Mixed Peels 🍊🍋🍈

Unsweetened Mixed Peel 

Ingredients 

Peels from

• 2 grapefruits

• 2 Meyer lemons

• 5 oranges

• 1 mandarin

4 cups sugar

4 cups water

A large pot

Method

⭐ Step 1: Wash & Peel

Wash all fruits well (grapefruit + oranges are usually waxed).

Remove the peel in big sections:

Score into 4–6 pieces

Peel off

Trim excess fruit if needed

Slice peels into:

Small cubes (classic mixed peel)

or

Thin strips (easier for beginners)

⭐ Step 2: Remove Bitterness

Because you’re working with grapefruit + lemon + orange, this step matters.

Put all peels together in a large pot.

Cover with cold water.

Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.

Drain.

Repeat:

3 times total for grapefruit-heavy batches.

Meyer lemon and mandarin are naturally mild and won’t overcook.

Taste a piece... it should be soft with no harsh bitterness.

⭐ Step 3: Make the Syrup

In the same (emptied) pot:

4 cups sugar

4 cups water

Stir to dissolve.

Bring to a simmer.

⭐ Step 4: Candy the Peels

Add all the drained peels into the simmering syrup.

Simmer on low for 45–60 minutes until:

Peels look glossy

Citrus colors brighten

Pieces turn slightly translucent

Syrup thickens slightly

Stir every 8–10 minutes to prevent sticking.

Tip: If it looks too dry, add ¼ cup water.

If too wet, simmer 10 minutes longer.

⭐ Step 5: Dry the Candied Peel

Use a slotted spoon to remove peel from syrup and place on:

Parchment, or

Wire rack

Let dry:

6–8 hours, or

Overnight for the best texture

Optional: Toss with a little sugar when they are tacky not wet.

⭐ Step 6: Mix

Once dry, combine all peel pieces together in a large bowl.

You now have homemade mixed peel with amazing depth from:

Grapefruit (slightly bitter, floral)

Oranges (sweet, classic)

Meyer lemons (bright & perfumed)

Mandarin (soft + sweet)

⭐ Storage

Airtight jar at room temp: 2–3 months

Refrigerator: 6 months

Freezer: 1 year

Keeps BEST when lightly sugared

🍰 Bonus: Save the Syrup!

The leftover citrus syrup is gold. Use it in:

• Tea
• Sparkling water
• Cakes (brush on top)
• Iced tea
• Ginger ale mocktails
• Pancakes/waffles

It stores in the fridge for 4–6 weeks. 

Mixed Peels prepped for storage!

Bon appetit!

You may also be interested in this:

Jamaican Fruit Cake Recipe