How to Make Candied Lemon Peel at Home

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn simple lemon peels into a delightful treat, you’ve come to the right place. This guide on making Candied Lemon Peel at home will walk you through turning the humble zest into a sweet, tangy, and irresistible ingredient perfect for baking, snacking, or topping your favorite dishes. This homemade version bursts with fresh citrus flavor and a glossy texture that you won’t find in store-bought options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Natural and Fresh: You control the ingredients, so your candied lemon peel is free from preservatives and artificial colors.
• Versatile Ingredient: Perfect addition to baked goods, cocktails, or even as a standalone treat.
• Simple Process: Uses everyday kitchen staples and requires minimal effort for a delicious payoff.
• Waste Not, Want Not: Transforms leftover lemon peels into something truly delightful, reducing food waste.
• Customizable Sweetness: You decide the sugar level to perfectly match your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Candied Lemon Peel recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the brightness of lemons or the sweet balance from sugar, creating a lively yet tender flavor and texture that’s impossible to resist.

• Lemons: Organic is best to avoid pesticides since you will use the peel.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps preserve the peels while creating a syrupy glaze.
• Water: Softens the lemon peel and dissolves the sugar to form the syrup.
• Optional: Additional Sugar for Coating: For a crystallized finish, sprinkle extra sugar after drying.

Variations for Candied Lemon Peel

Feel free to tweak this recipe to better suit your taste or dietary needs. Candied lemon peel is incredibly adaptable and can be enhanced or lightened with simple ingredient swaps or additions.

• Spiced Citrus Twist: Add cinnamon sticks or star anise to the simmering syrup for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Honey Sweetened: Substitute part of the sugar with honey for a richer, natural sweetness.
• Vegan Variation: Ensure no extra sugar coatings contain bone char; pure cane sugar typically works well.
• Mix Citrus Peels: Combine lemon peels with orange or grapefruit for an assorted citrus candy mix.
• Reduced Sugar: Cut back on sugar for a less sweet, more tart candied peel ideal for savory dishes.

How to Make Candied Lemon Peel

Step 1: Prepare the Peels

Start by washing your lemons thoroughly. Slice the peel into thin strips about ¼ inch wide, avoiding too much of the bitter white pith. Then, blanch the strips in boiling water for a few minutes, repeating this rinse-cook cycle two or three times to reduce bitterness significantly.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

Combine equal parts water and granulated sugar in a pan (typically 1 cup of each) and bring to a simmer. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is clear and gentle bubbles form.

Step 3: Simmer the Lemon Peels

Add your blanched lemon peels to the syrup and let them simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. The peels should become translucent, tender, and infused with sweetness without becoming mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Dry and Optional Coat

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peels onto a wire rack to dry so they don’t stick. If you like, toss them in granulated sugar for a crystallized exterior once they’re tacky but not fully dry. Let them dry completely, which may take several hours or overnight.

Pro Tips for Making Candied Lemon Peel

• Peel Thickness Matters: Thinner peel strips candy more evenly and have less bitterness.
• Multiple Blanchings: Don’t rush the blanching process; it’s key for mellowing out the bitterness.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Keep your syrup at a gentle simmer to avoid caramelizing the sugar prematurely.
• Use Non-Reactive Pans: Stainless steel or glass pans prevent discoloration and maintain flavor purity.
• Store Properly: Keep finished candied lemon peel in an airtight container at room temperature for peak freshness.

How to Serve Candied Lemon Peel

Garnishes

Sprinkle finely sliced candied lemon peel over cakes, cupcakes, or frostings to add a zesty pop of flavor and visually stunning accents that brighten desserts beautifully.

Side Dishes

Include candied lemon peel pieces in cheese boards or alongside roasted nuts to provide a sweet contrast and elevate your snacking experience with a citrusy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap candied lemon peel around chocolate-dipped biscotti or stir chopped bits into ice cream for an unexpected, playful flavor surprise that whisks your guests away to bright, sunshiny days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your candied lemon peel in an airtight jar or container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to keep it fresh for up to two weeks with its texture and sweetness intact.

Freezing

Freeze candied lemon peel on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to freezer bags to prevent clumping; frozen peels maintain quality for up to three months and thaw quickly.

Reheating

Gently warm candied lemon peel on low heat or in a microwave for a few seconds to soften hardened peels, making them pliable again without losing their sugary shine.

FAQs

Can I use regular lemons for candied lemon peel?

You can, but organic lemons are preferred since the peel is the star of the recipe, and you want to avoid pesticides or wax coatings.

How long does homemade candied lemon peel last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts about two weeks at room temperature or up to three months when frozen.

Is it necessary to blanch the lemon peels multiple times?

Yes, blanching several times helps reduce the peel’s natural bitterness, resulting in a sweeter, more enjoyable final product.

Can I make candied peel from other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! Oranges, grapefruits, and limes all work well with similar methods and create delightful variations.

What is the best way to use candied lemon peel?

Use it as a garnish on desserts, mix it into baked goods, or enjoy it as a sweet treat on its own for a refreshing citrus burst.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Candied Lemon Peel is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. It’s a wonderful way to add vibrant, flavorful zest to your culinary creations or just enjoy a sweet, tangy snack anytime. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite kitchen staple!

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