Candied fruit is a lovely treat and it looks just as good as it tastes. They are great for so many uses, including topping baked goods and in your favourite fruit cake recipe. If you have received a lot of fruit or if you bought a large quantity to save money, you may want to make candied fruit so that they don’t go bad. Here are the easy steps you need to follow to make your own candied fruit:

  • Choose your fruit.
  • Prepare the fruit by washing it thoroughly and cutting into slices of 5mm.
  • Make the candy mixture by combining half a cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. You can multiply the recipe if you need more. Boil this mixture.
  • Once it starts boiling, you can add your fruit. Make sure that the fruit stays completely submerged while boiling.
  • Continue cooking the fruit in the syrup mixture on a medium to low heat. Turn the fruit occasionally and gently.
  • Cook for about 40 to 50 minutes or until the fruit is transparent but still intact.
  • When the fruit is ready, you can remove it from the syrup using a slotted spoon.
  • Place the fruit on waxed paper and let it dry and cool overnight.
  • You can roll the fruit in sugar if you like.
  • Store the fruit in an airtight container lined with wax paper. Use wax paper in between the layers.
  • Cool in the fridge and you can store them in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

This recipe is suitable for various types of fruit, including berries. If you are not sure whether or not the fruit you want to use will remain intact during the boiling process, you can test with a few pieces first.
Citrus peels can also be candied in the same way. The process will take slightly longer because the peels are tougher than the soft fruit. Candied nuts are another option and these too can be added to various desserts.
Now, you never need to throw fruit away again! Between this method, poaching, and freezing, there are so many wonderful ways of keeping fruit delicious for longer. Once you try making your own candied fruit, you will wonder why you never tried it before!