Candied Orange Peels

When you see this title your first thought is probably, “Is it really edible?”. Yes, candied orange peel is actually really delicious and tastes like candy.

As I was doing research on the history of candied orange peels, I found a lot of different sources saying different things. So here is what I know. Candied fruit dates back to Europe in the 15th century. While candied peel seems to have originated from the Arab culture, the act of using sugar to preserve food may have originated in China and Mesopotamia.

The Ingredients

• 13 large oranges (around 6 cups of sliced orange peels) 
• 1+1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2+1/2cup of water (this water will be used toward the end of the recipe)
• 2 cups of sugar
• sugar for rolling the orange peels in

Making the Candied Orange Peels

The first thing you will want to do is place your sliced orange peels in a pot. Then fill a pot with enough water so that when you add the peels, they are covered (this measurement doesn’t need to be precise). Your peels should be floating at the top of the water.

Now, bring your orange peels to a boil. This is to get rid any pith on the orange peels and to make them less bitter. Strain them and rinse them. Then repeat this step, covering the orange peels with water, bringing them to a boil, and then straining and rinse them.

 On the second boiling the orange peels should sink to the bottom of your pot, if they do not, boil them for a little longer.

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Next, place your orange peels back in your pot. Add the vanilla extract, the measured amount of water, and sugar to the pot. Boil for 30 min or until there is no water left in the pot.  

Carefully lay your orange peels on cooling racks and let them dry for approximately 24 hours.

Lastly, roll your orange peels in sugar and enjoy!

Click here for a free printable version of this recipe!