Description
Sweet citrus dreams come alive in this orange marmalade, a sunshine-packed preserve celebrating zesty Mediterranean flavors. Crafted with simple ingredients and patient technique, you’ll savor each bright, complex spoonful of homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 organic oranges
- 1 lemon
- 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) sugar
Liquid:
- 1 liter (33.8 fluid ounces) water
Optional Ingredient:
- 1 packet pectin
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse oranges and lemon under cool running water, carefully removing any surface debris.
- Meticulously peel oranges, discarding white pith, and slice fruit into thin segments while extracting all seeds.
- Finely chop lemon and orange peels into delicate strips, ensuring uniform size for consistent texture.
- Transfer citrus peels, sliced fruits, and water into a large heavy-bottomed pot, creating a vibrant citrus base.
- Ignite medium-high heat, bringing liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to gentle simmer for approximately 60 minutes until fruits soften and liquid reduces by half.
- Gradually incorporate sugar, stirring continuously to prevent scorching, allowing complete dissolution at consistent temperature.
- Add pectin if desired, mixing thoroughly to enhance setting properties and create smooth consistency.
- Elevate heat, returning mixture to vigorous boil for 25-30 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning.
- Conduct setting test by placing small dollop on chilled plate – marmalade should wrinkle when pushed with finger, indicating perfect consistency.
- Carefully ladle scorching hot marmalade into sterilized glass containers, leaving minimal headspace.
- Seal jars immediately, allowing natural cooling process to create secure vacuum seal.
Notes
- Always choose firm, ripe oranges with vibrant color for the most intense flavor and best texture in your marmalade.
- Use a sharp knife when slicing oranges and lemon to ensure thin, even cuts that will create a beautiful, consistent spread.
- Consider adding a splash of bourbon or Grand Marnier during the cooking process for an extra depth of flavor and sophisticated twist.
- When testing doneness, place a small plate in the freezer beforehand to ensure it’s completely cold, which helps the marmalade set more accurately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 137
- Sugar: 100 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 101 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg