Don’t throw away orange peels anymore! 🍊 These bright, fragrant peels can be transformed into delicious homemade candied orange peel that kids absolutely love. This recipe is completely natural, packed with vitamin C, and made without any artificial color or essence. You can enjoy it as candy or use it in desserts like cakes, puddings, and ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made from orange peels that are usually wasted
- Naturally flavored and naturally colored
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Long shelf life
- Perfect for kids and dessert lovers
Ingredients
- Peels of 3 fresh oranges (thick white part)
- ½ cup sugar
- Juice of 1 orange (you may use water instead)
- Optional: powdered sugar or powdered sugar mixed with pistachio powder (for coating)
- Optional: Strawberry syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Peels
Wash the oranges thoroughly. Using a peeler, gently remove the thin outer colored skin if you want less bitterness. Cut off the top and bottom of the orange, then remove the thick white peel. The orange fruit can be used separately—we only need the peels.
Cut the thick peels into long, thin strips. You can cut them round, but thin strips give a more candy-like look and texture.
Step 2: Boil to Remove Bitterness
Place the peel strips in a pan and boil them in water until they become soft. Once boiled, drain all the water completely. This water contains bitterness, so make sure to discard it.
Step 3: Cook in Sugar Syrup
Add the boiled peels to a pan along with ½ cup sugar. Pour in the fresh orange juice. Using juice instead of water enhances flavor and gives a beautiful natural color.
Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally. No extra water is needed. Let it cook until almost all the liquid evaporates and only 1–2 tablespoons of thick syrup remain.
Turn off the heat and remove the peels from the pan.
Tip: The leftover syrup is delicious—add some water and enjoy it as a refreshing orange sharbat!
Step 4: Dry the Candies
Spread the cooked peels on a strainer, wire rack, or plate lined with parchment or polythene. A strainer works best as air can circulate from both sides.
Let them air-dry for 4–5 hours. You can place them in sunlight for a short time or simply leave them in shade. The candies should be dry but still slightly sticky—not completely hard.
Step 5: Final Coating (Optional)
Once dried, roll the candied peels in powdered sugar or powdered sugar mixed with pistachio powder. This step is optional but adds extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
If you want to make it to celebrate Valentine’s Day, dip half stripes into strawberry syrup before coating in granulated sugar.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container
- Keeps well for a long time since no water is used in the syrup
- Refrigeration is optional but helps extend freshness
How to Use Candied Orange Peel
- Eat it like candy after meals
- Add to cakes, cookies, and muffins
- Mix into puddings or ice cream
- Use as a topping for desserts
- Recipe Notes
Removing the thin outer peel reduces bitterness and gives a lighter color
Keeping the outer peel gives a deeper color and stronger orange flavor
Both methods are delicious—choose what you prefer!
Homemade candied orange peel is a simple, flavorful way to reduce food waste and create a healthy, natural treat. Once you try it, you’ll never throw away orange peels again!
Happy cooking! 🍊✨