How to Make Candied Citrus Peel: How to Make Candied Orange Peel

Candied orange peel is something unique and special that any ingenious cook can make. It is easy to make and quite tasty. Children love the taste of it, too.  

Candied peel can add a wonderful, different and unique flavor to cakes or cookies, at any time of the year. It may not be something that you can purchase in your local grocery store, even though there are other, different kinds of candied peel that you can buy, particularly around the holiday season.

Do you remember the different kinds of peel that usually go in Christmas cake? One of those is candied orange peel.

How can you make candied orange peel from scratch?

First, you will need fresh oranges. January and February are excellent months to make candied peel, particularly candied orange peel, because the oranges have thick peels, at that time of year. These peels are easy to remove. So begin by purchasing oranges that have a thick peel. Peel the oranges and enjoy eating them.

Save the orange peel in a plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to candy the orange peel, chop it into small pieces, using a sharp knife. Rinse the pieces of orange peel well  with fresh water.  Because oranges are sprayed with insecticides or fungicides, it is a good idea to boil the peel in water and drain it several times, before attempting to candy it. After boiling the orange peel, rinse it thoroughly again and set it aside.

Now, place a small pat of butter in your pan. Allow it to melt and then add a cup of sugar. Do not allow it to burn. Let it come to a full boil and then, add the orange peel. The butter should keep the orange peel from sticking to the pan. Stir continually, until all of the moisture has disappeared from the pan. The peel should be well coated and soft. It should also taste candy-like. Remove the candied peel from the heat and allow it to cool.

When the candied peel is cool, place it in a container that can be sealed. It will store well in the cupboard or the refrigerator. Note that other kinds of citrus peel candy well, also and can add other, wonderful flavors to your baking.

There is an added advantage to candied orange peel. It contains Vitamin K, which is a blood thinner.

Enjoy your new candied peel in your baking.Your family and friends certainly will!