Candied Pomelo Peel Recipe
Although it’s not popular like candied orange peel, candied pomelo peel is also a favorite sweet treat for Lunar New Year in Asian countries. You can totally turn the thrown-away pomelo peel into a delicious treat. Let’s discover how to make candied pomelo peel.
Table of Contents
What is Candied Pomelo Peel
Candied pomelo peel is a sweet and delicious confection made from the peel of pomelo fruit, which is a large citrus fruit similar to grapefruit but sweeter and milder in flavor. The candied pomelo peel can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, used as a garnish for desserts, or incorporated into various recipes, such as cakes, cookies, and fruitcakes. It adds a sweet, citrusy flavor and a chewy texture to dishes, making it a popular ingredient in confectionery and baking.
Candied pomelo peel is similar to candied peel made from other citrus fruits like candied orange peel and candied mandarin peel, but the unique flavor of pomelo peel makes it a distinctive and delightful treat. Also, because each piece of pomelo peel includes both the peel and the thick pith, which are too bitter to eat, you’ll have to rinse and squeeze it thoroughly, similar to when you prepare pomelo pith for Che Buoi (Pomelo Sweet Soup).
Nutrition Value of Candied Pomelo Peel
It’s undeniable that the amount of sugar in candied pomelo peel makes it quite unhealthy. However, thanks to the nutritious components in pomelo peel, this treat can strike a balance between healthiness and deliciousness. Here are some potential benefits of pomelo peel:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Pomelo peel contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, and potassium. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in supporting the immune system.
- Dietary fiber: Pomelo peel is a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion, promote regular bowel movements, and help manage weight by promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Potential anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies suggest that compounds in pomelo peel may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Skin health: Pomelo peel contains vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, promoting healthy skin. It may also help protect the skin from UV damage.
- Potential antimicrobial properties: Some research has indicated that pomelo peel extracts may have antimicrobial properties, which could help inhibit the growth of certain harmful bacteria.
Ingredients for Candied Pomelo Peel
To make this sweet treat, you need only pomelo peel, sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract if possible. Really simple, isn’t it? The quality of your treat depends on Pomelo peels, and how you make it.
You can use green pomelo and honey pomelo, both native to Asia and readily available in supermarkets, to obtain the peel and pith for making this treat. These varieties have thick, fragrant peels. Other types of pomelos can also be used, as long as the peel is clean and smooth.
How To Make Candied Pomelo Peel Easily
Step 1. Peeling Pomelo
- Begin by making two shallow cuts to divide the peel into four segments, then carefully separate them from the fruit. Discard any portions of the pomelo pith that are overly soft and retain only the firm and smooth pith that attaches to the peel.
Step 2. Cutting, rinsing, and squeezing Pomelo peels
- Cut your pomelo peel into strips. Each strip should be bite-sized, approximately less than 1/2 inch in width to allow for better sugar absorption.
- Next, rinse and squeeze the peels in water 3 to 5 times to remove the bitterness of the pomelo peels, continuing until the water runs clear. Squeeze out the water.
- To remove the bitterness from pomelo peel and pith, start by blanching the pomelo peels in boiling water for 5-10 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent. After they cool down a bit, gently squeeze out excess water and then add an equal amount of sugar, matching the weight of the pomelo peel, for marination. Typically, the sugar amount should be in a 1:1 ratio with the pomelo peels. Some candied pomelo peel recipes call for a 1.5:1 sugar-to-pomelo peel ratio, but I find that to be excessively sweet, even though it does help in preserving the pomelo peels for a longer duration. Allow the mixture to rest for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 3. Making Candied Pomelo Peel
- After marinating overnight, the granulated sugar transforms into sugar syrup. Now, you can start cooking the peels on the stove. In a pan or skillet, cook the mixture of pomelo peels and sugar syrup over low heat, stirring regularly. Once it reaches the recrystallization stage, begin stirring continuously to ensure that every piece of pomelo peel is coated with sugar, becoming firm and dry. Continue to stir on low heat until all the liquid has evaporated.
- Transfer your candied pomelo peels to a wire rack to let them cool and dry. You have two options for drying: the traditional method involves leaving them in the sun for 1 or 2 days, or you can use an oven or air fryer for 15-20 minutes. Ensure they are completely cool before placing them in a jar or box for storage; otherwise, the peels may regain moisture within a few hours. When stored at room temperature, they can remain fresh for up to 3 months.
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Candied Pomelo Peel
Equipment
Ingredients
- ~250g (8.8 oz) Pomelo peel of 1 pomelo
- 250g (8.8 oz) granulated sugar
- A dash of vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1. Peeling Pomelo
- Begin by making two shallow cuts to divide the peel into four segments, then carefully separate them from the fruit. Discard any portions of the pomelo pith that are overly soft and retain only the firm and smooth pith that attaches to the peel.
Step 2. Cutting, rinsing, and squeezing Pomelo peels
- Cut your pomelo peel into strips. Each strip should be bite-sized, approximately less than 1/2 inch in width to allow for better sugar absorption.
- Next, rinse and squeeze the peels in water 3 to 5 times to remove the bitterness of the pomelo peels, continuing until the water runs clear. Squeeze out the water (see pic 2).
- To remove the bitterness from pomelo peel and pith, start by blanching the pomelo peels in boiling water for 5-10 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent. After they cool down a bit, gently squeeze out excess water and then add an equal amount of sugar, matching the weight of the pomelo peel, for marination. Typically, the sugar amount should be in a 1:1 ratio with the pomelo peels. Some candied pomelo peel recipes call for a 1.5:1 sugar-to-pomelo peel ratio, but I find that to be excessively sweet, even though it does help in preserving the pomelo peels for a longer duration. Allow the mixture to rest for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 3. Making Candied Pomelo Peel
- After marinating overnight, the granulated sugar transforms into sugar syrup. Now, you can start cooking the peels on the stove. In a pan or skillet, cook the mixture of pomelo peels and sugar syrup over low heat, stirring regularly. Once it reaches the recrystallization stage, begin stirring continuously to ensure that every piece of pomelo peel is coated with sugar, becoming firm and dry. Continue to stir on low heat until all the liquid has evaporated.
- Transfer your candied pomelo peels to a wire rack to let them cool and dry. You have two options for drying: the traditional method involves leaving them in the sun for 1 or 2 days, or you can use an oven or air fryer for 15-20 minutes. Ensure they are completely cool before placing them in a jar or box for storage; otherwise, the peels may regain moisture within a few hours. When stored at room temperature, they can remain fresh for up to 3 months.
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