Candied grapefruit peel is a chewy bittersweet treat that's easy to make and a great way to use every part of your fruit. Enjoy as a snack, dipped in chocolate, or as a bright finishing touch for baked goods and cocktails.
Slice both ends of the grapefruit. Cut the peel on each into 4 or more vertical segments, depending on the size of the fruit. Peel off each segment of rind. Keep some of the pith. Slice the peels into 1/4 inch wide strips.
Boil the peels in a pot of water for 15 minutes. Drain in a colander, rinse and then drain again.
Repeat the blanching process two more times to reduce the bitter flavor from the peels.
Add 1 cup of fresh water and 2 cups sugar to a pot and bring to a boil, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the grapefruit peels on low heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the peels become translucent.
Use a slotted spoon to remove a few of the peels at a time and let the excess syrup drip off for a few seconds. Place the hot, wet peels in a bowl of sugar or a ziplock bag with sugar in it and toss/shake to coat.
Notes
Wash and scrub the peel well before slicing to remove any pesticides or wax.
Slice evenly: Uniform strips help the peels cook and candy evenly. Aim for about ΒΌ inch thick.
Double blanch for less bitterness: If your grapefruit is especially tart, blanch the peels twice before simmering them in syrup to mellow the flavor.
Drying time matters: Let the candied peels dry completely before storing, this helps prevent stickiness and ensures that lovely chewy texture.