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Where did it originate? -

It was invented during the 14th century when sugar became known outside of India. You can have candied fruits on any occasion but they are especially popular during the winter season. 

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Why are fruits candied? -

The idea behind candying fruits was to preserve them for the winter months. The Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and Persians all practiced candying. Honey was one of the first ingredients used in the process.

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What is the process called? -

Candied fruits are also known as crystallized fruit or glacé fruit. The fruit is either cut into smaller pieces or candied as a whole. With some fruits, the peels are thinly sliced. They are placed in heated sugar syrup, which absorbs the moisture of the fruit and eventually preserves it.

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Where are they popular? -

Candied fruits are most popular during the Christmas period in many countries. They are either served to guests as sweet treats or used for making traditional Christmas desserts such as fruitcakes.

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Where are they popular? -

Candied fruits are usually eaten as a snack and are a popular street food in most Asian countries. Candied fruits such as cherries and candied peels are also used in fruitcakes or pancakes.

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Is it healthy? -

Candied fruits have additional sweeteners added to them. They are not considered healthy snacks due to the high levels of sugar. However, lower-calorie versions can be made by replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners.

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Uses in cooking -

Candied fruit can be used in cooking a variety of sweet foods. Fruit peels make great toppings on desserts, while other fruits can be added to biscuits, muffins, and cakes.

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Fruitcake -

Traditional fruitcake is made for special occasions such as weddings and Christmas. It gained popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries, and due to the cost of the ingredients, it was (and still is) considered an indulgence.

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Tanghulu -

Tanghulu is a popular snack and dessert that originated in Northern China and is now widely popular as a street food in most Asian countries. It was originally made as a medicine to cure the sick queen during the Song Dynasty.

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What makes it popular? -

Tanghulu’s vibrant colors and glossy shell make it look irresistible. With the sweet, juicy fruit and crunchy coating, it's a feast for the senses. 

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How is it different? -

Tanghulu is different from the other candied fruits. Even though it is coated in sugar syrup, the fruit inside is still fresh. The fruit is skewered and dipped into boiling sugar just until covered, and then plunged into ice water to help it harden. 

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The most popular candied fruits -

Any fruit can be candied but there are a few that are most popular for snacking, baking, and garnishing. 

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Candied cherries -

There are two types of candied cherries. Glacé cherries, which are cooked in sugar syrup until they are preserved and dried, have a slightly sticky texture. Maraschino cherries are stored in sugar syrup and tend to be softer in texture.

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Candied pineapple -

Candied pineapple is considered a healthier snack alternative to candy in tropical places. Pineapples are high in bromelain, which is an anti-bacterial enzyme that helps detoxify the body and reduce inflammation. Regardless of the cooking process, pineapple still contains these benefits.

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Candied kiwi -

Candied kiwi is not prepared as a whole, but is cut into slices and added to a pan with sugar, and water. Candied kiwi also has health benefits, such as helping to balance blood pressure and boosting immune system health.

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Candied papaya -

Candied papaya has a very chewy texture and sweet flavor, making it a perfect ingredient for adding to desserts, raw bars, yogurt, muesli, or even ice cream.

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Candied melon -

Candied melon dates back to ancient times when people used sugar to preserve fruits and extend their shelf lives. Melon is a great source of fiber and vitamin C.

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Candied gooseberry -

Gooseberries, also known as amla in India, have a unique flavor similar to rhubarb. They are full of vitamins and minerals that help maintain healthy hair and skin.

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Candied orange peel -

Candied orange peel gives a citrusy sweetness with a slight tang. It is used in baked goods such as cakes and tarts. Sometimes half of the peel is dipped into dark chocolate and enjoyed as a snack.

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Candied apricot -

Candied apricots retain their natural flavors and soft, juicy texture after being candied. The apricots are usually dried first and then cooked in the syrup. 

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Candied apple -

Candied apples are a bit different from the usual candied fruits. They are not sliced, but instead, the entire apple is covered in a sugary candy coating, and then a stick is inserted as a handle. It is a common treat during the fall season and can be garnished by rolling the sticky apple in nuts or shaved chocolate pieces. 

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Candied mango -

Candied mango is different from dried mango, first by the huge difference in the amount of sugar they contain. Dried mango has 10% sugar, whereas candied mango has 50-70% sugar. Candied mangoes can be found as slices or chunks.

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Candied banana- dehydrated - Candied bananas are either caramelized or dehydrated. The dehydrated or freeze-dried bananas are a crispy and sweet snack, which are about four times higher in fiber, potassium, carbohydrates, sugar, and, calories when compared to fresh bananas.

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Candied banana - caramelized -

Caramelized bananas are fried on a pan with butter and sugar until they are golden brown, often accompanied by vanilla ice cream. They have a soft texture and are very sweet.

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Candied dates -

Dried or candied dates are most popular in the Middle East and North Africa, mainly because those regions cultivate them. They are high in fiber and antioxidants, and are said to help those suffering from appetite loss. 

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Candied dates -

They are also believed to promote sleep and calm the mind. Dates can be made with different fillings if the seed is removed. They can also be used to make delicious desserts such as date and walnut cake.

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Tuttifrutti ice cream -

Tuttifrutti is a tropical fruit ice cream flavor made with finely chopped candied fruits. It's the perfect treat to enjoy by the beach on a sunny day.

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Candied vs. glazed -

Candied fruit is cooked and coated in sugar, making it dry and chewy but still very flavorful. They have a thick sugary shell. Candied fruits are more commonly used for garnishing and cooking.

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Candied vs. glazed -

Glazed fruit usually is when fresh fruit is dipped in sugar syrup or the syrup has been poured on. It tends to be softer and less chewy, with a thinner sugar coating. 

Sources: (Bonappetit) (Science Direct) (Cadbury Desserts Corner) (Zespri) (CBI) (Healthline) (Sow Good) (Smithsonian Magazine) (Natural Health for Life)

See also: Jam sessions: fruit preserve recipe ideas

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