Natural Grocers® Organic Month Recipes

CITRUS FUN FACT The peels of citrus fruits contain a treasure trove of nutrients. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and essential oils, offering potential health benefits, including immune support and digestive wellness. So, don’t overlook the peel’s potential!

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Candied Citrus Peel

INGREDIENTS 3 organic citrus fruits, (orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lime, lemon) 1⁄2 cup Natural Grocers ® Brand Bulk Organic Cane Sugar, plus optional extra for coating 1-2 cups water, divided

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Wash the fruits to remove any dirt, then peel by cutting off each end then standing the fruit on cut end. Using a sharp knife, cut off the peel from top to bottom in strips. To minimize bitterness, try to limit the amount of pith (the white part) on the peel. 2. Cut the peels into strips: thin strips look great for garnish, and thicker strips (1/4”) are delicious coated with sugar as a candy. 3. Place citrus peel strips in a saucepan with 1 cup water and boil for 15 minutes. This will soften the peels and decrease bitterness. Drain and rinse the peels twice and set aside. 4. Add 1 cup fresh water and ½ cup sugar to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Once sugar is completely dissolved, reduce to simmer and add the citrus peels. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until peels are translucent and the liquid is syrupy. 5. Using a slotted spoon remove the peels. At this point you can toss in a small bowl with some sugar for coating or leave uncoated. 6. Place the coated or uncoated peels on a wire rack and allow to air dry for 1-2 days. Store in an airtight container on the counter or in the refrigerator or freezer.

Citrus is a great addition to many recipes, but what to do with the peels? One option is to make candied citrus peel, which can be used in recipes, as a garnish on desserts or drinks, or as a sweet snack. It’s important to use organic fruit here to avoid the pesticides and fungicides sprayed on conventional citrus.

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