Orange Drops

The tartaric acid serves a dual purpose: it brightens the citrus flavor and helps prevent crystallization by interfering with sugar molecule bonding, creating a smoother texture. The high concentration of confectioners' sugar (which contains cornstarch) absorbs the orange juice while the cornstarch acts as a stabilizer, allowing the mixture to firm up enough to hold its shape. Grating the rind releases aromatic oils that intensify the orange flavor far beyond what juice alone provides.