Real Mixed Peel

Asked by SDuberley. Answered on 17th August 2011

Full question

I'm preparing to make Nigella's Black Cake for Christmas from the Domestic Godess (p250), but the recipe asks for real mixed peel. I've looked in the shops but can only find the peel in tubs which Niegella doesn't recommend. Can I buy real mixed peel or does it have to be made?

Our answer

Nigella prefers the whole strips of candied peel as they often have a better flavour, however if you can't get hold of this then you could still use the regular cut mixed peel in containers.

In the UK the Sundora/Whitworths box of whole mixed peel (also labelled as candied orange, lemon and citron peel) is the brand you are most likely to find. We understand that it is available in some branches of Sainsbury's and Waitrose and is available on-line from Sainsbury's. You may also see it occasionally in natural foods stores (such as Julian Graves) or cake decorating shops.

http://www.juliangraves.com/branchfinder

In the US the peel can be slightly difficult to find but you may get it in larger Italian delis or specialist food stores. It is also available on-line from:

http://www.nutsonline.com/driedfruit/glazedfruit/

Making your own candied peel involves blanching citrus peel then simmering it in a sugar syrup. It is not particularly difficult but it is time-consuming. There is a good selection of recipes available on-line if you do want to make your own.