Candied peels of wonder (2024)

Candied peels of wonder (1)

Citrus cake

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Candied peels have long been used as a common flavourful addition to cakes. Its history dates back to Arab culture. Arab chefs widely used them as sweet treats in banquets. Eventually, they reached the West where they were generously used in cakes like the Italian Panettone and have since found a permanent home in the European pantry. The method of preserving food using sugar or honey was an ancient technique followed by people in China and Mesopotamia for various cakes and other dishes to use the intense flavour of the citrus fruit but the world has embraced this food and used it not only in sweet but savoury dishes too. The peel of the orange has more vitamins than the fruit itself, that might be one of the reasons the candied peel came into existence. The fruit peel has Vitamin C in abundance and also has a good amount of Vitamin A, B complex and minerals like manganese, calcium and zinc.

(The writer is the author of the cookbook Manna: Your Guide to Indian & Continental Cooking which is a result of her culinary journey during which she documented some of the most sought-after heritage recipes of India and elsewhere.)

Bittersweet memories

Using vegetables or fruits from peel to seed was the philosophy of our Indian kitchens long before it became a fad. Be it the not-so-tender methi stems devoured as a crispy treat my Maharashtrian colleagues shared, or the super crispy potato peel pakoras enjoyed over a gossip session with my Bengali friends, we at home always had two jam bottles containing candied orange peels alongside brined lemon peels to snack on. Recently, when I bought oranges which turned out to be more peel than fruit, I turned them into candied peels and baked a pound cake which got devoured instantly.

Citrus cake

Ingredients

Maida: 240 grams
Butter: 240 grams
Sugar: 240 grams
Eggs: 4
Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
Vanilla essence: 1/2 tsp
Candied orange peel: 100 grams
Milk: As required

Method

Sieve the flour and baking powder twice.
Cream the butter and sugar.
Add the peel and mix.
Beat the eggs separately and add to the creamed mixture gradually.
Fold in the sifted flour.
Pour the batter into a lined cake tin.
Bake in a preheated oven at 160 degrees for 30 minutes.

One ingredient, one recipe

This column celebrates food and explores the possibility of forming an invisible chain that will bind us together as a family. Readers can send us a unique recipe that has either a childhood memory attached to it or even a food philosophy. We will hand-pick one unique recipe and publish it along with this column the following month. Please share your recipe and story in 300 words with “Food Family: Love” mentioned in the subject line to dhonsunday@deccanherald.co.in by January 2.

Candied peels of wonder (2024)

FAQs

Do candied orange peels need to be refrigerated? ›

That said, you don't have to can this recipe, it'll keep perfectly well in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer for longer. And since it's a pretty small batch (it makes about 2 cups worth), I think you'll find you'll have no difficulty using that amount within that time period.

How long does candied peel last? ›

Will keep for 6-8 weeks in a cool, dry place.

Why are my candied orange peels bitter? ›

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.

What can I do with leftover syrup from candied oranges? ›

Save Your Leftover Orange Syrup and Oranges!

It can replace simple syrup in co*cktails, mocktails, and lemonade. You can also use it to replace honey or maple syrup on pancakes, baked pears, French toast, or even fruit salad. After cooking, the orange syrup is quite concentrated and sweet.

Are candied orange peels healthy? ›

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.

How do you rehydrate candied orange peel? ›

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

Can you freeze orange peel to candy later? ›

Do Ahead: Orange peels can be candied 1 month ahead. Store airtight at room temperature, or freeze up to 2 months.

Can you boil orange peels and drink it? ›

To make orange peel tea, just combine fresh or dried orange peels and water in a pot with a lid, bring to a boil, and then remove from the heat. Allow the orange peels to steep for an hour or more before straining and discarding the used peels,” she said, sharing another method of making this tea.

Does candied lemon peel go bad? ›

Candied peels will last for months, especially if you dust them in sugar. They'd make a super fun homemade food gift for the holidays… put them in a pretty Mason jar with a ribbon and a tag.

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.

How do you soften candied peels? ›

Cover the peels with cold water in a large non-reactive saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to ensure that all the peels are heated through. Strain and repeat two more times to remove the bitter flavor from the pith and to soften the peels.

Why am I craving orange peels? ›

Craving orange peel could be sign of some mineral deficiency.

Should you refrigerate candied orange? ›

If you put them in an airtight container, they will absorb moisture and get stickier. You can also toss the sticky slices with a few coats of granulated sugar to make them less sticky as well. Candied orange slices will keep at room temperature for 2 weeks, refrigerated for up to a month, or frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I do with old cutie oranges? ›

Other than eating and juicing, here are 13 more fun ways to use 'em Mandarin Oranges up before they rot!
  1. Make Mandarin Orange Jam. Get the recipe on Guai Shu Shu.
  2. Bake Mandarin Orange Steamed Sponge Cake. ...
  3. Bake Citrus Olive Oil Cake. ...
  4. Make Mandarin Orange Smoothie. ...
  5. Decorate your smoothie bowl.

Can dogs have oranges? ›

Oranges can be a healthy snack for dogs, but serving large amounts of them can cause potential harm. Seedless navel oranges are preferable, but dogs can eat all kinds of oranges, including blood oranges, Bergamot oranges, clementines and more.

Does candied fruit need to be refrigerated after opening? ›

Answer: According to a spokesperson at the Ultimate Nut & Candy Co., if the fruit is placed in a closed plastic bag and stored in a cool place, such as the bottom of your refrigerator, it should retain its quality for a year.

Are candied oranges shelf stable? ›

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

Do you refrigerate orange peels? ›

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. In experiments I found that orange peels lasted 1 day at maximum crispness, while lemon peels could go at least 2-3 days.

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