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Candied Lemon Peel

Candied Lemon Peel

Candied lemon peel is a bright, tangy, and sweet treat made by simmering lemon peels in sugar syrup until translucent and flavorful. This recipe minimizes waste by using the entire lemon peel and offers a versatile ingredient perfect for garnishing desserts, enhancing drinks, and adding a citrusy twist to snacks and savory dishes. Easy to make and store, it delivers a delightful citrus punch with minimal ingredients.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup of candied lemon peel 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 4 fresh lemons (organic preferred)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water

Optional Ingredients

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Pinch of cinnamon or star anise (for spiced variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly and cut off both ends. Slice the lemons into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide, taking care to include only the peel with minimal pith for less bitterness.
  2. Blanch the Peels: Place the lemon peels in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Drain and repeat this boiling and draining process two more times, changing the water each time, to remove excess bitterness.
  3. Make the Sugar Syrup: Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in the pot and bring to a simmer. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup.
  4. Simmer the Peels in Syrup: Add the blanched lemon peels to the syrup and let them simmer on low heat until they become translucent, about 45-60 minutes. This slow cooking infuses sweetness and softens the texture.
  5. Dry and Coat: Remove the peels with a slotted spoon onto a cooling rack and let them dry for a couple of hours. Optionally, toss them in granulated or powdered sugar for extra sweetness and an appealing finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh, unwaxed lemons for the best flavor and texture.
  • Blanching three times is important to reduce bitterness effectively.
  • Keep the syrup at low heat to avoid caramelizing the sugar and keep peels tender.
  • Dry peels thoroughly to prevent stickiness and achieve a perfect chewy texture.
  • Store candied lemon peels in airtight containers to keep them fresh longer.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (about 10 grams)
  • Calories: 40
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 1mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: candied lemon peel, lemon peel candy, homemade candied citrus, citrus peel dessert, lemon garnish, sweet citrus snack