How to Make Delicious Candied Oranges at Home

Are you a fan of sweet treats with a citrusy twist? If so, then you’re in for a treat! Candied oranges are a delicious and refreshing snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. But, do you know how to prepare this delicacy in the comfort of your own home? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think! In this article, we’ll show you how to make candied oranges step by step, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

To make candied oranges, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, such as sugar, water, and of course, oranges. The first step is to slice the oranges into thin rounds, making sure to remove any seeds. Then, you’ll need to blanch the orange slices to remove any bitterness. After that, it’s time to mix the sugar and water in a saucepan and boil until the sugar has dissolved, before adding the orange slices and simmering for up to an hour. The result? Soft, sweet and tangy candied oranges that will leave your taste buds wanting more. So, let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Oranges

When choosing oranges for candying, it is important to select ones that are firm and fresh. Oranges that are too soft may not hold their shape during the candying process and could break apart. The size of the oranges is also important – smaller oranges tend to work better as they can be easily sliced into even rounds.

Preparation and Slicing

To prepare the oranges for candying, wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, slice the oranges into thin, even rounds. A sharp knife is key here, as it will help to create slices that are all the same thickness and size. If you have one, a mandoline slicer works even better, as it can help to create slices that are ultra-thin.

Blanching the Orange Slices

Before the candying process can begin, it is recommended to blanch the orange slices in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to help remove any bitterness and soften the rind. Once the oranges have been blanched, remove them from the water and let them cool for a few minutes.

Making the Syrup

While the orange slices are cooling, it is time to start making the syrup that will be used to candy them. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar. For every cup of sugar, add one cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.

Adding Flavoring to the Syrup

While the syrup is heating up, you can add some additional flavorings to it to enhance the taste of the candied oranges. A splash of orange extract, a cinnamon stick, or even a few cloves can all be added to the pot to give the syrup a deliciously unique taste.

Candying the Orange Slices

Once the syrup is ready, it is time to add the orange slices. Carefully place the orange slices in the syrup, making sure that each slice is completely submerged. Let the slices cook over medium-low heat for an hour, stirring occasionally to ensure that each slice is coated with the syrup.

Draining and Drying the Orange Slices

After an hour of cooking, remove the orange slices from the syrup using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a wire rack to dry, allowing the excess syrup to drain off. Let the orange slices dry completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Serving

Candied oranges can be served in a variety of ways. They can be eaten on their own as a sweet and tangy snack, added to fruit salads for an extra burst of flavor, or used as a decorative garnish on cakes and desserts.

Storing Candied Oranges

Candied oranges should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for several weeks if stored properly. If you want to extend their shelf life even further, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Conclusion

Making candied oranges is surprisingly easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. From selecting the right oranges to preparing the syrup and cooking the slices, each step in the process is important to ensure that you end up with perfect, delicious candied oranges. Whether you’re snacking on them, serving them at a party, or using them to decorate desserts, candied oranges are a fun and flavorful addition to any recipe.

Delving into the Details of Making Candied Oranges

Candied oranges are a tasty delight that can be prepared effortlessly in your kitchen. Although the process is simple, it still requires precision, attention, and patience in all the steps to achieve the best result. In this section, we’ll delve deeper into the details of making candied oranges, explore the tips and tricks that make the process seamless, and reveal some exciting variations to enhance the flavors.

1. Choosing the right oranges

Before you commence the candying process, it is crucial to select the right oranges. Go for navel oranges or clementines since they have fewer seeds, thinner membranes, and firmer flesh. Ensure that the oranges are ripe and unblemished for the best flavor.

2. Wash and Cleanse the oranges

Wash and clean the oranges thoroughly in running water to remove any dirt and impurities. Dry them using a clean kitchen towel.

3. Cutting the oranges

Cut the oranges into even slices using a sharp knife. You can choose to cut them horizontally or vertically. Regardless of the direction you choose, ensure the cuts are consistent to ensure even cooking.

4. Blanching the first time

Blanching the oranges helps to soften the skin and eliminate some of the bitterness. In a large pot, boil water then add the orange slices. Let them boil for two to three minutes, then drain the water and rinse the orange slices in ice-cold water. Drain them then repeat the process two more times.

5. Candying syrup preparation

While the orange slices are blanching, it’s time to prepare the candying syrup. In a separate pan, mix equal parts of sugar and water, then add orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves for enhanced flavor. Stir the mixture and let it boil for five minutes.

6. Candying the oranges

Place the blanched orange slices in the pan with the candying syrup. Ensure they are fully submerged in the syrup. Boil for around one hour or until the syrup thickens and adheres to the oranges. Stir the oranges every ten minutes to prevent them from sticking together.

7. Drying and coating the oranges

Remove the oranges from the syrup and place them on a wire drying rack to cool for several hours. Once dry, lightly coat them with sugar to add sweetness and give them a glossy appearance.

8. Serving Suggestions

Candied oranges can be enjoyed in various ways. Sprinkle them on salads, top yogurt, mix into ice cream, or serve on their own as a sweet treat after meals.

9. Variations

The recipe for candied oranges is versatile, and it’s easy to add your own twist to it. You could add flavors such as vanilla extract, star anise, or lavender for a unique taste.

10. Storage

Candied oranges can last for a month if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.

Follow these simple tips and steps, and you will have delicious and perfectly candied oranges that will excite your taste buds. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!

The Process of Making Candied Oranges

Candied oranges are easy to make at home, requiring just a few ingredients and some patience. Here is a detailed step-by-step process of making candied oranges.

Ingredients

Preparation

1. Cut Oranges: Wash the oranges and slice them into uniform thin slices. Remove any seeds or white pith that may remain.

2. Boil the Oranges: In a large saucepan, add the sliced oranges and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and drain the water.

3. Repeat Boiling: Repeat the boiling process two more times, draining the water after each boil. This step helps to remove the bitterness in the oranges and also softens the rind.

4. Make the Syrup: In a clean saucepan, add sugar, water and lemon juice. Mix well and heat on medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Add the Oranges: Add the boiled oranges to the syrup mixture and ensure that the oranges are coated well.

Candying Process

6. Reduce Heat: Reduce the heat to low and let the oranges simmer gently in the syrup for about 45-50 minutes. Do not stir the mixture, ensure the oranges are submerged in the syrup, and that they’re not sticking to the bottom of the pan.

7. Test Syrup: To check if the oranges are ready, use a fork to lift a slice out of the syrup. Set it on a plate and let it cool to room temperature. The syrup should have hardened, and the oranges should be sticky but not syrupy.

8. Dry the Candied Oranges: When the oranges are ready, turn off the heat and let them cool in the syrup for 10-15 minutes. Then take them out of the syrup and place them on a wire rack to dry overnight. Or you can also place them on a baking sheet line with parchment paper and dry them in the oven at 200°F for about an hour.

Storage

9. Store: Once the candied oranges have dried, you can store them in an airtight container.

Uses of Candied Oranges

Candied oranges can be used in a variety of ways. They can be served as a snack, an ingredient in salads, cakes, and cocktails. Their tangy sweet taste adds a unique flavor to any dish, making them a fantastic addition to any recipe that needs a little bit of brightness. With this recipe, you can now make candied oranges from the comfort of your own home, so get creative and enjoy experimenting with them in different recipes!

Wrap it up and Enjoy!

Now you know how easy it is to make your own candied oranges! You can eat them on their own or top them off on your favorite desserts. Don’t forget to store them properly, so they will stay fresh longer. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you again soon! Happy cooking!