Canditi

Canditi refers to a specific type of Italian confectionery, essentially candied fruits. These are whole fruits, pieces of fruit, or fruit peels that have been preserved by soaking them in sugar syrup. The process involves gradually increasing the sugar concentration, which draws out moisture from the fruit and replaces it with sugar, effectively preserving it and giving it a sweet, chewy texture.

The most common fruits used for canditi include citrus peels such as orange, lemon, and bergamot, as well as cherries, figs, plums, and pears. Canditi are often used as an ingredient in baked goods, particularly cakes, panettone, and fruitcakes, where they add bursts of flavor and texture. They are also frequently coated in chocolate or dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed as standalone sweets. The appearance of canditi can vary, with some retaining their original fruit shape while others are cut into smaller, uniform pieces. Their intense sweetness and long shelf life have made them a traditional element in Italian holiday baking and confectionery for centuries. The term "canditi" is the plural form in Italian, with "candito" being the singular.