Easy? Yes, I do mean easy. Do you need citrus curls in your life? Yes, sometimes it’s the extra little things that count. A little fancy finish just feels so good.
Simply take any lemon, lime, orange, or tangerine and slice it in half.
Remove the fruit leaving the peel intact, being careful not to tear the rind. Oranges were by far the easiest to remove the fruit, but lemons and limes were difficult.
Using a pair of scissors cut a narrow piece of peel about 3 to 4 inches long. Try to cut as evenly as possible. This could be once around an orange or 1-1/2 times around a lemon, lime, or tangerine.
Now, simply wrap it around a toothpick, hold it on both ends for about 15 seconds. Simply let go and let it slide off the toothpick onto a plate. That’s it! It will keep it’s shape. Try it, you will be a believer. The citrus peels on the plate were not re-done for the picture; they patiently lied in wait while I finished.
Take Note: Even though the oranges were easier to remove the pulp, they were harder to wrap. So, a few of the orange curls broke in half; it’s no doubt their thicker skin. Lemons, limes, and tangerines were a breeze to curl.
I have used citrus curls for Key Lime Pie, Tangerine Chess, and Cherry Limeade pies. Also, for Lemon Fluff and Orange Dreamsicle. But don’t stop at pies! Food and fruit platters, and other desserts, want to feel special too!
Easy Citrus Curls
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 any combination of oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines, etc.
- A few toothpicks (longer length is easier)
- A pair of sharp scissors
Instructions
- Wash and cut the fruit in half.
- Remove the pulp, either by hand or a sharp knife, being careful not to tear the rind.
- Using the sharp scissors, cut thin strips, once around for an orange, about 1-1/2 times around for the smaller fruits, lemons, limes, etc.
- Wrap the rind strip tightly, with pith/white side against toothpick. Hold for 15 seconds and let go onto a plate. Repeat until all are done.
- Use immediately or put in an airtight container and use in the next couple of days.
