National Candied Orange Peel Day

The story

Candied orange peel is a beloved addition to cakes and pastries, cherished for its ability to save what would otherwise be discarded orange peels. The process of preserving foods using sugar and honey dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in ancient China and Mesopotamia for various culinary creations. The practice of candying fruit, as we know it, appears to have originated in Arab culture, where it was served at banquets.

Candied fruits made their way to the West, becoming a vital ingredient in some of the most iconic European desserts, like the Italian Panettone, which incorporates candied orange and lemon peels. Typically, orange peel is candied by boiling it in sugared water and then rolling it in sugar before allowing it to dry. This day serves as an opportunity to highlight the versatility and charm of candied orange peels.

Chefs and bakers frequently use them to enhance the flavor and presentation of their dishes. They play a significant role in holiday baking, finding their way into recipes such as cookies and fruitcakes, as well as granola and tarts. The orange peel, often discarded, can now be enjoyed in a crystallized, sugary form, becoming a favorite in cookies, cakes, and pastries.