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Candied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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candied

[หˆkรฆndษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

food description

Candied refers to fruit or other food items that have been preserved by sugar. This process usually involves cooking the items in a sugar syrup, which gives them a sweet flavor and a chewy texture. Candied foods are often used in baking, cooking, or as snacks. They can be made from a variety of fruits, nuts, and even flowers. The finished product can be used as a decoration or an ingredient in dishes.

Synonyms

glazed, sugared, sweetened.

Examples of usage

  • I love candied orange peel in my desserts.
  • She prepared a fruit salad with candied cherries.
  • Candied nuts make a great topping for salads.
  • The cake was garnished with candied violets.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Candied fruits have been enjoyed for centuries, with historical recipes dating back to ancient Egypt.
  • In traditional cooking, the process often involves boiling the food in sugar syrup until it becomes sweet and chewy.
  • Common examples include candied ginger, orange peel, and even whole fruits like cherries or lemons.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, candied foods are offered during festivals and celebrations, signifying joy and abundance.
  • In Japan, candied fruits like 'kebari' are a part of traditional sweets enjoyed during special occasions.
  • Italian cuisine features 'frutta martorana', a type of marzipan that imitates candied fruit, showcasing artistic skill.

Health Considerations

  • While they are delicious, candied items are often high in sugar, making moderation important for health.
  • Some studies show that consuming higher amounts of sugar can lead to increased energy but can also result in a quick energy crash.
  • Natural alternatives, like using honey or dates, are becoming popular for those seeking a different sweetness.

Science of Sugar

  • The process of candied foods involves osmosis, where sugar draws moisture out, preserving the fruit.
  • Sugar acts as a natural preservative, extending the shelf life of candied items significantly compared to fresh fruit.
  • The carbohydrate molecules in sugar interact with the water molecules in fruit, creating that classic chewy texture.

Art and Literature

  • Candied fruits are often featured in literature as symbols of indulgence or festivities, showing their cultural impact.
  • In art, the vibrant colors of candied fruits inspire many painters, capturing their beauty in still life compositions.
  • Children's stories sometimes use candied treats as magical objects, such as in fairytales where they lead to enchanted lands.

Origin of 'candied'

The word 'candied' comes from the French word 'candi', which means 'sugar', derived from the Arabic word 'qandi' (ู‚ูู†ู’ุฏูุฑููŠ), referring to something made of sugar. The practice of candying dates back to ancient times when people began to preserve fruits and vegetables by cooking them in sugar syrup. This method was especially popular in Mediterranean cultures, where the climate allowed for abundant fruit harvests. Over time, the technique spread to other regions and evolved, leading to the candied fruits and sweets we recognize today. By the 16th century, candied foods had become a fashionable delicacy in Europe, often enjoyed by the nobility and used in festive dishes. Today, candied items remain popular in various cuisines around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,821, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.