Candied lemon and ginger bonbons are a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. These little sweet bites are not only a treat for the palate but also offer a fragrant aroma thanks to the mix of fresh ginger and candied lemon. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves unique sweets and wants to create homemade goodies with simple, natural ingredients.
In this article, we’ll go through the detailed steps for making candied lemon and ginger bonbons. We’ll explore each step of the preparation, provide tips for success, and offer advice on storing and enjoying these sweet treats. Whether you’re a fan of homemade candies or looking to impress your guests with a new recipe, these candied lemon and ginger bonbons are an excellent choice!
Why Choose Candied Lemon and Ginger Bonbons?
Candied lemon and ginger bonbons are not only delicious but also have several benefits that make them particularly interesting:
1. A Blend of Subtle Flavors
The candied lemon, with its tangy and sweet taste, pairs perfectly with fresh ginger, which brings a spicy and slightly peppery kick. Together, these two ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
2. Refreshing Taste
The acidity of the candied lemon offers a refreshing sensation with each bite, while the ginger adds a subtle warmth that is both pleasant and invigorating.
3. Health Benefits
Ginger is well-known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, and lemon is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Together, they not only offer a delightful flavor experience but also provide health benefits, especially for digestion and circulation.
4. Easy to Prepare
Although candied lemon and ginger bonbons may seem sophisticated, the recipe is relatively simple and requires only a few basic ingredients. Plus, the preparation is quick and doesn’t require special culinary skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these candied lemon and ginger bonbons, here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 250 g sugar: Sugar is the key element for the candying process, as it helps make the lemon and ginger translucent and sweet. It also coats the candies at the end.
- 100 ml water: The water is used to dissolve the sugar and create the syrup in which the lemon and ginger will candy.
- 2 untreated lemons: Untreated lemons are essential to ensure you’re not using any pesticides, especially since you’ll be using the zest. Once candied, the lemon becomes tender and sweet.
- 50 g fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced: Fresh ginger is essential to add heat and a spicy note to the candy. You need to slice it thinly so it can candy properly in the syrup.
- Extra sugar for coating: After draining and drying the fruit, you’ll need some extra sugar to coat the candies, making them sweeter and also helping with preservation.
Steps to Make Candied Lemon and Ginger Bonbons
Step 1: Prepare the Lemons
- Wash the Lemons: Begin by thoroughly washing the lemons under running water to remove any dirt or wax that might be on the skin. It’s important to choose untreated lemons to avoid any chemicals on the skin, which will be used in the recipe.
- Cut the Lemons: Slice the lemons into wedges, making sure to remove any seeds. You can cut them into thinner slices or thicker wedges depending on your preference, but ensure the pieces aren’t too thick so they can candy evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Syrup
- Mix Sugar and Water: In a saucepan, combine 250 g of sugar with 100 ml of water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar into the water.
- Heat the Syrup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, let the syrup simmer for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Lemons and Ginger
- Add Lemons and Ginger: Add the lemon wedges and ginger slices to the boiling syrup. Immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Simmer Gently: Allow the fruit to simmer in the syrup for about 30 minutes. During this time, the lemons and ginger will candy, becoming translucent and absorbing all the sweetness of the sugar. The syrup should reduce slightly, but it should not become too thick.
- Check the Consistency: After 30 minutes, the lemon wedges should be tender and slightly translucent. You can test the texture of the fruit by poking it with a fork. If it goes through easily, the fruit is ready.
Step 4: Dry and Coat the Candies
- Drain the Fruit: Remove the lemon and ginger from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack or a sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and dry for about an hour. This helps to remove excess syrup.
- Coat with Sugar: Once the fruit has cooled and dried, prepare a little extra sugar in a small bowl. Roll the lemon wedges and ginger slices in the sugar to coat them generously. This will not only add sweetness but also help preserve the candies.
Step 5: Storage
- Store the Candied Lemons: Place the candies in an airtight jar for storage. The candied lemon and ginger bonbons will keep well at room temperature for several weeks. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly to avoid moisture.
Tasting Tips and Ideas
- Flavor Variations: For a different twist on these bonbons, you can add other spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the syrup. These spices complement the ginger and lemon very well.
- Using the Syrup: Don’t throw away the syrup in which the fruit has candied! You can save it and use it as a base for a sweet sauce, in cocktails, or even drizzle it over desserts like pancakes.
- Storage: If you plan to make a larger batch of these bonbons, you can store them in the fridge. While they will stay fresh longer in the fridge, they will lose their slightly crispy texture, becoming softer.
- Texture Tips: If you prefer your candies to be firmer, you can extend the cooking time in the syrup until you reach the desired consistency. However, be careful not to leave them too long, as they may become too hard.
Conclusion
Candied lemon and ginger bonbons are an absolute treat that perfectly blends sweetness and spice for a truly delightful experience. Simple to make, these homemade candies are perfect for a sweet snack, a gift, or a dessert for any occasion. With their unique flavor and health benefits, they will quickly become a favorite in your collection of homemade treats.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious balance of tangy lemon and spicy ginger in each bite! 🍬🍋
