I don’t like wasting anything, especially when paying more for organic produce. So… when someone is enjoying an orange in our house it’s a common rule to save the peel! Not only do I love having it on hand for baking, shakes, etc. but I like making candied orange peel. I only recommend making this with organic oranges. These happen to be valencia but whatever is in season will do fine.
Facts about Orange Peel:
curbs cravingsboosts the immune systemcontains more vitamin C & fiber than the fruitacts as a breath freshenercan be infused in teascontains high amounts of pectin (good for the intestines)
Candied Orange Peel (sugar free)
TIP: If you don't have a dehydrator use an oven at the lowest setting. A convection oven is even better. Keep the door partially propped open 2-4 inches to let air circulate and let out moisture. (a dehydrator will take up to half the time to dry than an oven will)
ingredients:
dehydrator
steel pot
the peel of an organic orange
stevia
cinnamon
directions:
- Take your organic orange and cut sections lengthwise down from the stem. Cut into 1/4 inch strips. I prefer to keep the white rind intact as it contains healthy phytonutrients (flavanones).
- In a steel pot add orange slices to just enough water (so it's covered) and bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
- Drain water and boil a second time with just enough water to cover peel . This time you will add your seasonings. The water will begin to evaporate and as it does, sprinkle with stevia and cinnamon.
- When the pot is very low on water the peel should be very soft and ready to dehydrate. Taste to make sure your seasonings are just right.
- Place your seasoned peel evenly on your dehydrator racks. Now your ready to dry at 135° F in your dehydrator.
- Dry for about 4-5 hours. (Check it after 3-4 hours. You don't want to over dry the peel as it'll be too hard to bite. You want it dry but slightly bendable. It will continue to air dry.)
Notes:
I'll leave the peel out in a dish for a day or 2, but then it would be wise to store in an airtight container in the fridge. These have a kick of flavor and are slightly sweet. YUM!
[ lmichellek.com ]
What else do i love about orange peel?
TKO. (citrus cleaner made from orange peel) It’s seriously one of the best house cleaners ever. A tiny bit goes a long way.
Adrienne February 15, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Hi there. This is so interesting. Can I ask why you dehydrated them rather than just cooking them in the sweetened like with other candied peel recipes? Thanks!
lauren michelle February 15, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Hi. I’ve seen some people just set it on a rack to dry. Is that what you mean? Some people use an oven also instead of a dehydrator, but the dehydrator is much more effective at removing moisture quicker. When the moisture is out of then it can stay fresh longer without spoiling and if I decide I can even pulverize it to make orange flakes to shake in desserts etc. There are many different ways to use your orange peel.