How to Make Candied Orange: A Sweet and Tangy Treat

If you’re looking for a unique and tasty treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than candied oranges! These delicious treats are easy to make at home and can be enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into various desserts.

To make candied oranges, all you need are some fresh oranges, sugar, and water. The process involves boiling the oranges in a sugar and water mixture until the liquid is reduced and the oranges are coated in a delightful candy-like coating. The end result is a sweet and zesty treat that is sure to impress anyone who tries them. So, let’s dive into the steps and make some candied oranges at home!

Section: How to Make Candied Oranges

Gather Your Ingredients

Before beginning the process of making candied oranges, you must gather all the ingredients. The list includes 3-4 fresh oranges, 2 cups of white granulated sugar, and 2 cups of water. Besides, you must have a heavy-bottomed pot, a sharp knife, and a simmer rack.

Prepare Your Oranges

Wash oranges with lukewarm water and dry them with a towel. Use a sharp knife to cut off the ends of each orange. After that, place each orange on a cutting board and make a series of slits on the skin. The slits should be approximately ¼ inch apart.

Blanch the Oranges

Set a pot of water to boil. When the water reaches boiling point, add the oranges to the pot. Let them blanch for 1 minute, then remove them from the pot using tongs and cool them under cold running water.

Make the Syrup

Combine 2 cups of sugar with 2 cups of water in a heavy-bottomed pot. Place the pot on the stovetop and heat over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the sugar dissolves, increase the heat to high and bring the syrup to a rolling boil.

Candy the Oranges

Once the syrup reaches the desired consistency, decrease the heat to medium. Then place the blanched oranges into the syrup one by one. Cover the pot and let the oranges simmer for about an hour. During this time, turn occasionally to ensure both sides are candied.

Remove the Oranges

Use tongs to gently take out the candied oranges from the syrup. Once you have removed all the oranges, set them aside on a wire rack to cool.

Reduce the Syrup

After removing the oranges, increase the heat to high and reduce the remaining syrup. Stir the syrup constantly with a wooden spoon until it becomes thick and amber in color.

Coat the Oranges with Sugar

Sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar over the oranges, coating all sides evenly. Let the oranges cool for about 30 minutes until the sugar forms a crust.

Store Your Candied Oranges

Place your candied oranges into an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and use them as desired.

Enjoy Your Candied Oranges

Now that your candied oranges are ready, you can enjoy them. Add them to your favorite desserts or eat as a delicious snack. Your candied oranges are a perfect treat to serve to your family or guests.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Candied Oranges

Candied oranges are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. Making candied oranges at home is easy, and with a few simple steps, you can have a batch of sweet, sticky treats ready to enjoy.

1. Choose Your Oranges

The first step to making candied oranges is to choose the right oranges. You will want to choose oranges that are firm and unblemished. Navel oranges are a good choice because they have a thick skin, which will help them hold up to the cooking process.

2. Slice Your Oranges

Once you have selected your oranges, the next step is to slice them into thin rounds. Use a sharp knife to cut the oranges into slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. Be sure to remove any seeds as you go.

3. Boil the Orange Slices

After you have sliced your oranges, the next step is to boil them. Place the orange slices in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the oranges simmer for about 15 minutes.

4. Drain and Rinse the Orange Slices

Once the orange slices have simmered for 15 minutes, it’s time to drain and rinse them. Use a colander to drain the oranges and then rinse them under cold water. This will help remove any bitterness from the oranges.

5. Make the Syrup

With the orange slices rinsed and drained, it’s time to make the syrup. In a separate pot, combine sugar and water and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the orange slices.

6. Simmer the Orange Slices in Syrup

Let the oranges simmer in the syrup for about an hour, or until the syrup thickens and the oranges become translucent. Be sure to stir the oranges occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

7. Remove the Orange Slices from the Syrup

Once the oranges are translucent and the syrup has thickened, use a slotted spoon to remove the orange slices from the syrup. Place the slices on a wire rack to cool and dry.

8. Store Your Candied Oranges

Once your candied oranges have cooled and dried, they are ready to store. You can store candied oranges in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

9. Use Candied Oranges in Recipes

Candied oranges are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. They are great in baked goods like cakes and cookies, and they can also be used in savory dishes like salads and marinades.

10. Experiment with Different Flavors

Once you have mastered the art of making candied oranges, you can experiment with different flavors. Try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to the syrup to give your candied oranges a unique flavor. You can also add a splash of orange liqueur or brandy to the syrup for an added kick. The possibilities are endless!

How to Make Candied Orange: The Process

Now that you have gathered the ingredients and prepared your workstation, it’s time to start making your candied orange. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delightful treat.

Step 1: Preparing the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly and slice them into round pieces, about ¼ inch thick. Remove the seeds and set aside.

Step 2: Blanching the Orange Slices

Blanching the oranges is a crucial step in the process of making candied oranges. This step removes the bitterness and helps to soften the orange slices. To blanch the orange slices, put them in a large pot of boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then drain and rinse them with cold water.

Step 3: Cooking the Orange Slices

In a separate pot, combine water and sugar in a ratio of 1:1. Add the blanched orange slices and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours. Make sure you stir occasionally to prevent the oranges from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Drying the Orange Slices

Once the orange slices have become translucent and the syrup has thickened, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Using tongs, remove the orange slices from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to dry. You can speed up the drying process by placing the rack in the oven at a low temperature of around 100°F.

Step 5: Storing the Candied Orange

Once the orange slices have completely dried, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for several months. You can also use the leftover syrup as a sweetener for your drinks or desserts.

That’s it, you now have a batch of delicious candied oranges that you can enjoy on their own or use as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Experiment with different variations by adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom, or by using other citrus fruits like lemons or grapefruits. With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless with this delightful treat!

Thanks for reading! Come back soon for more delicious recipes

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make candied oranges as much as I enjoyed sharing this recipe with you. Making candied oranges at home is a great way to add a touch of sweetness to your desserts or to enjoy a simple, yet flavorful snack. Don’t forget to share your own delicious creations with your loved ones and come back soon to check out more mouth-watering recipes!