Candied orange peel is an ingredient that has captivated chefs and pastry chefs for centuries. Its sweetness and citrus aroma make it a versatile ingredient widely used in a wide variety of creations, both sweet and savory.
In this post we are going to see the different uses of candied orange peel by professionals from Horeca establishments and how they incorporate this delicious ingredient in their dishes to surprise their customers.
How to prepare candied orange peel
It is the result of soaking the orange peel in a sugar syrup, slowly cooking it until it crystallizes and takes on a soft, chewy texture. This process brings out the natural flavor of the orange and adds an excellent sweet touch to many dishes and desserts.
Its flavor, texture and visual appeal make candied orange one of the favorite ingredients of professionals due to its high versatility in the kitchen. Let’s see the steps to prepare it.
Ingredients needed
- Fresh orange peels.
- Sugar.
- Water.
Preparation
- Step 1: Peel the oranges carefully, trying to remove as much of the white part as possible, since this can be bitter.
- Step 2: Cut the orange peels into thin strips or into the desired shape to include in the dish.
- Step 3: Cook the peels in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any bitter taste. Repeat this process two more times, changing the water each time.
- Step 4: In a bowl prepare a syrup by dissolving sugar in water. The typical proportion is 1:1, but it can be adjusted depending on the level of sweetness that the professional deems appropriate.
- Step 5: Add the orange peels to the sugar syrup and cook over low heat for about an hour or until the peels are translucent and soft.
- Step 6: Remove the peels from the syrup and allow them to cool before using them in any recipe.
Uses of candied orange peel
They provide a sophisticated and distinctive touch in all types of dishes and desserts that are served daily in hotels, restaurants and catering establishments. Chefs and pastry chefs know this and that is why they always have this ingredient in their facilities to make innovative, high-quality creations. Let’s see some uses of candied orange peel at a professional level:
Delicious desserts
By simply adding a few pieces to cakes, biscuits, pastries, cupcakes, tartlets, pastries or chocolates, a citrus and sweet touch is added that makes them unique and delicious. They can also be used in other types of desserts to combine different textures, such as custard, flan, pudding, etc.
Main courses
Candied orange peel can also be used as a garnish on meat dishes, such as lamb or pork. The sweetness and acidity of the candied orange achieves a perfect balance with the powerful flavor of the meat. In addition, its characteristic texture provides a different and novel touch to the dish. Strips of orange peel can also be added to poultry dishes, such as orange duck, to further enhance its flavor.
More refreshing drinks
Many cocktails, especially those containing gin, allow candied orange peel as muddling at the bottom of the glass or on the rim of the glass. The orange provides a fresh and fruity aroma and flavor that improves the result of the cocktail. It is also used in other drinks such as tea.
Sauces and dressings
Candied orange peel allows the creation of delicious sauces. For example, a vinaigrette for salads. You just have to mix the chopped candied orange peel with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Professionals also incorporate orange peel into sweet and sour sauces as an accompaniment to fish or seafood dishes.
Trust leading brands of candied orange peel
As we see, candied orange peel is an excellent ingredient that can transform any creation in the kitchen. Chefs, pastry chefs and kitchen professionals experiment with candied orange peel to captivate their customers with a touch of freshness and sweetness in their preparations.
When choosing their candied fruit supplier, they prefer to go for leading brands in the market with a long history and undeniable quality in their products, as is the case of Lazaya Preserved Fruits.
Another aspect that they take into account when choosing a brand with guarantees is the variety of its catalogue and the different options to adapt to your needs. For example, Lazaya offers different sizes of its candied orange peel strips, along with the possibility of choosing the product with or without sugar, with or without dextrose and different cuts: cubes, strips and quarters. This allows numerous uses of candied orange peel in a multitude of dishes.
All these characteristics make Lazaya one of the brands most chosen by professionals to have quality candied fruit and make their dishes and desserts. Contact us to customize your order or to resolve any questions or queries. We are at your disposal for whatever you need. Talk later?