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Candied fruit, also known as crystallized fruit, is a confection made by preserving fruit in sugar syrup and then coating it with a layer of crystallized sugar. Common ingredients include cherries, citrus peels, ginger, and pineapple, and the practice has roots in ancient Persia and medieval Europe, spreading globally as a popular treat and ingredient in baking.
This dish is extremely high in carbohydrates and sugar, offering virtually no protein or fat, with a single serving (about 1 ounce or 28 grams) containing roughly 80-100 calories.
Culturally, candied fruit is a cornerstone of holiday traditions like Italian panettone and English Christmas cake, while nutritionally, it is unique for being a preserved food that transforms fresh produce into a shelf-stable, energy-dense treat through a centuries-old technique of osmotic dehydration.