Candied Lemon Peel Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Candied lemon peel is a delightful treat that adds a burst of citrusy sweetness to your favorite desserts, baked goods, or even as a standalone snack. This recipe is simple, requiring just a few ingredients and a little patience to transform lemon peels into a chewy, sugary delight. The result is a versatile ingredient perfect for garnishing cakes, stirring into cookies, or enjoying on its own. Plus, making your own candied lemon peel is a fantastic way to reduce waste by using leftover lemon rinds.

Ingredients

• Lemons
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Additional sugar for coating (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides. Using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, carefully peel the lemons, ensuring you remove the peel without too much of the bitter white pith. If necessary, trim off excess pith using a knife.
2. Cut the Peel: Slice the lemon peel into thin strips, about ¼-inch wide. If you prefer a different shape, you can cut them into small cubes or other decorative pieces.
3. Blanch the Peels: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the lemon peels. Let them boil for about 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Repeat this process two more times to remove bitterness.
4. Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the syrup to a simmer.
5. Candy the Peels: Add the blanched lemon peels to the sugar syrup and reduce the heat to low. Let the peels simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent.
6. Dry the Peels: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied lemon peels to a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to dry for several hours or overnight.
7. Coat with Sugar (Optional): Once dry, you can toss the peels in additional granulated sugar to give them a sparkly, crunchy coating.
8. Store Properly: Store candied lemon peel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month, or freeze for longer storage.

Variations

• Spiced Candied Peel: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the sugar syrup for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Mixed Citrus Peel: Combine lemon peel with orange, lime, or grapefruit peels for a more complex citrus mix.
• Chocolate-Dipped Candied Peel: Once dry, dip the peels in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Drying Time: 6-12 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 12-14 hours
• Servings: Makes about 1 to 2 cups of candied peel

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one month.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to three months.
• Freezer: Can be frozen for up to six months; thaw at room temperature before use.
• Reheating: Candied peel does not require reheating, but if it becomes too dry, you can soften it slightly by briefly warming in a syrup mixture.

FAQs

How do I prevent the candied lemon peel from being bitter?

Blanching the lemon peel multiple times helps remove excess bitterness from the pith.

Can I use other citrus peels for this recipe?

Yes! This method works well with orange, lime, and grapefruit peels.

Do I have to use sugar for coating at the end?

No, the sugar coating is optional and mainly for added sweetness and texture.

Can I speed up the drying process?

You can place the peels in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) for an hour to speed up drying.

What can I use candied lemon peel for?

It’s great for baking, garnishing cocktails, adding to granola, or just snacking.

Why is my candied peel too soft or too hard?

If it’s too soft, it may not have cooked long enough; if too hard, it might have overcooked or dried out too much.

Can I reuse the sugar syrup?

Yes! The leftover syrup is great for sweetening drinks, cocktails, or even drizzling over pancakes.

How long does it take for the peel to dry completely?

Depending on humidity, it may take anywhere from 6-12 hours.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can try using a sugar substitute like erythritol, but the texture may differ.

What’s the best way to store candied peel for long-term use?

Freezing in an airtight container is the best option for long-term storage.

Conclusion

Making your own candied lemon peel is a simple and rewarding process that results in a delicious, versatile treat. Whether you use it for baking, snacking, or garnishing drinks, this citrusy confection is sure to brighten up any dish. Try it out and enjoy the vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor of homemade candied lemon peel!

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