possible. The pith is what makes the candy bitter, so taking the time to scrape it away will make all the difference in the final flavour.
2. Simmer the Peels Place your sliced peels into a pot on medium heat. Add equal parts sugar and filtered water—enough to fully submerge the peels. For my batch, I used 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water. Cover the pot and let it simmer. As the peels cook, they’ll begin to look translucent—this means they’re ready!
3. Remove and Dry Once the peels are translucent, carefully remove them from the liquid using tongs and place them on parchment paper to cool. Don’t throw out the leftover liquid! It’s now a delicious simple syrup that you can use to sweeten mocktails, iced tea, or even coffee.
4. Coat the Peels While the peels are still sticky, toss them in a mixture of sugar and citric acid. This step gives them that perfect sweet-and-sour finish. Let the coated peels dry completely on the parchment paper before storing them.
5. Store and Enjoy Once dried, store your citrus peel candy in a glass jar. They’ll stay fresh for weeks and are perfect for snacking or adding a tangy twist to desserts and drinks.
Why Make Citrus Peel Candy?
Homemade citrus peel candy isn’t just about creating a delicious treat—it’s also a fantastic way to embrace zero-waste living. Instead of throwing away citrus peels, you can transform them into something beautiful and sustainable. Plus, you get the added bonus of a simple syrup that’s perfect for other recipes.
Tips for Best Results:
Remove the Pith: This is the key to avoiding bitterness. Scraping the pith off your peels may take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for the flavour.
Use Fresh Citrus: The fresher the fruit, the better the flavour of your candy.
Experiment with Coatings: While I used sugar and citric acid for a sweet-tart taste, you can also experiment with cinnamon sugar or even a touch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
Making citrus peel candy is one of my favourite ways to reduce waste and get creative in the kitchen. It’s a simple process, and the result is a treat that feels both indulgent and resourceful. Every time I make a batch, I’m reminded of how much nature provides and how rewarding it is to use every part of what we have.
Have you ever tried making citrus peel candy? I’d love to hear how it turned out or what creative twists you added to your recipe. Let me know in the comments below!
