Orange marmalade

Orange Marmalade – A Jewel of Desserts

If you are looking for a quick and refined dessert, orange marmalade is the perfect choice! This recipe not only delights with its flavors but also brings a touch of magic to every jar. So, get ready to discover how to transform a few simple oranges into a fragrant and vibrant delicacy!

Total preparation time: 3 days (including 2 days of soaking)
Cooking time: approximately 1 hour
Number of servings: 5 jars of 400 ml

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 large oranges (choose oranges with thick skin, preferably for marmalade)
- 1 kg of sugar (preferably white sugar for a clear marmalade)
- 400 ml of water
- Juice from 1 fresh lemon

The Passion for Marmalade – A Delicious History

Orange marmalade has a fascinating history, being appreciated for centuries for its intense flavors and versatility in dishes. In the past, sweets were a symbol of wealth and refinement, and orange marmalade, with its sweet and sour flavor, was often served on special occasions. Today, this recipe is a wonderful way to preserve seasonal fruits and bring a touch of sunshine to your table.

Step by step – Preparing the marmalade

1. Preparing the oranges:
Start by selecting 3 large, ripe oranges with thick skin. These will provide an exceptionally aromatic marmalade. Using a knife or a grater, lightly zest the oranges, but do not remove all the yellow layer, as it contains essential oils that will enhance the flavor of your marmalade. Then, soak the oranges in cold water, covered, in the fridge for 48 hours. Change the water every 12 hours to remove bitterness.

2. Boiling the oranges:
After the two days of soaking, remove the oranges from the water and place them in a pot with clean water. Boil them on low heat until they can be easily pierced with a fork, about 30-40 minutes. Then, transfer the oranges to a bowl of cold water and let them cool for an hour.

3. Removing seeds and cutting:
Once cooled, drain the oranges. Cut them into suitably thick slices, then into medium-sized pieces. Make sure to remove all the seeds to avoid any bitterness in the final product.

4. Preparing the syrup:
In a clean pot, add 1 kg of sugar and 400 ml of water. Place the pot on low heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the sugar has melted, increase the heat and bring the syrup to a boil. At the first boil, remove the foam that forms on top to achieve a clear marmalade.

5. Adding the oranges:
Once the syrup is thick (becomes viscous), remove the pot from the heat and add the orange pieces. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes for the flavors to blend. Then, put the pot back on high heat and boil the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the marmalade thickens well. This process takes between 30-40 minutes. If you notice foam forming, remove it with a spatula.

6. Finalizing and bottling:
At the last boil, add the lemon juice. This will enhance the flavor and help preserve the marmalade. Remove the pot from the heat and pour the hot marmalade into sterilized jars. Make sure to seal the jars tightly to keep the flavors intact.

Serving and combinations

Orange marmalade is perfect to be served on a slice of toasted bread, over creamy yogurt, or as a filling for cakes. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or add it to smoothies for a fresh and vibrant taste. Additionally, you can combine it with cottage cheese or feta cheese for a savory appetizer.

Tips and variations

For a touch of originality, you can add a few thin slices of fresh ginger during boiling, or experiment with different types of citrus, such as lemons or limes, to create a marmalade with more complex flavors. Also, if you prefer a less sweet marmalade, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 100-200 g, but make sure to adjust the boiling time to achieve the right consistency.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A jar of orange marmalade (approximately 100 g) contains around 250-300 calories. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice to sweeten your meals. Moderate consumption of orange marmalade can bring benefits to the immune system and skin health due to its high nutrient content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use organic oranges?
Absolutely! Organic oranges are an excellent choice as they contain no pesticides and have a more intense flavor.

2. How can I store the marmalade longer?
Make sure the jars are properly sterilized and store them in dark, cool places.

3. What can I do with leftover orange peels?
You can dry the peels and use them as flavoring in teas or cakes, or add them to spice mixes.

If you made it this far, it means you are ready to start cooking. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process and share the marmalade with your loved ones! Orange marmalade will surely bring smiles and joy in every jar. Enjoy your meal!