Candied Fruit Without High Fructose Corn Syrup

Candied fruits are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Unfortunately, many brands use high fructose corn syrup in their recipes, which can be harmful to your health. In this article, we will explore how to make candied fruit without using high fructose corn syrup.

What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener that is commonly used in processed foods and beverages. It is made by converting corn starch into glucose and then fructose. HFCS is cheaper than traditional sweeteners like cane sugar, which is why it is so prevalent in the food industry.

However, many experts believe that HFCS is contributing to the rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. That's why it's important to find alternatives to HFCS, especially in foods that are consumed regularly.

Why Choose Candied Fruits Without HFCS?

Candied fruits are an excellent alternative to candy, providing many of the same benefits while being much healthier. Candied fruits can help satisfy your sweet tooth without consuming high levels of sugar, and they provide vitamins and fiber that are typically lacking in candy.

Moreover, choosing candied fruits without HFCS is especially important if you're trying to avoid this type of sweetener. Many health experts believe that high consumption of HFCS is linked to many chronic diseases like obesity, heart diseases, and type 2 diabetes. By choosing candied fruits without HFCS, you can enjoy the taste of this delicious treat without worrying about the negative health effects.

How to Make Candied Fruit Without HFCS

Now that we've covered the importance of avoiding HFCS, let's explore how to make candied fruits without it. Here's what you will need:

Related Corn

Fresh fruit (such as apples, oranges, or pineapples)
Sugar or honey
Water
Optional flavorings (such as cinnamon or vanilla extract)

Here's how to make candied fruit without HFCS:

Cut your fruit into small pieces and set it aside.
In a large pot, mix together your sweetener of choice (sugar or honey) and water. For every cup of water, add one cup of sweetener.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for a few minutes until the sweetener dissolves.
Add the fruit to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook the fruit for about 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is translucent and the syrup has thickened.
Remove the fruit from the pot and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the fruit in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 hours, until the fruit is fully dry.
Once the fruit is dry, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a year.

And that's it! Your delicious and healthy candied fruit is ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Candied fruits are a great alternative to candy, and they're even better when they're made without HFCS. By using natural sweeteners like sugar or honey, you can enjoy the taste of candied fruit without worrying about the negative health effects of HFCS. So the next time you're craving something sweet, give this recipe a try!