Homemade Candied Orange Slices
Ingredients
- 3-4 oranges (about 1 lb)
- 500 grams (2 cups) granulated sugar
- 500 ml (2 cups) water
- Salt (for scrubbing)
- Baking soda (for scrubbing)
Preparation
Wash oranges with water. Scrub the oranges with salt and baking soda to remove chemical residues, then wash with water again. Use a bamboo skewer to poke small holes in the surface of the oranges.
Pre-boil the oranges in water to reduce bitterness: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the oranges and boil for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, place the oranges in a bowl of ice water until cooled. Drain. (Can repeat this step 1-2 more times to reduce more bitterness)
In another saucepan, combine 500 grams (2 cups) of sugar and 500 ml (2 cups) of water. Stir until combined, and heat until it boils, stirring occasionally.
Cut the oranges into slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick.
When the sugar mixture boils, reduce heat to medium-low. Place the orange slices in the sugar mixture and simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool for an hour.
After an hour, turn the heat to medium-low again and continue simmering the orange slices for 45-60 minutes until they become transparent, turning every 15 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Use a fork to remove the slices one at a time and set them onto a wire rack. Let them air-dry at a cool and dry place for 1-2 days, or dry them in the oven at 220°F for 20-30 minutes.
Tips
The candies should be crunchy, chewy, and sweet with citrus flavor.
Use candied oranges for garnishing many delicious desserts, quick breads, salads, making tea, and other foods.
