🍋 Candied Lemon Peel
A Bright, Citrusy Treat Made from Scratch
🍋 Homemade candied lemon peel — bright, sweet, and wonderfully tart!
📌 In This Article
🍋 Why Make Candied Lemon Peel?
"Candied lemon peel is a bright, citrusy treat that's perfect for baking, snacking, or gifting." 🍋✨
If you loved making candied orange peel, you'll adore this candied lemon peel recipe. Lemons bring a bright, tart, and refreshing flavor that's perfect for those who prefer a slightly tangier candy.
Like its orange counterpart, this recipe uses just three ingredients — lemons, sugar, and water — and a little patience. The result is a sunny, jewel-like candy that's perfect for adding a pop of citrus to your desserts, gifts, or afternoon tea.
💬 The perfect pair: Make both orange and lemon peels for a beautiful citrus gift basket!
📦 Ingredients
- 🍋 6 large lemons (organic, thick-skinned)
- 🍬 4 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 💧 3 cups water
*Makes about 3-4 cups of candied lemon peel
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peels
Cut the peel on each lemon into 4 vertical segments. Remove each segment (including the white pith) in one piece. Cut the peel into ¼-inch-wide strips.
Step 2: Blanch the Peels
Cook the lemon strips in a large pot of boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Repeat this process two more times (3 times total) to remove bitterness from the white pith.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of sugar and 3 cups of water to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Step 4: Cook the Peels
Add the blanched lemon peels to the syrup. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the peels are translucent and very soft, about 45-60 minutes. Drain the peels.
Step 5: Coat with Sugar
Toss the cooked peels with 1 cup of sugar on a rimmed baking sheet, separating the strips. Lift the peels from the sugar and transfer them to a sheet of foil or a wire rack.
Step 6: Dry
Let the coated peels stand until the coating is dry, about 1 to 2 days. Store in an airtight container.
💡 Pro Tip: Lemon peels are more bitter than orange peels, so the extra blanching steps are essential for a sweet, pleasant flavor!
✨ Pro Tips for Perfect Candied Lemon Peel
- Choose organic lemons: Since you're eating the peel, organic is best to avoid pesticides.
- Blanch three times: Lemon pith is more bitter than orange. Three blanches ensure a sweet, pleasant flavor.
- Save the lemon juice: Use the lemon juice for lemonade, dressings, or marinades.
- Don't rush the drying: The 1-2 day drying time is essential for the perfect texture.
- Save the syrup: The leftover syrup is perfect for cocktails, lemonade, or drizzling over desserts.
🍰 Ways to Enjoy Your Candied Lemon Peel
Chocolate Dipped
Dip in melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant, gourmet treat.
In Baking
Chop and add to lemon loaf, scones, or holiday cookies for a burst of citrus.
Coffee or Tea
Drop a strip into your tea or use as a stir stick for a lemony twist.
Gift Giving
Package with orange peels in a pretty jar for a beautiful citrus gift basket.
🍊🍋 Orange vs. Lemon Candied Peel
| Characteristic | Orange Peel | Lemon Peel |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet, mild citrus | Bright, tart, zesty |
| Bitterness | Low (1 blanch) | Higher (3 blanches) |
| Best Uses | Snacking, fruitcakes | Baking, tea, lemon desserts |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why do lemon peels need to be blanched three times?
Lemon pith is more bitter than orange pith. Three blanches ensure your candied lemon peel is sweet, not bitter.
❓ Can I use Meyer lemons?
Yes! Meyer lemons are sweeter and less tart, so you may only need 1-2 blanches.
❓ How long do candied lemon peels last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they last about 2-3 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
❓ What should I do with the leftover lemon syrup?
Use it in lemonade, cocktails, or drizzle it over pancakes and cakes.
❓ Can I use this recipe for other citrus?
Yes! Grapefruit, lime, or orange all work beautifully with this method.
❓ Why did my peels turn out tough?
They may not have cooked long enough in the syrup. Simmer until they are very soft and translucent.
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ CANDIED LEMON PEEL ║
║ A Bright, Citrusy Treat ║
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YIELD: 3-4 cups | TIME: 1-2 days
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 large lemons (organic, thick-skinned)
- 4 cups sugar (divided)
- 3 cups water
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cut peels into 4 segments; remove in one piece.
2. Cut into ¼-inch strips.
3. Boil in water 15 minutes; drain, rinse, drain.
REPEAT 2 MORE TIMES (3 total).
4. In saucepan: 3 cups sugar + 3 cups water. Boil.
5. Add peels; return to boil; simmer 45-60 min. Drain.
6. Toss peels with 1 cup sugar on baking sheet.
7. Transfer to foil; let dry 1-2 days.
8. Store in airtight container.
PERFECT FOR:
✓ Snacking
✓ Baking (lemon desserts)
✓ Coffee or tea
✓ Gift giving
"Bright, zesty, and absolutely delicious!" 🍋
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© CanningRebels — Candied Lemon Peel | A Bright, Citrusy Treat
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