🍊✨ How to Make Candied Orange Peel (Zero Waste & Irresistibly Sweet!) 🍫

🍊 Introduction

Ever wondered what to do with leftover orange peels after making juice or desserts? Don’t toss them away! In this guide, you’ll learn how to make candied orange peel — a zero-waste, eco-friendly, and incredibly delicious way to turn orange rinds into a delightful sweet treat. 🍬

This candied orange peel recipe captures the sunshine flavour of oranges in every bite — chewy, glossy, and slightly bitter-sweet. You can enjoy it on its own, dip it in chocolate 🍫, or use it to decorate cakes, cookies, and cocktails. Best of all, it helps you reduce kitchen waste while creating something absolutely irresistible. 🌍💛

Let’s dive into how to make candied orange peel perfectly every time!

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Candied Orange Peel Recipe

• 🌱 Zero Waste: You’re giving new life to orange peels that would otherwise be thrown away.
• 🍊 Flavour Explosion: Sweet, zesty, and aromatic with deep citrus notes.
• 🍫 Versatile Treat: Perfect as a garnish, gift, or healthy snack.
• 💡 Simple & Affordable: Just oranges, sugar, and water — that’s it!
• 💚 Homemade Goodness: 100% natural, no preservatives, and no food colouring.

🍊 Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Candied Orange Peel (Zero Waste!)

Learning how to make candied orange peel starts with a few fresh, simple ingredients that deliver beautiful texture and citrus aroma.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Fresh organic oranges	4 medium	Washed, peeled, and sliced into strips
Granulated sugar	2 cups	For syrup
Water	2 cups	For syrup base and boiling
Extra sugar	¼ cup	For coating after drying
Dark chocolate	100 g	Optional for dipping
Vanilla extract	½ tsp	Optional flavor enhancer
Cinnamon stick	1 small	Optional spice infusion

🌱 Zero Waste Tip
Don’t discard the leftover syrup!
After removing the peels, strain and store them in a jar. It makes an amazing citrus syrup for:

• Cocktails 🍹
• Iced tea 🍊
• Pancake drizzle 🥞
• Homemade orange soda 🍋

🧂 Optional Garnishes

• Coarse Sugar or Sea Salt Flakes: For visual contrast and flavour balance.
• Candied Ginger Chips: Pair perfectly with gifting or mixed citrus candy boxes.
• Crushed Pistachios or Almond Dust: For a nutty texture and gourmet appeal.

🧰 Equipment Needed

Equipment	Purpose
Saucepan	For simmering the peels in syrup
Strainer	To drain boiled peels
Knife or peeler	To slice the orange peels evenly
Cooling rack	To dry the candied peel
Parchment paper	For easy cleanup and drying
Airtight jar	For storing your finished treats

🥣 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Candied Orange Peel (Zero Waste & Delicious!)

🥇 Step 1: Prepare the Orange Peels

1. Wash oranges thoroughly.
2. Slice off the top and bottom of each orange.
3. Cut vertical slits from top to bottom (about 4–6 per orange).
4. Gently peel away the rind, keeping as much white pith as possible for a chewy texture.
5. Slice each peel into thin strips (about ¼-inch wide).

🫧 Step 2: Boil the Peels to Remove Bitterness

1. Place the sliced peels in a saucepan and cover with water.
2. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes.
3. Drain and repeat the process two more times to remove bitterness.
4. After the final boil, drain and set the peels aside.
5. This step is essential when mastering how to make candied orange peel that tastes perfectly sweet.

💡 Tip: The triple-boil method ensures your candied orange peel isn’t bitter — just perfectly sweet and zesty!

🍯 Step 3: Make the Sugar Syrup

1. Combine 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water in the saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the boiled orange peels to the syrup.

🔥 Step 4: Simmer Until Glossy

1. Let the peels simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. The syrup should become thick and glossy.
3. Once the peels look translucent, they’re ready!
4. Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly in the syrup.

🌬️ Step 5: Dry the Candied Peels

1. Use tongs to transfer the peels to a cooling rack lined with parchment paper.
2. Allow to dry for 6–8 hours or overnight.
3. Optionally, roll each peel in sugar for a crystallized finish.

🍫 Step 6: (Optional) Dip in Chocolate

1. Melt dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.
2. Dip half of each candied orange peel into the chocolate.
3. Let it sit on parchment paper for an elegant, gourmet finish.

🏡 Step 7: Store and Enjoy

1. Once fully dry, store your homemade orange candy in an airtight jar.
2. It lasts up to 2 weeks at room temperature or a month in the fridge.
3. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or garnishing desserts!
4. You’ve now mastered how to make candied orange peel perfectly every time!

Your Candied Orange Peel is ready to enjoy! 

🌟 Tips for Perfect Candied Orange Peel

1. Use Fresh Peels: Avoid dried or wrinkled oranges — freshness enhances aroma.
2. Don’t Rush Drying: Proper drying gives the perfect chewy-crisp texture.
3. Infuse Flavour: Add a splash of vanilla or cinnamon stick while simmering for extra depth.
4. Store Properly: Moisture will cause stickiness — ensure the peels are completely dry.
5. Gift Ready: Pack in mini glass jars, tie with a ribbon — the perfect zero-waste edible gift!

🍊 Variations You’ll Love

• Candied Lemon Peel: For a brighter, sharper citrus bite.
• Mixed Citrus Peel: Combine orange, grapefruit, and lime peels for a colourful mix.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
• Spiced Peel: Simmer with star anise, cloves, or cinnamon for holiday flair.

🍽️ Nutritional Information (Approximate per 30g Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Sugars	25 g
Fiber	2 g
Vitamin C	10% DV
Fat	0 g
Protein	0 g

🔗 Source: USDA FoodData Central – Orange↗
⚠️ Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on sugar type and orange size. This recipe is for educational purposes and not medical advice.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ How long does candied orange peel last?
👉Properly stored in an airtight container, candied orange peel lasts up to 2 weeks at room temperature or 1 month refrigerated.

❓ Can I freeze candied orange peel?
👉Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature before use.

❓ Why is my candied orange peel bitter?
👉Insufficient boiling — follow the three-boil rule when mastering how to make candied orange peel.

❓ Can I use other citrus peels?
👉Absolutely! Try lemons, tangerines, or grapefruits — all make wonderful variations of this recipe.

💫 Final Thoughts

Learning how to make candied orange peel is not just about creating a sweet treat — it’s about celebrating sustainability and creativity in your kitchen. You’re transforming what’s often discarded into something extraordinary, one orange at a time. 🍊🌍

Every chewy, zesty bite reminds you that great flavour doesn’t have to come with waste. So the next time you make fresh orange juice, save those peels and craft your own batch of candied orange peel (zero waste and full of joy!) ✨💚

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