Candied Grapefruit Peel: How to Make This Sweet

A close-up shot of sugar-coated candied grapefruit peels arranged on a wooden board, with fresh grapefruit halves and sugar crystals in the background.

Table of Contents

If you’ve never tried homemade candied grapefruit peel, you are in for a treat! 🍊✨ This recipe takes simple grapefruit rinds and transforms them into sweet, chewy, citrusy delights that are perfect for snacking, baking, or even gifting. The process is super easy, and the result? Bright, zesty, and totally irresistible!

Instead of tossing those peels, we’re boiling, candying, and coating them in sugar for a classic, old-fashioned treat. Whether you enjoy them on their own, dip them in chocolate, or use them to garnish your favorite desserts, these candied grapefruit peels are a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Zero Waste & Budget-Friendly – No more tossing grapefruit peels! This recipe turns them into something delicious.
  • Naturally Sweet & Citrusy – The perfect balance of tart and sweet with a hint of bitterness for depth.
  • Easy to Make – Just a few simple steps and ingredients!
  • Versatile – Enjoy as a snack, use in baking, or dip in chocolate for an elegant treat.

Ingredients

A top-down view of ingredients for candied grapefruit peel, including fresh grapefruits, granulated sugar, and water, neatly arranged on a wooden surface.Candied Grapefruit Peel
Just three simple ingredients—grapefruit, sugar, and water—to make these delicious candied grapefruit peels! 🍊✨

Here’s what you’ll need to make these candied grapefruit peels! The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

  • Grapefruit Rind – The star of the show! Thick-skinned grapefruit works best for firm, chewy peels.
  • White Sugar – Used to sweeten the peels and create that irresistible candied texture.
  • Water – Essential for boiling the peels and making the sugar syrup.

👉 The exact measurements will be in the recipe card below!

How to Make Candied Grapefruit Peel

Step 1: Prepare the Grapefruit Peels

Freshly cut grapefruit peels sliced into thin strips on a wooden cutting board, with a knife and grapefruit halves in the background.
Step 1: Slice the grapefruit peels into thin strips—this is where the magic begins! 🍊🔪
  • Quarter the grapefruit and remove the rinds. Set the fruit aside for another use.
  • Slice each rind lengthwise into thin strips, about ¼ inch wide.

Step 2: Boil to Remove Bitterness

A pot of boiling water with grapefruit peels simmering, releasing steam as the peels soften.
Step 2: Boil the peels to remove bitterness—this step ensures a perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor! 🍊
  • Place the grapefruit rinds in a heavy saucepan and cover with 2 inches of water.
  • Bring to a boil for 3 minutes, then drain.
  • Repeat this 3 more times with fresh water each time. (Yes, it’s worth it! This step removes excess bitterness.)

Step 3: Candy the Peels

Grapefruit peels simmering in a thick sugar syrup in a saucepan, turning translucent as they candy.
Step 3: Simmer the peels in sugar syrup—this is where they transform into sweet, chewy citrusy goodness! 🍊🍬
  • Return the boiled grapefruit rinds to the saucepan.
  • Add 1 ¾ cups sugar and 1 cup fresh water.
  • Simmer slowly for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is fully absorbed or evaporated.

Step 4: Coat in Sugar & Dry

Candied grapefruit peels being tossed in granulated sugar, with a wire rack holding drying peels in the background.
Step 4: Toss in sugar and let them dry—the final touch for a perfect chewy, citrusy treat! 🍊✨
  • Place the remaining 1 cup sugar in a large bowl.
  • Toss the warm candied peels in the sugar until coated.
  • Spread them out on wax paper or a wire rack to cool and dry.
  • Dust with more sugar if desired.

Step 5: Enjoy!

  • Once fully dry, your candied grapefruit peels are ready to snack on! 🍊

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Boiling Steps! – Repeated boiling removes excess bitterness, making the peels sweet and pleasant.
  • Slice Evenly – This ensures uniform texture and even cooking.
  • Let Them Dry Completely – If they’re still sticky, let them sit out a bit longer before storing.
  • Try a Chocolate Dip! – For a gourmet touch, dip the candied peels in melted dark chocolate.Candied Grapefruit Peel.

How to Serve

These candied grapefruit peels are so versatile! Here’s how to enjoy them:

  • As a Snack – Enjoy them as a naturally sweet, citrusy treat.
  • Dipped in Chocolate – Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the tangy grapefruit.
  • In Baking – Chop them up and add them to cookies, cakes, or muffins.
  • Cocktail Garnish – Use them to decorate cocktails for a fancy citrus twist.
  • As a Gift – Pack them in a cute jar for a homemade edible gift!Candied Grapefruit Peel.

👉 Love citrusy desserts? Try this delicious 👉👉Ricotta and Lemon Marmalade Cake….—a moist, tangy treat that pairs beautifully with candied grapefruit peels! 🍋🍰

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

  • Keep candied grapefruit peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

  • Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

  • No need to reheat! Just enjoy them straight from storage.Candied Grapefruit Peel.

FAQs

Why do I have to boil the grapefruit peels so many times?

Boiling helps remove the natural bitterness in the peels. If you skip this step, your candied peels may turn out too bitter.

Can I use a different type of citrus?

Yes! This method works for oranges, lemons, and limes too. Each will have a slightly different flavor.

How do I make them extra crunchy?

For a crispier texture, let them dry overnight or place them in a low-temperature oven (200°F) for 15-20 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar?

The sugar is key for both sweetness and preservation, but you can reduce the final sugar coating if you prefer.Candied Grapefruit Peel.

Homemade Candied Grapefruit Peel is sweet, tangy, and totally addictive! Whether you snack on them, dip them in chocolate, or use them in desserts, they’re a delicious way to use up grapefruit peels instead of tossing them. Try this recipe and let me know what you think! 🍊✨

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A close-up shot of sugar-coated candied grapefruit peels arranged on a wooden board, with fresh grapefruit halves and sugar crystals in the background.

Candied Grapefruit Peel: How to Make This Sweet

  • Author: olivia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 32 servings
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Turn leftover grapefruit rinds into sweet, chewy, citrusy candied grapefruit peels! 🍊✨ This old-fashioned treat is zesty, slightly tangy, and coated in sugar for the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you snack on them, use them in baked goods, or dip them in chocolate, these homemade candied peels are an easy and delicious way to reduce waste and enjoy a gourmet treat!

Ingredients

  • Grapefruit rinds – Thick-skinned grapefruits work best for firm, chewy peels.
  • White sugar – Adds sweetness and helps preserve the peels.
  • Water – Used for boiling the peels and making the sugar syrup.

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Peels:

  • Quarter the grapefruit and remove the rinds.
  • Slice into ¼-inch wide strips.

2️⃣ Boil to Remove Bitterness:

  • Place peels in a saucepan, cover with 2 inches of water, and bring to a boil.
  • Boil for 3 minutes, then drain.
  • Repeat this process 3 more times with fresh water each time.

3️⃣ Candy the Peels:

  • Return peels to the saucepan and add 1 ¾ cups sugar and 1 cup fresh water.
  • Simmer slowly for about 1 hour until the syrup is absorbed and the peels become translucent.

4️⃣ Coat in Sugar & Dry:

  • Toss warm peels in remaining 1 cup sugar until fully coated.
  • Lay them on wax paper or a wire rack to dry.
  • Once fully dry, enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t Skip the Boiling Steps! – This removes bitterness, ensuring a perfectly sweet & tangy balance.
  • Slice Evenly – Ensures uniform texture and even cooking.
  • Let Them Dry Completely – This prevents stickiness when storing.
  • Try Dipping in Chocolate! – For a gourmet touch, dip peels in melted dark chocolate.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (about 5-6 strips)
  • Calories: 79 kcal per serving
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: candied grapefruit peel, homemade citrus candy, how to make candied fruit peel, easy candied grapefruit

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