Candied kiwi is a delightful treat that combines the natural tartness of fresh kiwis with a sweet, sugary coating. This easy craft recipe is perfect for those looking to experiment with homemade snacks or to add a unique twist to their dessert table. Whipping up a batch of candied kiwi is not only fun but also offers a burst of vibrant color and flavor that can brighten any day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to create chewy, sweet kiwi slices that can be enjoyed on their own or as an elegant garnish for cakes and cand desserts. Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or want to impress your friends at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Candied Kiwi:
- Unique Flavor: The sweet-sour balance of kiwi shines through.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make it accessible for all skill levels.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for snacking, garnishing, or as a healthy gift.
- Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh fruit and minimal additives.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness and try different coatings!
Materials:
- 4 ripe kiwis
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Small saucepan
- Blender or food processor (optional for pureeing)
Full Step-by-Step:
Prepare the Kiwi
- Wash and Peel: Rinse the kiwis under running water and peel them using a sharp knife.
- Slice: Cut the kiwis into thin, even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniformity for even candying.
Create Syrup
- Mix Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Heat: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Candy the Kiwi
- Dip Slices: Once the syrup is ready, reduce the heat to low. Dip each kiwi slice into the syrup, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Drain Excess Syrup: Remove the slices and let any excess syrup drip off.
Dry the Kiwi
- Arrange Slices: Place the coated kiwi slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
- Drying Process: Allow them to dry at room temperature for 24-48 hours, or use a dehydrator at 135°F (57°C) for 4-6 hours until chewy.
Tips & Variations:
- Flavor Infusions: Add spices like cinnamon or ginger to the syrup for added flavoring.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Zest it Up: Add a teaspoon of lime or orange zest to the syrup for a citrusy twist.
- Different Fruits: Try this method with other fruits like pineapple, mango, or strawberries for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I use frozen kiwis for this recipe?
- Fresh kiwis yield the best results, but you can use thawed frozen kiwis, keeping in mind they may be more watery.
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How do I store candied kiwi?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Refrigeration is not recommended as moisture can form.
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What can I do if the kiwi slices are too hard?
- If they’re overly hard, reduce the drying time or try soaking them in warm water for a short period before serving to soften them.
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Is it possible to coat them with something other than sugar?
- Absolutely! Try rolling in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Suggestions:
- Pair candied kiwi with yogurt or oatmeal for a healthy breakfast boost.
- Use as an attractive topping on cakes, cupcakes, or in fruit salads.
- Gift them in decorative jars for special occasions or holidays.
- Incorporate into homemade granola bars for a delightful surprise.
Final Thoughts
Candied kiwi is a fun and delightful treat that can satisfy your sweet cravings while also adding a burst of color to your dishes. We hope you enjoy making your batch as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please share your versions or leave a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
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Candied Kiwi
- Total Time: 1440 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Candied kiwi is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh kiwis with a sweet sugary coating, perfect for snacking or garnishing desserts.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe kiwis
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Small saucepan
- Blender or food processor (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and peel kiwis, then slice into thin, even slices about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a small saucepan, mix sugar, water, and lemon juice, heating until boiling and sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat, dip each kiwi slice into syrup, and let excess syrup drip off.
- Place coated slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Allow slices to dry at room temperature for 24-48 hours, or use a dehydrator at 135°F (57°C) for 4-6 hours until chewy.
Notes
Store candied kiwi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Fresh kiwis yield the best results; avoid using frozen kiwis.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg