Sour Candied Citrus Peels Recipe
This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Ditch the store-bought candy and whip up a batch of candied citrus peels at home. This recipe is surprisingly simple and uses fresh lemons and grapefruits to create a delicious and customizable treat. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover citrus fruits!
Ingredients:
- 3 lemons
- 3 grapefruits
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
For the Coating:
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon citric acid
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by cutting off the ends of your lemons and grapefruits. Carefully score the peel from top to bottom while working your way around the fruit.
Step 2: Use your fingers or a paring knife (being careful if you use a knife) to gently remove each peel from the citrus fruit.
Step 3: Cover the peels with fresh water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let them simmer for 5 minutes, then drain the water.
Step 4: Add both the sugar and water to the saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then add the peels back in and bring it to a simmer, cooking for 1 hour.
Step 5: Once the hour is up, remove the peels from the syrup and spread them out on a drying rack. Let them sit for 3 hours, allowing them to dry completely.
Step 6: In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of citric acid. Toss the dried peels in this mixture to coat them evenly.
Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Additional Tips:
- While I use lemons and grapefruits, this method can be applied to other citrus fruits, such as oranges or limes.
- The thickness of the candied peel can be adjusted based on preference. Thicker peels offer a chewier texture, while thinner strips will dry faster and have a more intense citrus flavor.
- The drying time can vary depending on the humidity levels in your kitchen. If your peels aren’t fully dry after 3 hours, simply leave them on the drying rack for a bit longer.
- Store your finished candied citrus peels in an airtight container in the fridge.
Sour Candied Citrus Fruit Peels
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Drying racks
Ingredients
- 3 lemons
- 3 grapefruits
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
For the Coating
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon citric acid
Instructions
- Begin by cutting off the ends of your lemons and grapefruits. Carefully score the peels from top to bottom.
- Use your fingers or a paring knife (being careful if you use a knife) to gently remove each peel from the citrus fruit.
- In a saucepan, cover the peels with fresh water and bring to a boil. Let them simmer for 5 minutes, then drain the water.
- Add both the sugar and water to the saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then add the peels back in and bring it to a simmer, cooking for 1 hour.
- Once the hour is up, remove the peels from the syrup and spread them out on a drying rack. Let them sit for 3 hours, allowing them to dry completely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of citric acid. Toss the dried peels in this mixture to coat them evenly.
