Candied Orange Peel 2.0 Recipe - Alton Brown (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to refrigerate candied orange peel? ›

Use candied orange peel to garnish desserts and beverages, as part of a cheese tray, etc. Store the dry candied orange peel in an airtight jar or container for up to 7 days at room temperature, or a month in the refrigerator.

Second, America's Test Kitchen claims that when the peel and pith are rubbed together, like when zesting, "acid and enzymes convert the peel's flavorless compounds into new ones with pronounced bitterness." The important take-away here is that you can leave the pith on when making candied orange peels.

The best part: the candied peels last for up to 3 months eat them candied or dip them in chocolate for an extra decadent treat. Save the orange-scented syrup to elevate pancakes, co*cktails, baked pears, French toast, or even fruit salad.

Candied Orange Peels are beautiful, festive, and are full of nutrients. The orange peel has more vitamin C than the actual fruit of the orange. Likewise, the fruit peel also has about three times as much the amount of Vitamin A, B-Complex, and minerals such as manganese, calcium, and zinc.

Bitter and sweet, fruity and chewy, candied orange peel is one of citrus season's under-appreciated treats. Whether spooned over ice cream, garnishing a fancy co*cktail or mocktail, drizzled over pancakes, or chopped and mixed into cookies or scones, they are as versatile as they are delicious.

It is better to freeze the peel before you candy it rather than after. You can clean the peel and cut it into whatever size sliver you are going to use, then freeze it.

Since it's nearly impossible to remove the pith completely, the best way to get the bitter out is blanching the zest three times, by dropping it into boiling water to release the bitterness, then shocking it with ice water to stop the cooking (and repeat, and repeat).

Paradise does not recommend freezing your candied fruit. It is generally not necessary since it lasts for 18 -24 months if kept in a cool dry place.

To rehydrate: Use 3 parts water to 1 part peel, let stand 15 minutes. Substitute 1/3 as much dry as recipe calls for.

Blanching peels

And those compounds dissolve in hot water, which is why blanching works so well. In fact, blanching reduces bitterness by 50%. Repeat the blanching step until the orange peels taste just slightly bitter. The bitterness won't disappear completely, but it should be tolerable.

Where do you store candied orange peels? ›

Candied orange peels can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. Larger batches can also be frozen in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Store with silica packets if you have any or homemade desiccants like dry rice to help absorb moisture.

The Orange Peel Theory is from a viral TikTok trend where you ask your partner to bring you an orange. ‍ If they bring it to you peeled and ready to eat, it indicates that they're thoughtful and caring. ‍ If they bring it to you with the rind still on, then they may not be as considerate as you were hoping.

Though studies have found the inner fruit of oranges to have very low or undetectable pesticide levels, the peels contain significantly higher amounts (14). Studies link chronic pesticide intake to negative health effects, including increased cancer risk and hormone dysfunction ( 15 , 16 ).

Healthline states that consuming large quantities of orange peel can cause an upset stomach, so be sure to eat it in moderation. Livestrong also notes that orange peel tastes bitter, so you may not want to eat it all at once.

Succade is the candied peel of any of the citrus species, especially from the citron or Citrus medica which is distinct with its extra-thick peel; in addition, the taste of the inner rind of the citron is less bitter than those of the other citrus.

Storing or freezing citrus peels for later use. You can store citrus peels in the refrigerator in a sealed container and they'll last a few days. Orange peels tend to get soggy faster than lemon peels.

Candied and Glace Fruit

Do not allow fruit to become frozen. During warm weather, the fruit should be placed in controlled cold storage at a temperature of 50-60 degrees F and relative humidity of about 60%. “Use by date” is located on the outside edge of the lid – under the tamper evident tape.

Storage Tips

Store your candied orange slices between layers of parchment paper; they'll keep in a cool, dry place for a few weeks without issue, or refrigerate in an airtight container.