Print Options:

Candied Citrus Peels





Total Time
2 hrs




Dry Time
2 days




Total Time
2 days 2 hrs

Blanching the peels three times helps remove their bitterness. The peels are delicious on their own, but dipping them in chocolate makes them extra-special.

su-Candied Citrus Peels




Photo: Yunhee Kim; Styling: Kelli Ronci
 1 pink grapefruit
 2 oranges
 2 lemons
 3 1/2 cups sugar, divided
Step 1
1

Score grapefruit, oranges, and lemons through peel from top to bottom in 6 sections for grapefruit and 4 for oranges and lemons (don't cut into fruit.) Pull off strips of peel with your fingers. Slide a small, sharp knife along inside of peels to remove excess membrane so peels are about 1/4 in. thick. Cut peels lengthwise into strips about 1/2 in. wide in center and tapered on ends.

Step 2
2

Put peels in a 3- to 4-qt. saucepan and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, then drain. Repeat twice more.

Step 3
3

Refill pan with 2 1/2 cups water and 2 1/2 cups sugar; bring to a boil, making sure that sugar dissolves. Add peels and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until peels turn translucent and syrup begins to form bigger bubbles, about 1 1/2 hours.

Step 4
4

Drain peels, saving syrup for other uses (such as topping pancakes) if you like. Spread peels on a nonreactive cooling rack set on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let peels dry overnight.

Step 5
5

Put remaining 1 cup sugar in a bowl and toss peels in sugar by the handful, shaking off excess. Put peels on a clean baking sheet and let them dry 1 more day.

Step 6
6

Serve peels plain or dipped in chocolate.*

Step 7
7

*Melt 10 oz. chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate in a small pan over barely simmering water. Dip peels halfway into chocolate; set on baking sheets lined with waxed paper. Chill until set, about 30 minutes.

Step 8
8

Make ahead: Up to 3 months, chilled airtight.

Step 9
9

Box it: Crystal clear boxes, from $2 5/25; clearbags.com

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 96Calories from Fat 0.0
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.0g0%

Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 27mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 25g9%

Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
Protein 0.0g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.