Candied fruit is it possible to crystallize all typesCandied fruit is made by boiling fruit in syrup so that the fruit loses its natural moisture, dries up and eventually substitutes the water with sugar.

Candied fruit is it possible to crystallize all types

Once the process finishes, two types of candied fruit emerge, depending on the aspect shown, as it can either be glazed or dusted with icing sugar.

The presence of sugar in the process of producing candied fruit means that bacteria is kept at bay, thus the end product lasts a long time and can be stored over time and used when necessary.

Types of fruit used in the crystallizing process

The end result of candied fruit depends on the amount of water and sugar that is used, as well as the cooking temperature and boiling time taken, given that this varies depending on whether a whole piece of fruit such as a pear is being candied or whether it has been sliced. Candied orange or lemon peel also takes a different length of time to prepare.

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, whole pieces of fruit can be candied, as can sliced fruit, chopped fruit, cubed fruit or individual portions. The key element is to control the temperature and amount of sugar required so that the fruit does not disintegrate and become a jam or compote.

Although a priori it seems possible to crystallize any kind of fruit, the fact is that some fruit has too much water content to make it possible to candy, such as watermelon or grapefruit. Sometimes fruit peel can be crystallized, as well as the fruit itself. Lemon, orange, lemon, stem ginger and some types of flowers like violets can be successfully candied. Fruit is sometimes pitted before it is candied, but other times it is crystallized with its stone or pips, depending on the end use of the fruit being treated.

Use of candied fruit for desserts

The most popular candied fruit for desserts include pineapple, peach, cherries and pear, alongside orange peel and lemon peel which can either be grated or used for decoration. However, other fruit lends itself to be candied as well, and can be used by bakers as a surprise ingredient in their dishes, to great success. Unusual candied fruits include apples, oranges, kiwis, papayas or plums

There are professional chefs who sometimes use candied vegetables in their dishes, either for sweet or savoury meals. Candied carrot, beetroot or pumpkin offer different flavours and textures that combine perfectly with other types of fruit.

It is important to remember that candied fruit is available in different formats that can be used for all sorts of desserts. The size and shape of the candied fruit differs when used for a sponge cake or a cupcake. For larger desserts, candied fruit is often grated and added to the filling, along with cubes of fruit; strips of candied fruit are used for decoration.

If you are making smaller desserts, cubed candied fruit can be placed on top. This is often how ice creams, pastries, cupcakes, yogurts and pancakes are served.

Candied fruit gives many well-known desserts their identity, such as fruit cake, pannetone, Roscón de Reyes, Christmas cake and Easter bread. Furthermore, it is the main ingredient of chocolate-coated frutas de Aragón confectionary, which are truly delicious to taste.

Lazaya: top quality candied fruit

Lazaya has an incredible catalogue of candied fruit in all sizes, shapes and formats that allow professional chefs choice to decide what they truly need. Our glacé cherries are available in many varieties. Whole pieces of fruit are candied, such as peach, apricot, apple, pear, melon, plum, mandarina, pineapple, apple or pumpkin.

With a wide variety of candied fruit in different formats, it comes as no surprise to find it in many desserts and even sometimes served whole, to the delight of clients. Candied fruit cubes include lemon peel, orange peel, pear, apple, pumpkin and peach. This is an easy and fun way serve all types of desserts and eat them as if they were sweets.

The strips of fruit peel (orange and lemon) are used for grating or to decorate cakes, roscón de reyes and other desserts. Candied fruit portions include orange, peach, apple, pear and pumpkin, and are a great way of using fruit as fillings in desserts.

And finally, Christmas Candied Fruit which include glacé cherries and orange slices. They are used to decorate traditional Christmas sweets, making them attractive to look at with their bright colours. Contact us today and let us know what you require. We are happy to help!