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Candied fruit

Classic, timeless, eye-catching, delicious… Candied fruit is one of those sweets that transports us back to childhood just by looking at it.

Crafted in the traditional way, one of the most notable characteristics of our candied fruit is its texture: firm on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.

If you are a professional and wish to buy bulk candied fruit, do not hesitate to take a look at our catalog.

Bulk candied fruit

Bulk Candied Fruits

Below, we present our varieties of bulk candied fruit.

All About Artisanal Nougats

Candied Fruit: Preparation and Uses

Candied fruit is the result of a traditional preservation method that consists of submerging fresh fruit in syrup (a mixture of water and sugar), cooking it, and subsequently allowing it to dry. This process removes the natural water, replacing it with sugar. This process maintains the flavor, aroma, texture, and color of the fruit for a long time.

Although it is used in various ways in different parts of the world, in Spain, candying fruit has always been very traditional, especially in Christmas confectionery, as it is used in recipes such as the Roscón de Reyes, fruit nougat, ice creams, and other sweets.

Candied fruit

Types of Candied Fruit You Can Buy

In our company, we have been working with different types of whole candied fruit for over 80 years. This includes both for use in our own workshop and for sale to shops and distributors.

Although we have never produced candied fruit in large quantities, we initially began making it for our fruit nougat; gradually, customers began requesting crates to prepare roscones at Christmas or for bulk sales.

Other customers who can purchase bulk candied fruit include ice cream parlors, to create artisanal ice creams and complement their offerings.

In the following list, you can find the types of candied fruit in our catalog, although we can produce other varieties upon request:

  • Red cherries
  • Whole and quartered orange
  • Pear
  • Tangerine
  • Peach halves
  • Watermelon
  • Plum
  • White, green, and red pumpkin candy

We supply the fruit in 2 kg boxes. Depending on availability, in 4 kg crates. Because the fruit is natural, the number of units per box may vary according to the size of each fruit.

Candied Fruit: Origin and Characteristics

Candied fruit is widely used in Spanish confectionery, especially during festive seasons. Its origin dates back to antiquity alongside another method, drying, and it used to be an exclusive product available only to a few.

Initially, the technique was used to preserve fruit for long periods and during long journeys when other refrigeration methods did not exist. This practice was developed in the Middle East and later spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

Over time, the technique was perfected, reaching its peak in countries such as Italy, France, and Spain (countries with Mediterranean and Arabic influences), where candied fruit became an essential component of traditional confectionery. Its application in festive recipes has contributed to its popularity and has kept it relevant to this day.

Characteristics and Properties of the Candied Fruits You Can Buy

Flavor and Aroma

Candied fruit is distinguished by its sweet and concentrated flavor, a product of the maceration process in syrup. This method allows the sugar to penetrate the fruit pulp, intensifying its sweetness and providing a slight caramelized note. The aroma is preserved and even enhanced, providing a complete sensory experience.

Texture and Color

One of the most notable characteristics of candied fruit is its texture. The combination of sugar and drying time gives the fruits a firm consistency on the outside and a tender one on the inside. Ideally, it remains very juicy, which intensifies its flavor.
Regarding color, the candying process helps to enhance the fruit’s tones, giving them a bright and attractive appearance. Although in some cases we use food coloring out of tradition (red and green pumpkin candy).

Comparison Between Candied, Glazed, and Frosted Fruit

In our company, it is customary to serve glazed candied fruit; we have always done it this way. However, upon request, we can produce any of these types.

  • Candied: The basic process. It involves immersing the fruit in syrup for a prolonged period, allowing the sugar to penetrate deeply into the pulp, followed by drying.
  • Glazed: This is an additional process after candying; once dry, a superficial layer of syrup is added, which gives the fruit a shiny finish.
  • Frosted: Again, this is a process subsequent to candying. It refers to covering the surface of the fruit with a fine layer of crystallized sugar, giving it a frosted appearance.

How Is Candied Fruit Made?

The manufacturing process for our candied fruits is simple but requires time and depends directly on the product to be glazed, but we can broadly summarize each step.

First, we select fruit from the market. As much as possible, we try to buy seasonal fruit for candying directly from local distributors, which we find to be the tastiest. In this regard, one must be realistic: not all fruit is available year-round, so we must candy it beforehand.

After passing quality and selection controls, the fruit to be candied is washed and submerged in the finest syrup (water and sugar) to preserve it, as has been done for centuries.

The final process is drying. It is usually coated with pectin to provide a shiny finish and give the product consistency. This process is important because poorly dehydrated fruit will leave a different taste than what we are looking for. This process is carried out gradually.

Is Candied Fruit Gluten-Free?

Yes, our candied fruit is natural and gluten-free. However, it is manufactured in a facility where sulfites are used.

Sulfites in Candied Fruit

Sulfites can be found naturally in fruit, but they are primarily an additive used as a preservative, antifungal, and antioxidant. They are also used to maintain aroma, color, and flavor.
Candied fruits are a sweet bathed in water and sugar—ideal ingredients for the growth of bacteria and fungi—and sulfites are responsible for keeping this in check.
Many people think that  sulfites are harmful to health, but they are far from it. Sulfites are effective, harmless, and necessary, and they have been used since ancient Greece (when candying began). In some cases, they can cause allergies, similar to nuts or dust. However, they have no effect on pregnant women or children.

Candied Fruit Distributor

At Turrones La Colmena, although we manufacture a small variety of candied fruits for Christmas, we have been distributors of candied and glazed fruit for years. Our professionalism is based on our experience, and our commitment is to quality.

If you have a company and wish to work with or sell our products, please do not hesitate to contact us using the following form:

In addition to candied and glazed fruit, we have:

Artisanal Pastry

Sweets, sweets! Whether it's polvorones or marzipans, it's not Christmas if they aren't on the table.

Chocolate

Do you like chocolate? In our shop, we have many for you. Click and find your favorite.

Customized for Companies

Nougat with your company logo. We adapt to your brand!