How to make candied oranges?

Candied oranges is used in many desserts, such as cakes, biscuits and chocolates; perhaps it is one of the most used ingredients in Christmas desserts. For example, in Spain, the traditional Roscón de Reyes that is eaten on January 6, has different candied fruits, such as oranges or cherries, among others.

In this article we are going to see how to make candied oranges and how professionals usually use them for their sweet and savory preparations.

How to make candied oranges

These are the necessary ingredients to make candied oranges and use them in different creations:

• 3 medium-sized oranges.
• 1 teaspoon of salt (7 grams).
• 400 g of sugar.
• 200 g of water.

Step 1

The truth is that preparing candied oranges is quite simple. You only need quality oranges, water and twice as much sugar as water. It must be taken into account that the orange is going to be cut into slices and it is going to be introduced into the dessert with the skin on; therefore you have to wash them well to remove any remaining dirt that may be present. The recommendation is to place each orange under a stream of cold water and rub with a brush or sponge. No need to use soap.

Step 2

The next step is to dry the orange and cut it into slices, making sure that they are of the same thickness; normally, as thin as possible, although it will depend on the needs of the professional. They can also be cut into wedges if the dish requires it.

Step 3

Put the orange slices in a saucepan and cover them with water. Add a small spoonful of salt and heat. When it starts to boil, we leave it for two minutes.

Step 4

After 2 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and refresh the orange slices under a stream of cold water. The water should not fall directly on the slices so that they do not spoil. Once they have cooled, we take them out of the container.

Step 5

Fill a saucepan with water and add twice as much sugar and the orange slices. We put it on the fire until it reaches its boiling point and then we let it simmer over low heat for an hour. During that time we gently move the saucepan by the handles but without touching the orange slices. If too much water evaporates during the process, you can add a little more.

Step 6

During the first 20 minutes of cooking, cover the pan and, once that time has elapsed, it is recommended to remove the lid so that the syrup thickens little by little. After cooking for about an hour, when the oranges are tender and the syrup looks thick, remove the pan from the heat and let the orange rest in the syrup for 24 hours.

Step 7

After the resting time, remove the orange slices and place them on a rack so that they can drain and dry. It is important to do it very carefully to not spoil the oranges.

Step 8

We let the slices dry for approximately 8 hours and we already have the candied orange ready to use in any dish or dessert that we want. It can also be stored in the fridge until we consider it appropriate.

Preservation of candied orange

If the candied orange slices are not going to be used once the process is finished, it is recommended to place a piece of parchment paper between the slices so that they can be better preserved. You can also choose to keep the orange in the juice of the syrup; in that case it is not necessary to dry or drain the slices. A whole hermetic glass container is introduced and stored in the fridge.

Candied oranges hold up very well over time, even when the container has already been opened before. They are perfect for cutting into small pieces and adding them as an ingredient in pastries, pastry cream, flans, ice cream, yogurt, rice pudding or biscuits; also to accompany salads, garnishes, foie and any other food of your choice, as far as your imagination reaches.

Its intense orange color, its texture, very different from that of natural oranges, and its much more intense flavor, give candied orange a very important plus for professionals when preparing all kinds of dishes.

Why choose Lazaya?

Although it is easy to make candied oranges, professionals prefer to choose a trusted brand that provides them with the product already made, with multiple formats and containers that adapt to their needs.

Lazaya is a leading brand in canned fruits and especially candied fruits. Its more than 80 years in the sector and the quality of its products are the perfect endorsement for chefs and pastry chefs who need candied oranges in their creations. Contact us to resolve any questions or queries and customize your order. We want to help you to be the best at your job.