Candied orange peel: most common professional uses

In the world of haute patisserie and professional cooking, there are ingredients that, due to their versatility and ability to transform, become indispensable. Candied orange peel is one of them. Far from being a mere decoration, a quality candied orange is an ingredient that provides an unmistakable aroma, intense flavor, juicy texture, and versatility for the professional that elevates any creation to another level.

In the next lines you will discover everything you can do with candied orange peel. You will also learn why you should choose the highest quality to always seek excellence in all your creations.

Characteristics of the best candied orange peels

Not all products on the market meet the demands of the HORECA sector. Let’s take a look at what distinguishes a professional-quality candied orange peel, as they must meet very specific standards:

The texture: tender but firm

A quality orange peel should be tender to the bite, fleshy and flexible, never rubbery or hard. It should maintain its structure, whether in strips or cubes, without falling apart, excessive crystallization, or dryness. This type of texture is the result of a slow, artisanal candied process where sugar gradually replaces water.

The balance between sweetness and bitterness

The most common mistake in low-quality products is an excess of sugar, which completely masks the flavor. An exceptional candied orange preserves the characteristic bitterness and aroma of the albedo (the white part). That creates a delicious counterpoint to the sweetness of the candied orange. It is this balance that brings greater complexity and quality to desserts.

Brightness and transparency

A translucent appearance and natural shine are the perfect indicators that the confit has been properly executed. This indicates a uniform texture throughout the piece and guarantees optimal preservation, a long shelf life, and ease of storage.

The different presentations

Depending on the applications for which it is to be used, orange peel can be presented in cubes of caliber 6 x 6 x 6 mm or in strips. Orange strips could be either uniform, 6 mm thick x 60 mm long, or irregular, 6 mm thick and of indeterminate length (between 40 mm and 80 mm).

Applications of candied orange peel in Horeca establishments

Candied orange peel is extremely versatile and integrates perfectly into a multitude of recipes. These are some of the most common uses in the professional sector:

In doughs and fillings

This is its most classic and common use. When candied orange peel is added to cake, bakery, or cookie doughs, it imparts its unmistakable flavor and an elegant citrus note. It also adds moisture and a very pleasant chewy texture. It is widely used in sweet elaborations such as:

• Panettones and pandoras: It provides the perfect contrast to the buttery dough.
• Roscón de Reyes: It is a traditional ingredient and adds flavor to every bite.
• Brioche and Viennese products: It elevates the proposal with a sophisticated and elegant citrus touch.
• Gingerbread: Here perfectly complements the spicy notes.

Candied orange also gives a very special touch to plum cakes, sponge cakes, muffins, and cookies. Professionals use orange peel cubes in all these presentations.

Candied orange peel for chocolate baths

The combination of orange and dark chocolate is one of the most used by baking professionals. Strips of candied orange with its inimitable texture, coated in a quality coating, become the famous “orangettes,” a petit four elegant and cost-effective. They’re often used to decorate cakes and desserts, or as a finishing touch to a coffee service.

Dessert decoration and finishing

In baking, the appearance of desserts is crucial, and candied orange strips can be the finishing touch that elevates the product’s visual quality. Their vibrant color and shine act as edible jewels. Professionals use them to decorate cakes, pastries, semifreddos, mousses, bavarois, sponge cakes, panna cottas, cheesecakes, ice creams, and sorbets. They can also be used to add texture and color to a fruit salad or creamy yogurt.

Chocolates and confectionery

Combined with dark or white chocolate, candied orange peel becomes an irresistible classic in chocolates, bars, and truffles that achieve a premium touch with this ingredient. Here are some outstanding creations:

• Orangettes: chocolate-coated strips, a luxury petit four.
• Filled chocolates: finely chopped candied orange enriches ganaches and pralines.
• Beggars: as decoration on chocolate discs.
• Handmade tablets: its inclusion provides greater texture and flavor.

Sauces and reductions

When candied orange peel is added to sauces, it provides a unique texture, balanced sweetness, and very interesting aromas. Furthermore, the color is much more vibrant and visually appealing to the diner.

Why choose Lazaya candied orange peel?

Here are some of the reasons why professionals choose Lazaya candied orange peel:

• Supply in formats adapted to the Horeca sector.
• Constant and certified quality.
• Fast and secure delivery.
• Different calibers.
• It can be purchased in strips, cubes and quarters.
• Suitable for celiacs.

This product can be used year-round if stored at room temperature. The product can last from 12 to 24 months if stored in a dry, dark place and in airtight containers once opened. It is also recommended to separate batches to maintain traceability.

As you may already know, the difference between a proper dessert and an exceptional one undoubtedly lies in the selection of top-quality ingredients. Our candied orange peel is designed for professionals who want to create unique gastronomic experiences for their clients. Ready to differentiate yourself with a touch of quality? Explore our catalog and contact us if you need to clarify any doubts, we will be happy to help you.