Homemade lemon and orange slices are a delicious treat that adds a sweet and citrusy twist to your desserts and cocktails. Start by scrubbing and slicing the fruits, then boil them briefly to reduce bitterness. Simmer them in a sugar syrup, dry them out, and coat with sugar for a delightful finish. These vibrant slices not only taste great but also make stunning garnishes. Keep going to uncover tips for perfecting your candied citrus skills!
History
The practice of candying citrus fruits like lemon and orange slices has deep historical roots, stemming from ancient civilizations that needed effective preservation methods for long-term food storage.
In medieval Europe, candied citrus became a luxury item, often serving as a status symbol at banquets and special occasions. The arrival of sugar from the New World in the 16th century transformed the popularity of candied fruits, leading to their widespread use in confectionery.
During the Victorian era, candied citrus slices became staples in holiday treats and cake decorations.
Today, you can appreciate homemade candied citrus for their vibrant appearance and concentrated flavor, as they enhance everything from cocktails to desserts, showcasing a rich history that continues to delight.
Recipe
Making homemade candied lemon and orange slices is a delightful process that transforms fresh citrus into a sweet treat perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or adding a zesty touch to cocktails. The key to achieving the right balance of sweetness and flavor lies in the careful preparation of the citrus peels. By scrubbing the skin clean and slicing the fruit thinly, you'll ensure that the natural flavors shine through.
Transform fresh citrus into delightful candied slices, perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or adding a zesty touch to cocktails.
The initial boiling in a salt and baking soda solution helps to reduce any bitterness, setting the stage for a perfectly sweetened final product. After boiling, the citrus slices are cooled in an ice bath before being simmered in a rich sugar syrup. This simmering process allows the slices to absorb the sweetness while maintaining their vibrant color and texture.
Once the slices have dried and been coated with granulated sugar and citric acid, they can be stored to enjoy at your convenience. Whether you choose to share them with friends or keep them all for yourself, these candied slices are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 medium lemons
- 2 medium oranges
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (for sugar syrup)
- 1 tablespoon citric acid (for coating)
Cooking Instructions
Begin by scrubbing the lemons and oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt. Slice the fruits into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, salt, and baking soda, and bring to a boil. Add the citrus slices to the boiling solution and cook for about 5-7 minutes. After boiling, transfer the slices to an ice bath to cool for a few minutes.
In a separate pot, prepare a sugar syrup by combining 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water, and bring it to a simmer. Add the cooled citrus slices and let them simmer gently for about 60 minutes.
Once the slices are tender and have absorbed the syrup, remove them from the pot and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to dry for 24-48 hours until they feel slightly tacky, then coat them in a mixture of granulated sugar and citric acid before storing.
Extra Tips
When experimenting with different citrus varieties, such as limes or grapefruits, be mindful of the boiling time, as some fruits may require less time to reduce bitterness.
Additionally, if you prefer a more intense flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or star anise to the sugar syrup. Store the finished candied slices in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Enjoy your homemade candied citrus slices as a delightful snack or a charming addition to your favorite recipes!
Cooking Steps
To start making your homemade lemon and orange slices, slice the citrus into thin rounds for the best texture.
Then, simmer those slices in a sweet sugar syrup to enhance their flavor.
Once they're cooked, cool them on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar and arranging on parchment paper.
Step 1. Slice Citrus Into Thin Rounds
Grab a sharp knife or mandoline and prepare to slice your lemons and oranges into thin, uniform rounds.
Start by scrubbing the citrus thoroughly to remove any pesticides or wax, ensuring a clean surface for preparation. Cut off one end of the fruit to create a stable base, which helps maintain control while you slice.
Thinly slice the citrus directly across the fruit, aiming for a uniform thickness of about ⅙ inch (4mm). This not only looks appealing but also ensures even drying.
If you're working with larger batches, consider slicing in sections to keep consistency in size.
Enjoy those beautiful orange slices and lemon rounds as a delightful addition to your recipes!
Step 2. Simmer in Sugar Syrup
After boiling the citrus peels for 20 minutes, drain them and mix with a sugar syrup made from 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water.
Bring the mixture to a boil until it reaches thread stage at 230°F (108°C). Once it's ready, simmer the boiled peels in the sugar syrup for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they're well coated and absorb the syrup.
After simmering, drain the peels again to remove excess syrup. Roll them in granulated sugar for added sweetness.
Allow the coated peels to dry on a wire rack for several hours. Properly dried candied citrus peels can be stored in an airtight container for several months, keeping their flavor and texture intact.
Step 3. Cool on Wire Rack
Once you've drained the citrus slices to remove excess syrup, it's time to arrange them on a wire rack.
Lay the slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This arrangement promotes even air circulation, which is crucial for the cooling process.
Allow the citrus to cool completely on the wire rack for several hours. This step helps achieve the desired texture while preventing moisture buildup, keeping the slices firm rather than tacky.
Once the slices are dried to your liking, store them in an airtight container. This will help preserve their flavor and texture for several months, allowing you to enjoy your homemade lemon and orange slices whenever you'd like!
Step 4. Dust With Powdered Sugar
To give your candied citrus slices a delightful finish, start by preparing a coating mixture. Combine powdered sugar with a pinch of citric acid to enhance the sweet and tangy flavor.
Make sure your dried lemon and orange slices are completely cool before dusting with powdered sugar; this prevents clumping and ensures an even coating. Use a fine mesh sieve or sifter to evenly distribute the powdered sugar over the citrus slices for that light, delicate finish.
Allow the coated slices to rest for a few minutes so the powdered sugar adheres properly. Finally, store the dusted citrus slices in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to maintain their texture and prevent moisture absorption. Enjoy!
Step 5. Arrange on Parchment Paper
While preparing your citrus slices for drying, it's essential to arrange them in a single layer on baking trays lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even drying.
Place your orange slices at least ½ inch apart on the baking sheet with parchment to promote adequate airflow and heat circulation during the drying process.
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to achieve consistent thickness of about ⅙ inch (4mm) for optimal results.
Don't forget to turn the trays halfway through drying to avoid browning.
Once dried, let the citrus slices cool completely on the parchment paper before transferring them to airtight containers for storage. This way, you'll preserve their freshness for future use!
Final Thoughts
Creating homemade lemon and orange slices can be a rewarding culinary adventure, especially when you see how versatile they're in your kitchen. You can easily transform fresh citrus into delightful garnishes or flavorings for drinks.
The process involves boiling your slices to reduce bitterness, then simmering them in a sugar syrup made with 1 cup of sugar and a cup of water. Just remember to keep the heat at a medium level to avoid burning.
Once ready, place them on parchment paper to cool. Storing them in an airtight container ensures they stay fresh for months.
Don't hesitate to experiment with different fruits like limes or blood oranges; each one offers a unique taste that can enhance your creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make Lemon and Orange?
To make lemon and orange, you start by selecting fresh fruits from your local market.
Wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticides.
Next, slice them evenly, ensuring you have consistent pieces for cooking or garnishing.
If you're planning to use them in a recipe, consider zesting the peels first for added flavor.
How to Dry Orange and Lemon Slices for Decoration?
To dry orange and lemon slices for decoration, start by slicing the fruit into thin, even pieces.
Preheat your oven to a low temperature between 170-200°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer, making sure they're spaced apart.
Bake them for 2-6 hours, flipping every couple of hours until they're firm and completely dry.
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to preserve their beauty.
Can You Put Oranges and Lemons Together?
Yes, you can definitely put oranges and lemons together! They dehydrate well side by side since they've similar drying times.
Just make sure you slice them uniformly for even drying. Combining their flavors enhances dishes, balancing the sweetness of oranges with the tartness of lemons.
Plus, they look great together, adding vibrant color to your creations. Store them in an airtight container after drying, and they'll stay fresh for months.
Is It Good to Mix Lemon and Orange?
Mixing lemon and orange is like blending sunshine and rain; it creates a refreshing burst of flavor.
You'll find that the sweetness of oranges balances the tartness of lemons beautifully.
This combination not only enhances your dishes but also boosts their nutritional value, packing in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Whether you're whipping up a drink or adding zest to a recipe, you'll discover that these two fruits complement each other perfectly.
