Lemon Peel Sugar Recipes

LEMON-PEEL SUGAR

Steps:

• Remove the peel from the lemon in strips with a vegetable peeler (take care not to peel too deeply; leave the pith on the lemon). Put the peel in a container with the sugar, and shake to disperse. Let it sit for at least a full day before using.

CANDIED LEMON PEEL

Steps:

• Wash the lemons and dry them off.
• Cut off the ends, then slice down the lemon lengthwise to divide the outer peel into quarters. Now use your fingers to gently peel the lemons.
• Cut the peeled-off peels into fine strips and place them in a small-medium pot. Add around 1 cup of water so that the lemon peels are just covered and then bring the water to a boil. Boil the lemon peels for around 15 minutes while stirring them occasionally.
• Pour the contents of the pot through a strainer to drain the water and to capture the lemon peels. Rinse the pot and rinse the lemon peels under some water to cleanse them of some of the bitterness.
• Place the lemon peels back in the pot, add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Let the lemon peels simmer for around 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the water-sugar mixture becomes a thicker syrup. The lemon peels should also look slightly translucent.
• Remove the lemon peels from the pot and place them on a cooling rack. It's a good idea to put some parchment paper underneath the cooling rack to catch the sticky syrup drips. Separate the peels that are stuck together with two forks and let the lemon peels dry for around 24 hours until they are no longer sticky to the touch.
• Either place the strips into an airtight container for storage or cut them into small cubes if you plan on using them for baking (for example in Gingerbread cookies or German Stollen).

CANDIED LEMON PEELS

Steps:

• Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel from the lemon in vertical strips. Try to remove only the yellow zest, avoiding as much of the white pith as possible. Save the lemon for another use.
• In a small saucepan, combine the peels with 2 cups cold water. Bring to a boil, then drain off the water. Again add 2 cups cold water, bring to a boil, and drain. Repeat the process a third time, then remove the peels from the pan and set aside.
• Measure 2 cups of the sugar into the pan and add 1 cup water, whisking until the sugar dissolves. Add the peels and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the peels are tender and translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the peels and let cool.
• Measure the remaining 1/2 cup sugar into a medium bowl and add the peels. Toss to coat. Using a fork or your fingers, remove the peels one at time, gently shaking each to remove excess sugar. Store in an airtight container. The peels will keep for several weeks.

CANDIED LEMON PEEL

Steps:

• Cut lemons into slices about 1/4 inch thick and remove the fruit pulp. Cut the rings in half so the peels are in long strips.
• Bring water and lemon peel to a boil in a small pan. Drain water, and repeat with fresh cold water. Repeat the boiling step three times (see Editor's Note). Drain and set peels aside.
• Combine 2 cups fresh water with 2 cups sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce heat to low and stir in citrus peels; simmer until the white pith is translucent. Store peels in syrup, refrigerated, to keep them soft, or allow them to dry. Toss dry candied peels in additional sugar and store airtight at room temperature.