Candied lemon peel

Candied lemon peel is a sweet and aromatic ingredient obtained by cooking lemon zest in syrup until it reaches a soft and translucent texture. It is commonly used in baking to add a citrusy, fresh, and slightly sweet touch to various preparations such as cakes, breads, cookies, and desserts.

Its origin dates back to traditional fruit preservation techniques from several centuries ago in Europe, especially in Mediterranean countries, where lemon peel was valued to make use of its full flavor without waste. Today, candied lemon peel is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world.

Regarding its properties, besides enhancing flavor, it provides a good amount of vitamin C and antioxidants naturally found in lemon peel. However, due to the candying process, it contains added sugars, so it is consumed in small quantities.

In different Latin American countries, candied lemon peel may also be found under the names candied lemon zest, lemon zest in syrup, or simply candied lemon. Although in some regions it might be confused with candied citron (peel of the citron lemon, which is a particular type of large lemon), it generally refers to the same preparation used to decorate and flavor sweet recipes.