What is the most demanded candied fruit?

Candied fruit is an essential and widely used ingredient in professional baking and pastry, both in decorating desserts and in the creation of gourmet products. Its sweet and slightly crunchy texture, together with its attractive appearance, have made it an essential option for professionals in the Horeca sector around the world.

In this post we are going to see what is the most demanded candied fruit by chefs and pastry chefs and how demand varies according to the countries and the gastronomic traditions of each one.

What is candied fruit?

Candied fruit is made with fruits or fruit peels that have been subjected to a cooking process in syrup and are finally completely impregnated with sugar. This candied process provides a firm texture on the outside but juicy on the inside and a very characteristic sweet flavor.

Candied fruits are highly appreciated by professionals for their versatility and for providing a unique touch of flavor and visual appeal. They are used in both traditional baking and haute cuisine and, above all, in Christmas products, such as decorated cakes and cookies that are consumed during festivities in many countries.

What is the most popular candied fruit?

We are going to see some of the candied fruits most in demand by the public and, therefore, the most used by professionals in their preparations:

• Candied orange

  The candied orange is, without a doubt, one of the most demanded fruits in the world of professional baking. Its syrup-soaked peel offers a perfect combination of sweetness and a slightly bitter touch that perfectly complements a wide variety of desserts.

  Professionals use candied orange a lot in cake decoration, in the preparation of panettone, cakes, biscuits and all types of pastries, especially in European countries such as Italy, France and Spain. It is also an essential ingredient in Roscón and Rosca de Reyes, desserts widely consumed at Christmas.

• Candied cherry

  The cherry is another of the most popular candied fruits, especially in the decoration of desserts and cocktails. With its striking red color, candied cherry not only adds a touch of sweet flavor, but also significantly enhances the visual presentation of any dish.

  Professionals use them a lot in decorating cakes, cupcakes and such popular desserts as the Black Forest cake or the Cherry Cake. Their versatility also extends to cocktails, where they are used to decorate classic or very sophisticated cocktails.

  In the United States and the United Kingdom, the candied cherry is widely used in desserts, especially Christmas fruit cakes and in traditional wedding pastries.

• Candied lemon

  Candied lemon is highly valued by professionals for its fresh and acidic flavor, which contrasts with the sweetness of its candied process. It is a widely used alternative to give a citrus touch to a multitude of creations. In baking, it is continually used in cakes, biscuits and cookies.

  The countries where candied lemon has the most demand are France and the United Kingdom. In French pastries, for example, it is used in candied fruit cakes and shortbread cookies. In general, it is often used a lot in classic pastries to give a fresher touch to sweet preparations.

• Candied pineapple

  Candied pineapple is an exotic fruit that has gained popularity among bakers due to its tropical flavor and juicy texture. It provides a unique sweetness that combines very well with cold desserts or fruit desserts.

  It is used in the preparation of cakes, puddings and some Christmas desserts, in addition to being a fundamental ingredient in some versions of fruitcake and tropical cakes. It is very popular in Latin America and the United States, where it is a typical ingredient in many festive desserts and sweet breads.

• Candied fig

  The candied fig is another fruit highly appreciated by professionals in the Horeca sector due to its intense sweetness and unique texture. In addition, its size makes it ideal for more elaborate desserts or for recipes that require a more attractive presentation.

  Frosted figs are widely used in cakes, sweet breads, and as part of haute cuisine desserts. They can also be cut into slices and added to cakes or cookies to provide a more intense flavor and different texture.

  In Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece, candied figs are widely used, especially in Christmas pastries and traditional sweets.

Why is candied fruit so demanded among professionals?

These are some of the reasons why candied fruit is an essential ingredient for chefs and bakers around the world:

• Candied fruit long lifespan

  Since they are candied with sugar, candied fruits can be preserved for months without losing their flavor or texture, making them ideal for planning and producing in large quantities, especially during the festive season.

• Versatility in the kitchen

  As we have seen, candied fruit can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from sweet breads to cakes, cookies and more sophisticated desserts. Furthermore, its ability to provide different flavors and colors makes it an essential ingredient for any professional looking to raise the level of their creations.

• Visual appeal of candied fruit

  The visual aspect of candied fruit is another aspect why it is a widely consumed ingredient, since it provides a very interesting color and texture in any preparation. That’s why professionals always use it in delicious and visually attractive desserts.

Professionals know the importance of choosing a supplier with products of the highest quality to have the most popular candied fruit. At Lazaya, we have been offering professionals the best candied fruits for more than eight decades with a wide catalog and all types of formats and packaging to meet their needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions or queries, we are at your disposal.