Description
Classic Sicilian candied blood orange slices showcase Mediterranean citrus preservation techniques with intense, sweet-tart flavor profiles. Delicate orange rounds invite curious cooks to explore traditional Italian confectionery craft.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 blood oranges (small, or 1 large)
- 2 cups (400 g / 14.11 oz) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16.2 fl oz) filtered water
- 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) corn syrup (optional)
- 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) filtered water
- ¼ tsp powdered citric acid
Instructions
- Preparation: Cleanse blood oranges under hot water, eliminating waxy surface with gentle scrubbing. Trim orange ends to create stable cutting base.
- Slicing: Utilize sharp knife to cut uniform 1/4-inch translucent rounds, meticulously removing seeds during process.
- Syrup Creation: In medium saucepan, combine sugar and water, heating over medium-high flame until reaching rolling boil. Reduce temperature to gentle simmer.
- Candying Process: Submerge orange slices in simmering syrup, ensuring complete coverage. Gently flip segments every 10-15 minutes for consistent caramelization.
- Temperature Management: Monitor syrup closely as it approaches 225°-230°F. Watch for subtle bubbling and foaming, continuing cooking until slices turn translucent and syrup reaches 240°-245°F (approximately 50-60 minutes).
- Cooling and Draining: Remove from heat, allowing foam to settle. Transfer candied slices to lightly greased cooling rack using fork, permitting excess syrup to drip away.
- Syrup Finishing: Dissolve citric acid in water, incorporate into remaining hot syrup, and transfer to heat-resistant containers.
- Final Preservation: Allow orange slices to air dry overnight at room temperature. Store between parchment paper layers, optionally dusting with granulated sugar to prevent excessive stickiness.
Notes
- Precision Matters: Use a sharp knife and consistent 1/4-inch slicing for uniform candied orange rounds that cook evenly.
- Temperature Control: Watch syrup closely between 225°-245°F to achieve perfect translucent texture without burning.
- Drying Technique: Air-dry overnight or use low-temperature oven method to create crisp, non-sticky candied slices.
- Storage Secret: Layer parchment paper between slices and dust with granulated sugar to maintain optimal texture and prevent clumping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 248
- Sugar: 79 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg