Sour Candied Citrus Peels Recipe

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!

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.