📖 Instructions

1. Prepare your molds: Lightly grease your lollipop molds with a neutral oil like grapeseed or coconut oil. This will help the lollipops release easily once they've hardened.
2. Juice the limes: Juice the limes until you have 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.
3. Prepare the longans: Peel and pit the longans. If using canned longans, drain them well. Roughly chop them into smaller pieces.
4. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, lime juice, and chopped longans. Stir well to ensure the sugar is moistened.
5. Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring to avoid crystallization.
6. Monitor the temperature: Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan. Continue to cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage (300-310°F or 149-154°C). This will take about 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on the temperature to prevent burning.
7. Remove from heat: Once the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
8. Add flavor (optional): If desired, stir in a drop or two of lime extract or food coloring. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much extract can make the lollipops taste bitter.
9. Pour into molds: Carefully pour the hot sugar mixture into the prepared lollipop molds. Fill each mold to the top, but avoid overfilling.
10. Insert sticks: Immediately insert a lollipop stick into the center of each mold. Gently twist the stick to ensure it's well-embedded in the sugar mixture.
11. Cool and harden: Allow the lollipops to cool and harden completely at room temperature. This will take at least 30 minutes to an hour. Do not refrigerate them, as this can cause them to become sticky.
12. Remove from molds: Once the lollipops are completely hardened, gently flex the molds to release them. If they are stuck, you can try placing the molds in the freezer for a few minutes to help them contract.
13. Wrap (optional): If desired, wrap each lollipop individually in cellophane bags or plastic wrap to keep them fresh and prevent them from sticking together.