Power of Citrus and Honey

We all know powers of citrus. Oranges were historically used for their high content of vitamin C, which prevents scurvy. Citrus fruit juices, such as orange, lime and lemon, maybe have been useful for lowering the risk factors for specific types of kidney stones. Grapefruit is another fruit juice that can be used to lower blood pressure because it interferes with the metabolism of calcium channel blockers. Lemons have the highest concentration of citrate of any citrus fruit, and daily consumption of lemonade has been shown to decrease the rate of stone formation.

And there is honey. Sweet, smooth tasting honey. Historically, honey has been used by humans both orally and topically to treat various ailments including gastric disturbances, ulcers, wounds, and burns. However, it is only recently that the mechanisms underlying the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey have come to be understood. Honey has also been used for centuries as a treatment for sore throats and coughs and, according to recent research, may be an effective soothing agent for coughs.

Knowing all this just made making citrus and honey drops make sense. I get to eat something that is good for me and tastes like candy. Yeah I call that a win win. I had everything already in the house so it didn’t cost me anything to make except my time, which was only about 30 minutes of doing something. The hardest part is waiting the 12 hours while it is in the dehydrator. I have never tried them in the oven yet. Maybe I will make that my next experiment in the kitchen.

Sorry for the bad picture. I had to hurry up and take it before the kids ate everything!

Citrus & Honey Gummy Drops

Ingredients

• 1/4 c  + 2 TB clear jel
• 1 1/3 cup fresh fruit juices ( I used a combo of orange, lemon, and grapefruit)
• 2 TB lemon juice
• 1/2 c honey

Directions:

1. In a medium sauce pan combine clear jel and honey. Mix until completely combined. Boil on medium for one minute.
2. Slowly add in the citrus juices. Mix until smooth. Boil on medium for one minute or until think.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for 15-20 minutes. Trust me on this, this is a must! You don’t want to burn your hands like I did. Once cooled place in a piping bag or a large zip lock bag.
4. Pipe even size drops on to the fruit roll up tray that works with your dehydrator or on a parchment sheet.
5. Let them ‘cook’ in the dehydrator for about 12 hours. That is the hard part waiting! They are done when they pull apart like a gummy worm/bear.
6. Once done place them in the refrigerator and let cool.
7. Take about 1/2 of sugar, paper or plastic bag and place the gummies in. Shake until well coated. You don’t have to do this step but it will help with keeping the gummies from sticking together.