Homemade Grapefruit Slices - Recipe Diaries (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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If you’re a fan of grapefruit stop throwing out the peels! They can be used to make candied grapefruit slices. It’s quite a simple and easy process to do and just requires some boiling. Actually a lot of boiling… You can eat them as is or use them for co*cktail garnishes. People will think you slaved hours to make them.

This post was recently updated on 10/9/2020 with new pictures and info to help you get the perfect grapefruit slices.

Homemade Grapefruit Slices - Recipe Diaries (1)
Jump to:
  • Ingredients Needed
  • How to make Candied Grapefruit
  • How do I store leftovers?
  • Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
  • Recipe Tips and Tricks
  • Other Recipes to Try
  • Homemade Grapefruit Slices

Ingredients Needed

Large grapefruits - are a type of citrus fruit known for their tangy and slightly bitter taste. They are a great source of vitamins C and A, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
Sugar - Or regular granulated sugar, I do not use sugar substitutes in any of my recipes but if you know the conversions feel free to do so
Water - this comes straight from the faucet!
Sugar for covering the slices

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to make Candied Grapefruit

Step 1: To make candied grapefruit peels, you'll need two large grapefruits to start. Cut the grapefruits into 4 wedges. Then remove the peel from each wedge. You'll have 8 grapefruit peels. Cut them into chunks or long strands.

Homemade Grapefruit Slices - Recipe Diaries (2)

Step 2: Place them over a stove top in a boiling pot with about 1 inch of water covering them. When the water starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat, strain the grapefruit peels and then place them back into the pot with fresh water and boil again. Repeat this step 4 times. This is because grapefruit peels are very bitter and you want to get rid of the bitter water as soon as possible.

Homemade Grapefruit Slices - Recipe Diaries (3)

Step 3: After you've boiled them in fresh water for the 4th time. Strain and set aside. In the pot, add in 4 cups water and 4 cups sugar. Stir until sugar and water are combined, then add the grapefruit peels back in. Boil the mixture over high heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until there are large opaque bubbles and the grapefruit zest is completely translucent.

Step 4: Strain the mixture over a heat proof bowl so you can keep the simple syrup for a co*cktail if you want!

Step 5: Place 1 cup sugar in a bowl and add in the hot grapefruit peels. Mix them in the sugar so they're completely covered. Then set on a plate to cool.

How do I store leftovers?

Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Stainless steel pots - for boiling the grapefruit slices in water

Sharp Knife - for slicing the grapefruit slices.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

At first, the grapefruit slices were kind of bitter. The next day, however, they transformed into the grapefruit slices that the candy store has. I let my friends try them and they loved them.

The sugar will absorb into the grapefruit overnight.

Take the grapefruit slices one step farther and dip them in chocolate!

Store the candy in airtight containers.

Other Recipes to Try

Fresh Blueberry Pie

No Stir Easy Parmesan Risotto

Roasted Shrimp Salad

Perfect Pie Crust

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Homemade Grapefruit Slices - Recipe Diaries (4)

If you’ve tried this Candied Grapefruit Slices or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out. Snap a picture and upload it to share on Pinterest or Instagram! Make sure to tag me in the photo.

Recipe fromTablespoon!

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Homemade Grapefruit Slices - Recipe Diaries (5)

Homemade Grapefruit Slices

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

4 from 1 review

  • Author: Jenna
  • Total Time: 1hr
  • Yield: 24 1x
Print Recipe

Description

If you’re a fan of grapefruit stop throwing out the peels! They can be used to make candied grapefruit slices.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 large grapefruits
    4 cups of sugar
    4 cups of water
    1 cup of sugar for covering the slices

Instructions

  1. To make candied grapefruit peels, you'll need two large grapefruits to start. Cut the grapefruits into 4 wedges. Then remove the peel from each wedge. You'll have 8 grapefruit peels. Cut them into chunks or long strands.
  2. Place them over a stove top in a boiling pot with about 1 inch of water covering them. When the water starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat, strain the grapefruit peels and then place them back into the pot with fresh water and boil again. Repeat this step 4 times. This is because grapefruit peels are very bitter and you want to get rid of the bitter water as soon as possible.
  3. After you've boiled them in fresh water for the 4th time. Strain and set aside. In the pot, add in 4 cups water and 4 cups sugar. Stir until sugar and water are combined, then add the grapefruit peels back in.Boil the mixture over high heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until there are large opaque bubbles and the grapefruit zest is completely translucent.
  4. Strain the mixture over a heat proof bowl so you can keep the simple syrup for a co*cktail if you want!
  5. Place 1 cup sugar in a bowl and add in the hot grapefruit peels. Mix them in the sugar so they're completely covered. Then set on a plate to cool.
  • Prep Time: 30min
  • Cook Time: 30min
  • Category: Medium
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lezlie says

    I made these and they’re great! That makes a lot. What is the best way to store them and how long will they keep?

  2. Jenna says

    The recipe is correct. You're just peeling off the edges of each fruit. Boiling it that many times helps the sugar to stick.

  3. Melinda Onwiler says

    Why are the instructions for grapefruit “peel”, not slices? If you boil fruit sections 4 times, there will be nothing left! Please reply if recipe is correct as shown

  4. Rachel says

    Just received a dozen grapefruits from our neighbor’s tree and was looking for an easy and quick recipe to try out new ideas and came across yours. This recipe is great. I’ve already passed along the recipe link with family and friends. Thanks for sharing it.

Leave a Reply

Homemade Grapefruit Slices - Recipe Diaries (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to grapefruit juice to make it taste better? ›

Some of the ingredients in your pantry like honey, yogurt and even salt help turn this citrus from sour to sweet. This way, you can bask in its bright flavor without the tartness being overwhelming.

Do you put salt or sugar on grapefruit? ›

While it may seem counterintuitive, salt — not sugar — can make grapefruit taste less bitter and more sweet. Sure, sugar can drown out the bitterness and sour flavor if you sprinkle it on thick enough, but salt actually balances these tastes rather than covering them up.

What not to mix with grapefruit? ›

Some statin drugs to lower cholesterol, such as Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin). Some drugs that treat high blood pressure, such as Procardia and Adalat CC (both nifedipine). Some organ-transplant rejection drugs, such as Neoral and Sandimmune capsule or oral solution (both cyclosporine).

What flavor mixes well with grapefruit? ›

Grapefruit: Pairs well with banana, basil, black pepper, caramel, coconut, ginger, lemon, lime, melon, mint, papaya, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberry, rosemary, strawberry, thyme, tropical fruits, and vanilla.

What does grapefruit do for your body? ›

Grapefruit, like other fruits, provides a good helping of fiber, which can help support: Heart health: Fiber-rich foods can reduce inflammation and ease high blood pressure. Gut health: Fiber helps prevent constipation and encourages beneficial bacteria growth.

Does sugar make grapefruit taste better? ›

Not so fast. Not only does sugar add significant and non-nutritive calories, it can also overpower the naturally sweet grapefruit flavor. It may seem counter-intuitive, but a pinch of salt may be your ticket to grapefruit enjoyment.

What do you sprinkle on grapefruit? ›

Many of us consider grapefruit's natural granular mate to be sugar. But it seems generations of Americans were more inclined to pair their grapefruit with another easy-to-sprinkle crystal: salt.

What does grapefruit do on an empty stomach? ›

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that grapefruit should be eaten on an empty stomach for optimal health benefits. However, some people may prefer to eat grapefruit before a meal because it can help stimulate digestion and reduce appetite, potentially leading to weight loss.

Why was grapefruit considered a forbidden fruit? ›

Well, the grapefruit was originally called the “forbidden fruit” because in 1750, Reverend Griffith Hughes came upon the grapefruit and called it that while he was looking for the origin of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden.

What to do with too many grapefruit? ›

Grapefruit shines in dishes both sweet and savory. Enjoy its bright complexity raw in salads, smoothies, and sorbet, or try broiling or baking grapefruit with fish or meat. Don't overlook the potential of grapefruit in desserts, and do not miss its punch in co*cktails and spritzes.

How do you neutralize grapefruit juice? ›

"Salt neutralizes the bitter taste as well as the acidity," she advised. Others wrote in to back up this endorsem*nt. "I think you will find that many Southerners always salt their grapefruit," wrote "M.B.L." from Philadelphia.

What makes grapefruit taste less bitter? ›

Add some salt

It may seem counter-intuitive, but a pinch of salt may be your ticket to grapefruit enjoyment. Sweetening your grapefruit with salt is a trick that people have been using for over a hundred years. In 1946, Morton Salt even featured the unlikely pairing in advertisem*nts.

How do you make red grapefruit sweeter? ›

To cut the bitterness in grapefruit, you can add something sweet or salty to it.
  1. add cane sugar or brown sugar to it.
  2. drizzle honey on it.
  3. sprinkle salt on it.
  4. mix it with other sweet fruits like bananas, strawberries, kiwi, or mango.

When should you not drink grapefruit juice? ›

Often-prescribed medicines that can interact with grapefruit include medicines that:
  • Fight infection.
  • Lower cholesterol.
  • Treat high blood pressure.
  • Treat heart problems.
  • Prevent the body from rejecting a donated organ.
  • Treat anxiety.
  • Treat seasonal allergies.
  • Control seizures.

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