Easy Orange Marmalade How to make orange marmalade from www.tashasartisanfoods.com
Introduction
Marmalade is a sweet and tangy spread made from citrus fruits, sugar, and water. It's a popular addition to breakfast or tea time, and can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or as a filling for cakes and pastries. Making marmalade at home may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple and only requires a few ingredients.
Ingredients
To make easy marmalade, you will need the following ingredients:
3 medium-sized oranges
1 large lemon
4 cups of water
4 cups of granulated sugar
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your own homemade marmalade:
Wash the oranges and lemon thoroughly, and slice them thinly into rounds. Remove any seeds and set aside.
In a large pot, combine the sliced fruit and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
Once the fruit has softened and the liquid has reduced by about half, add in the sugar and stir well to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture cook for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the marmalade thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
To test if the marmalade is ready, place a small amount on a cold plate and let it cool for a few seconds. If it sets and wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's done.
Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam from the surface. Let the marmalade cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to clean, sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely before storing in the fridge.
Nutrition
This easy marmalade recipe yields about 4 cups of marmalade, which can be divided into 32 servings of 2 tablespoons each. Each serving contains approximately:
105 calories
27 grams of carbohydrates
26 grams of sugar
0 grams of fat
0 grams of protein
0 milligrams of cholesterol
1 milligram of sodium
1 gram of fiber
67% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C
Tips for Making Perfect Marmalade
Choose Ripe, Juicy Fruit
The key to making delicious marmalade is using fresh, ripe fruit that's bursting with flavor. Look for oranges and lemons that are heavy for their size and have a bright, glossy skin. Avoid using fruit that's too soft or has blemishes, as this can affect the taste and texture of the marmalade.
Use a Large Pot
When making marmalade, it's important to use a large, heavy-bottomed pot that can hold all of the ingredients without boiling over. This will ensure that the marmalade cooks evenly and doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pot.
Be Patient
Making marmalade is a slow process that requires patience and attention to detail. Allow plenty of time for the fruit to simmer and soften, and don't rush the cooking process by turning up the heat. Slow cooking will help to release the natural pectin in the fruit, which is what helps the marmalade to set.
Skim off the Foam
As the marmalade cooks, you may notice a layer of foam forming on the surface. This is completely normal and can be easily removed by skimming it off with a spoon. Removing the foam will help to give your marmalade a smoother, more even texture.
Store Properly
To ensure that your marmalade stays fresh and delicious, it's important to store it properly. Keep the jars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and refrigerate after opening. Homemade marmalade can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly.
Variations
Orange and Ginger Marmalade
For a spicy twist on traditional marmalade, try adding some fresh ginger to the mix. Simply peel and grate a 2-inch piece of ginger, and add it to the pot along with the fruit and water. The ginger will give the marmalade a warm, zesty flavor that's perfect for chilly mornings.
Lemon and Lime Marmalade
If you're a fan of tangy citrus flavors, try making marmalade with a combination of lemons and limes. Simply replace one of the oranges with a lime, and use the same amount of lemon as the recipe calls for. The resulting marmalade will be bright, zippy, and perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your breakfast or tea time.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade marmalade is a fun and rewarding process that yields a delicious and versatile spread. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful marmalade that's perfect for enjoying on toast, scones, or as a filling for cakes and pastries. So why not give it a try and see how easy it can be to make your own marmalade at home?
