Candied Orange Peel Dipped in Chocolate: An Addictive Treat
The Florida Orange
Remembering Our Childhood Treats
My hubby and I were sharing moments from our childhood the other day when we discovered we both had fond memories of the candied orange peels purchased from the local Mexican market in our little town back home.
I remembered how my dad would go for some fresh pastries and bring back a small sack of those sweet candied peels. I enjoyed sitting on the back stoop with my sisters while munching on a few after dinner. The crunchy sugar granules mixed with the orange peel made such a bitter sweet connection on my tongue.
Because we had such tender recollection of these sweet delicacies, we decided to make a batch. We made a trip to the local farmer's market where the oranges are delivered fresh from the Florida grower's orchard. Our favorite is the Navel due to its size, but the next time we make this recipe we are going to try the Honeybell since it has a sweeter taste. By the way, it is a great way to contribute to the recyling effort when using the peels as candy: eliminate the waste!
Upon our return, we spent most of the afternoon cutting the oranges. Although, rolling the peels in sugar and dipping them in chocolate took just as long to process afterwards. We had a sugary-chocolate mess on the stove, counter and floor. However, it was all worth the final result.
The recipe below is based upon Food Network's version of candied orange peel, but we improvised to our taste and cooking style. Other dipping options include shredded coconut, nuts such as chopped pecan or almonds, and marshmallow. Warning: this treat is very addictive!
Learn More About Farming In Florida
Orange Jokes
- Why did the orange cross the road? Because he wanted to be an Orange Crush!
- Why did the orange go out with the prune? Because he couldn't find a date.
- Why was the orange sitting by the side of the road? Because she ran out of juice.
- Why did the orange go to the doctor? Because she wasn't peeling well.
—Authors Unknown
Try These Citrus Fruits With Chocolate!
- Types of Citrus
Citrus is a genus of flowering plant in the rue family—Rutaceae. There are more than 100 members of the genus. Read about, and view photographs of, some of the types of citrus plants grown throughout the world.
Florida Oranges
If you drive north up Interstate 95 or fast forward through Florida on the toll road, you will notice groves of oranges growing within a few feet of the highway. And at some stops along the toll road, fresh Florida oranges are sold by the bag or bushel. If indeed you come across some, buy them. You won't be disappointed, the fruit is better than candy!
Florida orange growers range Number 1 in the United States and Number 2 globally, Brazil is the leader worldwide. A good year's harvest proves beneficial to the entire US orange crop, just as a poor one will cause prices to rise. Freezing temperatures at 28 degrees Fahrenheit lasting three to four hours or more can kill or damage orange fruit and sometimes the trees. However, these temperatures can also produce sweeter oranges at a shorter "freeze" period. They than become a commodity.
When a Florida orange grove owner hears the weather report predicting a freeze, they take precautions to prevent spoilage. Fields will be flooded and fruit spayed with water to raise the temperature a few degrees to prevent damage.
In the 16th century, Ponce de Leon, introduced the orange to Florida and ordered his men to plant 100 orange seeds per person at each place they docked or landed. The trees adapted well to the subtropical climate and today the orange groves are a major industry and boost the state's economy.
The type of oranges popular to Florida growers are Navel, Temple, Honeybell, Valencia, as well as grapefruit and varieties of tangerine.
Today the Florida orange industry is nine billion per year with most of the product used to make orange juice (approximately 95%). Fruit baskets are sold during season as gift baskets and can be shipped almost anywhere in the U.S.
Source: halegroves.com
Help Us Rate This Recipe
Candied Orange Peel Recipe
Basic Ingredients
Buy Some Florida Oranges Today!
Simple Tools
Ingredients
- 6 thick-skinned Navel oranges, Honeybell or Valencia
- 4 1/2 cups Turbinado sugar, or regular table sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate (70% cocao) chips, or any chocolate brand of chips
- 1 cup Bitter sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cut tops and bottoms of the oranges and score into quarters. Cut down only to the peel (avoid cutting into the fruit).
- Peel the skin and pith of the orange in large pieces. Save the orange segments for a salad or other recipe.
- Cut the peel into strips about 1/4 inch wide.
- Place the peels into a large saucepan filled with cold water. Cover. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Pour off water. Repeat 2 to 3 times depending upon how mellow you want the peels to taste. We blanched ours 3 times to avoid the bitterness of the peelings.
- Remove the peels from the pan.
- Whisk the sugar with 1 and 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 8 - 9 minutes. Reduce heat, and add the peels. Simmer gently. Cook until the peelings are a bit translucent in appearance (about 40 to 45 minutes). Do not stir the peels while cooking as it will crystalize the sugar.
- Drain the peels. Roll them in sugar and then dip them in melted chocolate. (See item 10 below for instructions on how to melt the chocolate chips.)
- Place them on a rack to dry for 6 hours. (We dried ours overnight for a better, stiffer texture).
- Melting the Chocolate: Use a double broiler to melt the chocolate. Place a little water in the bottom pot. The water should not touch the top pot. Put the chocolate chips into the top pot with a little water or shortening (about 2 tablespoons). Stir constantly just until the chocolate melts. Do not overheat or over-melt. Turn off heat and remove from burner. It is now ready for step 8 above.
Orange Peel, Raw
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 6 grams | |
| Calories | 6 |
| Calories from Fat | 0 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 0 g | |
| Saturated fat 0 g | |
| Carbohydrates 1 g | |
| Fiber 1 g | 4% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
© 2013 Dianna Mendez
Comments
I love these candies. I first ate it in Spain and really enjoyed it so I will try making it. Thanks for this.
- AUTHOR
Hello Diana! They do look good and taste even better! I may have to make some this Christmas. Have a great week, dear friend.
- AUTHOR
Akriti, oh no! I love chocolate and running low would be horrible. I will have to read your article and see what can be done to improve the supply.
Daisy, Thanks for your return visit. I appreciate your comments and support.
Peach, it does make a great treat for kids but limit them to just a few. It will have them bouncing off the walls if allowed to indulge.
Agusfanani, perhaps this recipe is a version of your country's sweet treat. I hope you do try it and let me know what you think.
- AUTHOR
Besarian, I live just minutes from Hoffman's. Yes, they have the best chocolate treats around! I will have to try their ginger candy next.
- AUTHOR
Poetry, this is a very sweet-sour combination enhanced by the strength of the sugar. You will have to try it to really get the taste. Thanks for your comment.
Really think that these dipped in chocolate orange sticks look so good. Must give them a try!
We also have snack made from orange peel here but I find it too sweet. I think they should try your recipe to make orange peel more tasty.
Yummy snack, I am sure kids would love to dip in the chocolates
Dianna,
I returned to read your recipe another time. Since I live in Orange County, California, it's likely I'll be using the peels of locally grown oranges, however.
This is a great recipe. Thanks for sharing.
You know what's sad that we are running out of chocolate. I wrote a piece on it. If you ever feel like reading, do tell me what you think.
Candied orange peel takes me straight back to Florida where I grew up. There was a chocolatier called Hoffman's that used to do great dark chocolate dipped fruit. I would always get dark dipped orange peel and dark dipped candied ginger. I am going to have to try this!
How unique. I am fairly certain I have never had anything like this. With an ingredient like Turbinado how could you go wrong!
- AUTHOR
Suzette, I did not make these for the holidays but now I wish I had because I love the taste of sour and sweet. Chocolate is our best friend!
Journey, Happy New Year to you, too! Glad you stopped by and thanks for the support, dear friend.
Hi teaches12345, I hope you're doing well. Happy New Year! This is a very interesting recipe. Thanks for sharing. Voted up and interesting.
My mouth is watering as I read this and look at the scrumptious photos. This sounds so good and not too hard to make. I love oranges (especially from Florida) and I love chocolate. What a great combination. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us.
- AUTHOR
ChitrangaaSharon, I am so glad this article brought laughter to you. I love a good joke now and then too!
Audrey, these would make good holiday gifts. I am on your list, right?
DzyMsLizzy, you are in for a real treat with the chocolate dipped peels. I can't stop once I start on these. Very addicting!
Peg, I would have thought Texas was a good place for orange groves. You will just have to come visit Florida again. Enjoy your weekend.
After all the years I lived in Florida, I did not know that about Ponce de Leon. What a great tidbit of trivia. And your pictures of the candied orange peel are yummy. I've never tried this treat but it looks wonderful.
I miss the abundance of good oranges and having an orange tree in my yard. It's too cold here to sustain them.
Oh. My. Gosh! This sounds absolutely decadent!! I must try it. I love the chocolate/orange combination, and while I have had candied orange peels a couple of times, I don't believe I've ever had them chocolate dipped.
Vote up, ++ starred and pinned!
Love this--and am thinking about making these for gifts this year!
This sounds very interesting and unique!
I have never tried something like this, therefore I must try. Your hub is so well presented and I liked your Orange jokes as well.
Thanks and voted up!
- AUTHOR
Mary, you must try the recipe in chocolate. It is just right for the upcoming holidays.
Catherine, I can't resist adding humor like this to make a hub interesting. Glad you liked them.
Bensen, so sad that chocolate is off limits but then I can't have strawberries and I can relate. Perhaps you could try dipping them in carmel?
Audrey, I am almost tempted to try this recipe this week. Navel oranges are the best!
Nell, I do make a mess when I cook! Guess that is why my hubby does most of the cooking around here. So good to see you here today.
I did smile when I read you made such a mess! yep me too, I can never cook without causing an explosion of food! seriously this sounds delicious! I have never tried it before, so I will have to give it a go, nice one!
Navel oranges here I come! Can't wait to use your recipe for this delicious treat. Great combination.
Thanks, Dianna!
Looks and sounds great to bad I can't eat chocolate :(
Your orange jokes were a nice touch. Liked the stories of your family too. and I'm saving the recipe to try. I have a grapefruit tree in my yard. I might give mixed citrus a try. Voted up.
I haven't thought of candied orange peel in years! My Mother always made them at Chistmastime, but never dipped in chocolate.
I bookmarked this and will try it. Voted UP , etc. and shared.
- AUTHOR
Hi Bobbi,
I think this would go well on tangerine peel since it is a citrus fruit. Enjoy the treat! Blessings, dear lady.
Hi teaches12345,
What a wonderful treat for any event. I will try this one this winter with tangerine peel since we have trees. I will let you know how it turn out.
Thanks for sharing.
Bobbi Purvis
- AUTHOR
Mdscoggins,
Phyllis,
Arachnea,
Patsy,
Adventure,
RTalloni,
Ecogranny,
Casandra,
Brite,
Sally,
Cheelaury,
Olog,
Pawpaw,
Thank you for the wonderful comments and support of this article. I appreciate all the positive feedback and added value of your thoughts. I have had this recipe on my mind for the upcoming holidays. They are a nice treat to have as guests arrive. Just make plenty though because they tend to go quickly. May you all have a wonderful week! Blessings.
I've never heard of these. I'll have to put this on my list of things to try. Thanks.
These look really good, and relatively easy to make.
This is for the first time I am hearing about candied orange peels with chocolate. It looks delicious and new.My niece who is 5 year old ,likes oranges very much and I hope she will enjoy this sweet preparation of orange peels . Thanks for sharing this recipe with jokes,and memories,it was as good as the candied peels itself.
They look yummy, a lovely combination.
The first I've heard of this - I have to pin this with the hopes of giving it a try when I get time in the kitchen again, sounds great, very original!
This looks absolutely amazing. I have never heard of these before.
Yum. I have tried several candied citrus recipes and have yet to find one that tastes like my childhood memories. All the other recipes had me remove the pith. Perhaps leaving it on is the secret!
I am going to try your recipe this winter when I make marmalade, in hopes of finally getting that candied citrus I remember from my youth.
Thank you for sharing this.
Oh me--to do this with fresh Florida oranges would be wonderful! Thanks for sharing this recipe. It would be a great one to tuck into Christmas packages. Pinning to Ways w/ Food: Desserts board.
I grew up eating tons of fresh oranges in Central Florida, pre Disney area growth that has consumed areas around the lakes and other grove tracts. They were so refreshing when we were playing outside or after fishing in the mornings.
Addictive!! Certainly.
Oh, this is one to prepare for the holidays. I've never made this. It never occurred to me. Voted up, UAI, pinned, shared,tweet.
THis looks absolutely yum. Very pretty as well.
I love candied orange peel and this recipe seems fairly easy. Dipping them in chocolate gives a wonderful taste experience. Thanks for sharing the recipe and the information on oranges. I am anxious to try your recipe.
Hi teaches12345 that is a very interesting recipe. I was thrown off by the title but once I read the recipe it sounds very yummy!! Voted Up.
- AUTHOR
Audrey,
VEllur,
Shampa,
Abbysmom,
I love this sweet treat, I just can't make it too often because I tend to over indulge. Thanks for visiting and leaving such nice comments. Vellu, I appreciate your sharing this with others.
I've seen candied citrus peels for sale in some catalogs, and have always been intrigued. This looks like a very doable recipe to try, and would be nice for gift-giving. Something different than cookies or brownies. Thank you for sharing, I'm going to try it!
This is a superb post. Thanks to Vellur for sharing this post.
This is a delicious recipe, orange and chocolates together. I love orange and chocolates and will try this out. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Oh yum! Still one of my all time favorites!
- AUTHOR
I love this recipe, Jackie. Honestly, you just can't eat one. Glad you stopped in and I am so grateful for your comment.
Yum, I want to try them without the chocolate and then with it. I have oranges right now that have this recipe written all over them. lol Thx!
- AUTHOR
Oh, let me know how they turn out, Daisy. I just can't stop eating them when I make these little treats. Enjoy!
Dianna (teaches12345),
My boyfriend mentioned wanting to have a sweet snack. I told him about your recipe. He's never had candied orange peel, but I remember it from my childhood. We're going to buy some navel oranges the next time we're in our local farmers market.
- AUTHOR
Nell, you must try them some day. They are just the right sweet treat with a cup of tea. Beware: they are addicting!
Stephanie, I hope you enjoy this chocolate treat as much as I do.
Love this! I'm bookmarking and planning to make this soon! Cheers, Steph
This sounds awesome, and something I would like to try, what a great idea! voted up and shared, nell
- AUTHOR
Midget,
Neil,
Vinaya,
These are my favorite treats any day. So glad you all enjoyed the idea. Have a great week and thanks for coming by.
We use orange peels to spice up tea and home beauty remedies, but this new delicacy was really wonderful.
chocolate oranges..... I wish you lived closer I would drop by and see what else you have coming out of your kitchen.... I'm starving now!
Thanks for a cool recipe - can you recommend a cook in my area?
hugs
Sharing these candied orange peels again!
- AUTHOR
Hello Howler! How wonderful that you enjoyed fresh oranges most of your life. Since moving here, we are truly enjoying them, especially with this recipe. Hope you enjoyed the treat. Thanks for stopping by here. Take care.
That is a fantastic idea! Born and raised in Florida, when I was little had orange trees in my back yard...we made orange "everything", but never candied the peels! Going to the store tonight, picking up some oranges and will try this tomorrow :)
- AUTHOR
Tonipet, Beware; this is an addictive treat! Hope you enjoy the recipe soon.
I think this is easy to prepare. I never imagine I'm going to make chocolate treat from orange peels, perhaps on the weekend, lol. I like that orange segments can be saved for a salad or other recipe, sounds like there's nothing to go into waste. I'm sharing this to my friends and to my boss. Thank you, teaches. Best wishes to you and your hubby :=) -Tonette
- AUTHOR
Mommy, yes it is a great way to eat an entire orange. I am thinking of making some again soon, just love the taste of chocolate and orange. Have a great week.
That sounds great. I've never had candied orange peels, but my kids eat at least 2 oranges per day. This sounds like a great use of the peels. Talk about a green approach, no waste.
- AUTHOR
Liz, every time I see these orange candies I cannot resist having one! I hope you enjoy them. Hope your week is a good one.
What a lovely idea - I love chocolate and orange together and we just happen to have a whole bag of oranges. Thanks for sharing this one
- AUTHOR
I love this treat, DDE. I really have to control myself when we do make them. Thanks for your comment and support.
Awesome advice here on such a good treat
- AUTHOR
Barbara, thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. They are a great sweet treat.
I've never heard of these before, but they sound good. I'll have to give then a try.
- AUTHOR
Today, glad you liked the recipe. Thank you for visiting.
very nice article, it's always good to learn new recipes to enjoy, thank you for sharing it with us.
- AUTHOR
Missolive, this is a great idea for those who love candied frutis. I love this treat, but have to limit it to a couple of times a year because it truly is addicting for me! Thanks for stopping by and so glad you enjoyed the idea. Hello, to your mom!
Teaches12345, these look great! Chocolate and orange has always been one of my favorite combos. I'll have to share this recipe with mom, she loves candied and dehydrated fruits. Plus, who can say no to chocolate? Thanks for the step by step instructions and the cute orange jokes!
Voted up and sharing
- AUTHOR
Cardisa
Stephanie
Suzanne,
This little treat is one if my favorite to serve with a cup of coffee to guests. It hits the spot with just a hint of the flavors mingled for a sweet dessert. Thank you for coming by to support the recipe post. I hope your day is a good one.
Yum! Sounds delicious! Voted up and awesome! :)
I don't think I've ever had candied orange peel with chocolate - it sounds delicious! Thanks for an informative and useful article as well as a great recipe!
Hello there Teacher!, I do miss reading your hubs.
I have never had this treat but am sure I would love it! The bitter sweet taste of the peel si certain to ignite the palate.
- AUTHOR
Vinaya, I have heard of people spicing their tea with orange peel and now I am going to have to try this. Thanksf or the visit and you have a great week.
Sandra, this recipe is simple to make, even I can do it and that's saying a lot, but it takes a bit of time. It is a fun cooking project. Enjoy!
I'm not a cook, but I'm going to try this one. Thanks.
My mother spice up tea with orange peels, but have not heard about this recipe. This looks delicious.
- AUTHOR
Hi Cathleena, I would imagine the sugar free substitute would be fine as it is mixed into the recipe with other ingredients. We use natural turbinado here, we like the natural, less processed sugar idea. Also, we use half of the sugar listed on the recipe. Thanks for stopping in and for your wonderful support. Have a great week!
Looks delicious - I wonder how it would taste made with a sugar free substitute. Oranges and chocolate definitely are good together. Thank you for sharing your yummy recipe!
- AUTHOR
Girish, thank you for your kind comment. I am glad that you enjoyed this recipe. I hope you are well and safe in your part of the world. God bless you!
Wonderful chocolate dipped orange peels, amazing, Dianna, you always write something unique, god bless.
- AUTHOR
How wonderful that you can get fresh picked oranges from a good neighbour to make this sweet treat. I would be making more if I had oranges so close to my home. Enjoy the recipe and the beautiful countryside of south France.
These chocolate dipped orange peel treats are very popular in the south of France, but it's never occurred to me to make my own. Love this recipe, I really must try it some time. I can even get my oranges free from my neighbours' garden... :)
- AUTHOR
FullofLove, it is an easy recipe but it does take some time. But the orange and chocolate are a combination that is worth the wait. Thanks for your support on this recipe choice. Hope you are doing well.
Yummy!!! Orange and chocolates are an unbeatable combination. It looks really easy to do, might want to try this. Voted up and useful. :)
- AUTHOR
Thank you,
Phyllis,
Deborah,
CrisSp,
and Ruchira
for coming by today to visit. I appreciate your wonderful support and comments. This little treat is simple, but you just cannot walk away from them. Believe me, I had to give the balance away so that I did not overindulge! I hope you are all enjoying a blessed day.
Gosh..this looks so delish.
Gotta try this, Dianna. You are not only a talented writer but an awesome cook. two hats at one time...awesomelicious :)
voted up and sharing it across
Thank you for linking my hub. I just linked yours too and can't wait to do the candies this weekend with my daughter. Cheers!
I have a couple of relatives who are just nutty about the combination of orange and chocolate. I may have to make this as a gift for them. I also appreciated learning a little about how the orange came to America. Great hub!
Dianna, thank you for this delish treat!. Love it and it sounds so easy. Just the best combination of flavors and I am sure I will have lots of help with eating them!
- AUTHOR
CrisSp, I love it when you can make a family project out of a cooking recipe. Hope it is fun for you both. Yes, please feel free to link it and I will do the same in return. Good to promote hubs with similar topics with fellow hubbers. Enjoy your day.
Lindacee, when I remembered this treat from my childhood it triggered this project with my hubby. Enjoy it. Thanks for your visit and support of the post. Always good to see you.
We used to make candied orange peel when I was young. What a treat that was! Your Hub has me hankerin' for some dipped in decadent chocolate. Wonderfully easy recipe, a great story and tutorial. I had completely forgotten about this treat from long ago -- thanks for the yummy reminder! Think I'll give your recipe a go! :)
Love this one...grandma used to do this for us when we were young. Surely, this hub brought her memories back.
Now, gotta take out my fondue set and do this with my daughter.
Rating 5 star and would like to link it in one of my hubs, "How to Recycle Orange Peels", which is in the process of revamping. May I please?
Thanks.
- AUTHOR
Master, you have my vote on it - it is a winner! Thanks for your comment and visit. Always a pleasure to see you. Enjoy your evening.
A chocolate and orange recipe - yes please!!!
Yummy!
- AUTHOR
Great minds think alike, Vicki, and here we prove it. Thanks for your visit today. Hope your week is starting out well.
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