Candied Lemon Peel
Candied Lemon Peel is a vibrant and zesty treat that combines the bright citrus flavor of fresh lemons with a sweet, chewy texture. This versatile recipe is perfect for elevating desserts, cocktails, and snacks with minimal ingredients and effort. Easy to make and long-lasting when stored properly, it offers a natural, healthier alternative to processed sweets and is perfect for adding a gourmet touch to your dishes or enjoying on its own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup of candied lemon peel 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Essential Ingredients
- 4 fresh unwaxed lemons (firm peels preferred)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any residues. Peel the lemons into thin strips, avoiding the white pith as much as possible to prevent bitterness, or keep a thin layer of pith for a slightly softer texture.
- Blanch the peels: Place the lemon strips in a pot of boiling water and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Drain and repeat this process two more times to reduce bitterness and soften the peel.
- Simmer in sugar syrup: Prepare a simple syrup by mixing equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and add the lemon strips, reducing heat to low. Simmer gently until the peels become translucent and the syrup thickens, about 45-60 minutes.
- Dry and coat the peels: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peels to a cooling rack or parchment paper to dry. Once tacky or slightly dry, toss the strips in granulated sugar to coat for extra sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
- Store properly: Store your candied lemon peel in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Choose firm, bright-colored lemons for the best peels with robust flavor.
- Don’t skip blanching as it removes bitterness and softens the peel.
- Keep the simmering heat low to prevent burning and to maintain syrup consistency.
- Use a wire rack for drying to ensure proper air circulation and avoid sogginess.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to suit your desired sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (approx. 10g)
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candied lemon peel, lemon peel recipe, citrus candy, homemade candied peel, citrus garnish, lemon snack
Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/candied-lemon-peel/