Sarah BrownI love surprising my friends with homemade treats at gatherings. Last week, I whipped up a batch of these gummy lemon slices to go alongside a fresh fruit salad and a chilled lemonade. The bright citrusy flavor was a hit and added a lovely, sweet touch to the table. If you’re like me and enjoy experimenting with fun, colorful snacks, you’re going to love this recipe!
Gummy lemon slices are the ultimate refreshing snack. They combine the zesty punch of lemons with a sugary coating that brings sweetness to the forefront. Perfect for warm summer days or as a delightful addition to an afternoon tea, you can easily make these chewy delights at home. They remind me of my childhood, playing outside with friends, sharing sweet treats, and enjoying sunshine. What’s not to love about that?
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How I Have Used the Ingredients in This Recipe
In this recipe, I use fresh lemons for their vibrant flavor and bright zest. The sugar serves as the binding agent, making these slices not just chewy, but sweet. Water is the base for drawing out the lemon’s essence and gives the slices their gelatinous texture. I also decided to add a hint of vanilla extract for a touch of warmth that beautifully complements the tartness of the lemons. It’s a simple set of ingredients that together creates a succulent treat.
The Ingredients
– 3 juicy lemons
– 2 cups granulated sugar, or as needed
– 8 cups cold water, or more if required
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth of flavor)
– Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
How to Make Gummy Lemon Slices?
Making gummy lemon slices is straightforward and fun! If you follow these steps, you’ll end up with delicious, chewy slices that everyone will adore. Let’s dive into the process!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemons
First, grab your trusty knife and cutting board. Slice the lemons into rings that are about 1/4-inch thick. Now, here comes the tricky part: remove the pulp from the lemon slices. This might take a minute, but it’s crucial for the texture. Afterward, slice the rings in half to create long strips of peel. This will enhance their appearance and make for easier munching later.
Step 2: Blanch the Peels
Next, take a small saucepan and fill it with water. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add the lemon peels. This step helps to remove excess bitterness and softens the peels a bit. Once they are in the boiling water, let them cook for about five minutes. Then, drain the peels and repeat this whole process three more times. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
Now, let’s move on to making our syrup. In a clean saucepan, combine 2 cups of fresh water with 2 cups of sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar completely. Once it’s bubbling and looks like a sweet syrup, reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer the Peels
Carefully add the softened lemon peels to the syrup. Here’s where the magic happens! You want to let them simmer until the white pith on the peels becomes translucent, which typically takes about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they’re coated evenly. This step is crucial for that syrupy goodness that’ll keep your gummy slices soft.
Step 5: Store or Dry
After the simmering process, you can choose how to store your lemon slices. If you want to keep them soft and syrupy, simply let them cool in the pot and refrigerate them in their syrup. This way, they’ll stay chewy and tasty for longer. If you’d rather have a classic candy, strain the peels from the syrup and allow them to dry on a wire rack. Once dry, toss them in a bit of sugar for added sweetness and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
– Don’t skip the blanching! It helps tone down the sourness.
– Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
– If you want a tangy twist, add a bit of fresh lemon zest.
– You can also try using other citrus, like oranges or limes, following the same method.
– These gummy slices make a great gift. Just package them in a cute jar!
Storage Tips
To keep your gummy lemon slices fresh, always store them in an airtight container. If you left them in syrup, they can last in the refrigerator for several weeks. If you dried them, they should be good for about a week at room temperature, but placing them in the fridge will extend their shelf life.
Nutrition Information
These gummy treats, while sweet, are still a fun way to enjoy some fruit! Per slice, you can expect about 120 calories, along with some vitamin C from the lemons. Just be mindful of the sugar content—moderation is key.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some fun ways to enjoy your gummy lemon slices:
– As a Sweet Snack: Perfect as a quick and fruity pick-me-up during the day.
– In Beverages: Add them to iced tea or lemonade for a fun twist.
– Garnish for Desserts: Use them to top pancakes or cupcakes to make them more festive.
– Gift: Package them beautifully in a jar with a ribbon to brighten up someone’s day.
– For Kids’ Parties: These are a hit with children, adding color and sweetness to any treat table.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Gummy Lemon Slices?
If you’re looking to switch things up, try these substitutes:
– Lime Zest:Adding this will give a different twist, with a zesty kick.
– Honey instead of Sugar:This natural sweetener can add flavor complexity.
– Maple Syrup:For a unique sweetness that goes well with citrus.
– Grapefruit:Try this for a more bitter-sweet flavor profile.
– Agave Nectar:A great alternative for a lower glycemic index option.
Gummy Lemon Slices
Equipment
- Knife
- Saucepan
- cutting board
- cooking spoon
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- – 3 juicy lemons
- – 2 cups granulated sugar or as needed
- – 8 cups cold water or more if required
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds depth of flavor
- – Pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemons
- First, grab your trusty knife and cutting board. Slice the lemons into rings that are about 1/4-inch thick. Now, here comes the tricky part: remove the pulp from the lemon slices. This might take a minute, but it’s crucial for the texture. Afterward, slice the rings in half to create long strips of peel. This will enhance their appearance and make for easier munching later.
Step 2: Blanch the Peels
- Next, take a small saucepan and fill it with water. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add the lemon peels. This step helps to remove excess bitterness and softens the peels a bit. Once they are in the boiling water, let them cook for about five minutes. Then, drain the peels and repeat this whole process three more times. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
- Now, let’s move on to making our syrup. In a clean saucepan, combine 2 cups of fresh water with 2 cups of sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar completely. Once it’s bubbling and looks like a sweet syrup, reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer the Peels
- Carefully add the softened lemon peels to the syrup. Here’s where the magic happens! You want to let them simmer until the white pith on the peels becomes translucent, which typically takes about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they’re coated evenly. This step is crucial for that syrupy goodness that’ll keep your gummy slices soft.
Step 5: Store or Dry
- After the simmering process, you can choose how to store your lemon slices. If you want to keep them soft and syrupy, simply let them cool in the pot and refrigerate them in their syrup. This way, they’ll stay chewy and tasty for longer. If you’d rather have a classic candy, strain the peels from the syrup and allow them to dry on a wire rack. Once dry, toss them in a bit of sugar for added sweetness and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
A: While you can use bottled juice in a pinch, fresh lemons provide the natural oils and flavors that make these slices special. Fresh is always best!
Q: How do I know when the lemon peels are ready?
A: The pith should look translucent and the peels should appear soft. If they still look thick and opaque, give them more time.
Q: How can I make these gummy slices less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly. Alternatively, you can add a bit of tart orange or even a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these gummy slices?
A: Yes, you can! Just make sure they are in a single layer and frozen flat. After they freeze, transfer them to a container.
Q: What’s the best way to enjoy gummy lemon slices?
A: You can enjoy them straight out of the jar, toss them into drinks, or even mix them into a fruit salad for that extra zing.
Conclusion
Gummy lemon slices are simply delightful! They are easy to make and offer a perfect balance between sweetness and citrusy zing, making them a wonderful addition to your kitchen repertoire. Whether you serve them at a party, pop them in your lunch box, or give them as gifts, these little gems are sure to bring smiles. So, grab those lemons, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it; your taste buds will thank you.
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