Craving something sweet and zesty? Candied lemon peel is here to save the day- It’s like a party in your mouth, blending sweet and tangy flavors in a way that’s just pure happiness. This little strip of citrusy goodness is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition.
Candied lemon peel is a delightful and sun-kissed confection that captures the essence of citrusy brightness in every bite. This sugary treat offers a burst of sweet and tangy flavor, making it a perfect embodiment of the ‘taste of sunshine.’
Imagine- you pop one in your mouth, and bam! Your taste buds are hit with this amazing combination of sweetness and tanginess that just screams yum!
These tangy, sweet golden gems not only add a ray of deliciousness but also boost your health.
Get ready to brighten up your day with a burst of citrusy sweetness!
From their zesty flavor to hidden health perks, let’s uncover why these little treats are a must-have in your snacking repertoire.
What Is A Candied Lemon Peel?
It’s lemon peels that have been cooked in a sugary syrup until they’re all tender and bursting with sweet lemony goodness.
Do you know how lemons can be a bit tart? Well, this process turns them into these chewy, zesty bites of sunshine that are perfect for snacking or jazzing up your desserts.
They’re like little bursts of citrusy happiness that make everything they touch taste a whole lot yummier!
Lemon peels transformed into sugary delights = Candied Lemon Peels
Ingredients For Making Candied Lemon Peel
It’s like a magic trick, turning simple lemon peels into bursts of bright, zesty flavor that leave you craving more.
From the obvious star, lemon peels, to the sugar that adds that irresistible sweetness, we’ll walk you through each ingredient and how they come together to make candied lemon peels a mouthwatering reality.
Let us move on to the essential ingredients you’ll need to create your batch of candied lemon peels. So roll up your sleeves and get ready:
Lemons:
The star ingredient is, of course, lemons. It’s important to use fresh, unwaxed lemons for the best results. Organic lemons are a good choice because they often have minimal wax and pesticides.
Granulated Sugar:
Granulated sugar is used to create the sugar syrup that coats and preserves the lemon peels. It’s what gives the candied peels their sweetness. You’ll need a substantial amount of sugar for the syrup, typically in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio with the peels.
Water:
Water is used to create the sugar syrup. It helps dissolve the sugar and create a thick, sweet syrup that coats the lemon peels.
Optional Flavors:
While not essential, you can enhance the flavor of your candied lemon peels with additional optional ingredients such as vanilla extract, spices (e.g., cinnamon sticks, cloves), or herbs (e.g., rosemary or thyme). These flavorings can infuse the syrup and the peels with extra taste and aroma.
How To Make Candied Lemon Peel?
Let us turn those plain lemon peels into sweet, citrusy delights.
It’s easier than you think and oh-so-rewarding. So grab your lemons, sugar, and a pinch of kitchen magic, and let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure together:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients:
You’ll need fresh lemons, granulated sugar, and water. Optionally, you can add flavorings like vanilla extract, spices, or herbs.
Tools:
Ensure you have a cutting board, knife, vegetable peeler (optional), saucepan or pot, wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, wire rack or parchment paper, strainer or colander, measuring cups and spoons, and an airtight storage container.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Peels
Wash the Lemons:
Thoroughly wash the lemons to remove any dirt or wax. Organic lemons are a good choice as they often have minimal wax and pesticides.
Zest the Lemons:
Using a knife or vegetable peeler, carefully remove the zest from the lemons, aiming to get only the bright yellow outer layer. Avoid the bitter white pith as much as possible. Cut the zest into thin strips or desired shapes.
Step 3: Blanch the Lemon Peels
Remove Bitterness:
To reduce bitterness, blanch the lemon peels. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Drain, then repeat this process two or three times, using fresh water each time.
Step 4: Create the Sugar Syrup
Combine Sugar and Water:
In the same saucepan, combine an equal amount of granulated sugar and water. For every cup of lemon peels, use a cup of sugar and a cup of water. If you want a sweeter syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
Optional Flavorings:
If desired, add any optional flavorings like vanilla extract, spices, or herbs to the syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 5: Cook the Lemon Peels
Simmer in Syrup:
Add the blanched lemon peels to the sugar syrup. Allow them to simmer gently over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. The peels will gradually become translucent, and the syrup will thicken. This process can take approximately 1-1.5 hours.
Step 6: Cool and Dry
Remove from Syrup:
Once the lemon peels are translucent and the syrup is thickened, remove the peels from the syrup using a strainer or slotted spoon. Place them on a wire rack or parchment paper to cool. They may be sticky at this point.
Step 7: Optional Coating
Roll in Sugar (Optional):
If you want, you can roll the cooled lemon peels in granulated sugar to give them a sweet and slightly crunchy outer layer.
Step 8: Store Your Candied Lemon Peels
Airtight Container:
Once the candied lemon peels are dry, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for several weeks or longer.
And there you have it – a step-by-step guide to making your own homemade candied lemon peels. These delightful treats can be enjoyed on their own, used as garnishes for desserts and drinks, or incorporated into a variety of recipes to add a burst of sweet citrus flavor.
Health Benefits Of Candied Lemon Peel
Candied lemon peel is like a little bundle of goodness! Let’s peel back the layers and uncover the awesome health benefits of candied lemon peels:
Rich in Vitamin C:
You know that lemon peels are packed with vitamin C. This vitamin is crucial for boosting the Immune System, and promoting collagen production for healthy skin- giving you glowing and radiant skin. It also supports your overall health.
Antioxidant Properties:
The peels contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like Heart Disease and Cancer.
Digestive Health:
The fiber content in lemon peels can aid digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and supporting gut health. The natural acidity of lemons, even in candied form, can help stimulate digestion.
Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Some studies suggest that compounds in lemon peels have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate related symptoms.
Improved Oral Health:
The natural antibacterial properties of lemon peels can contribute to oral health by reducing bacteria in the mouth and freshening breath.
Mood Enhancement:
The refreshing scent of lemon peels can have mood-boosting effects. Simply smelling the scent of candied lemon peels may help to reduce your stress and anxiety.
Weight Management:
The fiber and low-calorie content of lemon peels make them a healthy snack that can help manage and control weight.
From their mouthwatering flavor to the surprising health benefits they offer, candied lemon peel is a good snack to keep in your kitchen.
Now that we’ve uncovered the secrets of making candied lemon peels and explored their sunny goodness, it’s time to wrap up our sweet journey.
They’re more than just a tasty treat. They’re a nod to how clever we can be with food and how awesome nature’s gifts are.
Whether you’re jazzing up a dessert, spicing up a drink, or just munching on them, candied lemon peels always bring a burst of flavor and freshness.
Next time when you munch on one- think of how the simplest things can create the most amazing food adventures. Let’s keep embracing that taste of sunshine and keep those candied lemon peels sparking joy in your kitchens and on your tongues, bite after delightful bite! So keep experimenting, keep snacking, and keep spreading the citrusy love.