Sweet & Zesty Homemade Marmalade Recipe For Citrus Lovers

Sweet citrus lovers, this homemade marmalade will brighten your morning toast with bursts of tangy sunshine.

Oranges from sunny California provide incredible depth and complexity for our special preserve.

Slicing through bitter peels and fragrant rinds creates a robust flavor profile that surprises and delights.

Skilled cooks know preserving fruit requires patience and precise technique.

Sugar caramelizes gently, binding zesty bits into a glossy, spreadable masterpiece.

Chunky orange pieces suspended in translucent amber promise a sophisticated breakfast experience.

Spread this delectable marmalade and savor every vibrant spoonful.

FAQs About Delia Smith Marmalade Recipe

• What type of oranges work best for this marmalade?

Navel or Valencia oranges are ideal due to their thick, flavorful rinds and high pectin content, which helps the marmalade set properly.

• Do I need a special tool to chop the oranges?

A food processor or sharp knife works great. Pulse or chop into small, consistent pieces to ensure even cooking and texture.

• How can I tell if the marmalade is properly cooked?

Use the wrinkle test: place a small amount on a frozen plate and push with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s done cooking.

• Why do I need to scrub the oranges and lemon before cooking?

Scrubbing removes wax, dirt, and any potential pesticide residues, ensuring a clean and safe marmalade.

Why You’ll Crave Delia Smith Marmalade Recipe

• Savor Homemade Goodness: Create a delightful spread bursting with bright, fresh orange flavors that beats store-bought versions any day.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Learn an easy preservation technique that transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet condiment with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Customize Your Preserve: Experiment with orange varieties and adjust sweetness levels to suit personal taste preferences, making each batch uniquely yours.
• Budget-Friendly Treat: Craft a luxurious condiment at a fraction of the cost of premium jarred marmalades, using just a few affordable ingredients.

Ingredients You Need For Delia Smith Marmalade Recipe

• Oranges: Sweet, juicy fruits that provide the primary flavor and texture for the marmalade.
• Lemon: Adds bright acidity and helps with the setting process of the marmalade.

• Sugar, Water: Create the syrupy base that helps thicken and preserve the marmalade.

• Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and additional flavor depth to the preserve.

How To Make Delia Smith Marmalade Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Citrus Fruits

Thoroughly wash oranges and lemon under cool running water. Use a soft brush to scrub away any dirt or wax from the skin. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Chop Oranges

Remove the ends of the oranges. Carefully slice each orange into 8 equal pieces. Gently remove and discard any visible seeds. Use a food processor or sharp knife to pulse or chop the orange pieces into small, uniform bits.

Step 3: Combine Citrus Base

Transfer the chopped orange pieces into a large saucepan. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest to enhance the citrusy flavor.

Step 4: Create Sugar Syrup

In a separate bowl, mix sugar and water until the sugar begins to dissolve. Pour this sweet mixture into the saucepan with the orange pieces.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue cooking for 30-35 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 6: Check Marmalade Consistency

Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes to chill. Drop a small amount of the marmalade onto the cold plate. Run your finger through the mixture – if it wrinkles and holds its shape, the marmalade is ready.

Step 7: Jar and Store

Carefully pour the hot marmalade into clean, sterilized glass jars. Allow to cool completely at room temperature. Seal the jars tightly and store in a cool, dark pantry or refrigerator.

Expert Tips For Delia Smith Marmalade Recipe

• Scrub Citrus Thoroughly: Wash oranges and lemons carefully to remove any wax, dirt, or pesticide residues before preparing the marmalade.
• Chop Precisely: Cut orange pieces into small, uniform bits to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the marmalade.
• Check Gel Point: Use the frozen plate test to confirm the marmalade has reached the right consistency – when it wrinkles, it's ready to be jarred.
• Control Sweetness: Adjust sugar quantity based on orange's natural sweetness and your preference for a more tart or sweeter preserve.
• Store Smartly: Use clean, sterilized jars and cool the marmalade completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

Try These Variations On Delia Smith Marmalade Recipe

• Citrus Medley Marmalade: Replace oranges with a mix of grapefruit, lime, and tangerine for a complex, zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Variation: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining sweetness.
• Spiced Marmalade: Add cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom during cooking for a warming, aromatic dimension to the traditional recipe.
• Herbal Infusion Marmalade: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme during simmering to create a unique, savory-sweet spread perfect for cheese pairings.

Pairing Ideas For Delia Smith Marmalade Recipe

• Elevate Breakfast Toast: Spread marmalade on warm sourdough bread, topped with soft goat cheese for a tangy, creamy contrast.
• Match with Morning Beverages: Enjoy alongside a robust Earl Grey tea or a rich, smooth cappuccino to balance the marmalade's bright citrus notes.
• Enhance Cheese Boards: Serve marmalade as a zesty accompaniment to aged cheddar or creamy brie, creating a delightful sweet-savory combination.
• Create Gourmet Pastry Pairings: Drizzle marmalade over warm croissants or use as a glaze for buttery scones, adding a vibrant citrus punch.

Storage Guidance For Delia Smith Marmalade Recipe

• Store in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep sealed tightly to prevent contamination and preserve freshness.
• Transfer marmalade to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before using.
• Sealed, sterilized jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 1-2 months if properly processed and canned.
• Gently warm small portions in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place jar in warm water bath to soften. Stir before serving to restore smooth consistency.

Marmalade Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty orange marmalade brings sunshine to breakfast tables with its rich, tangy charm. British citrus traditions shine through this simple preserve, promising bright morning moments for eager palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Citrus Fruits:

• 2.0 to 2.3 pounds (907 to 1043 grams) oranges
• 1 lemon, zest and juice

Water:

• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) water

Sugar:

• 4 cups (800 grams) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly scrub citrus fruits to remove any wax or dirt from the surface.
2. Carefully slice oranges into quarters, removing and discarding seeds while keeping the peel intact.
3. Finely chop the orange pieces, including peels, using a food processor or sharp knife to create small, uniform fragments.
4. Transfer chopped oranges to a heavy-bottomed saucepan, incorporating lemon zest and juice for enhanced flavor complexity.
5. Pour measured water and sugar into the pan, gently stirring to ensure complete sugar dissolution before heating.
6. Ignite medium-low flame, bringing the mixture to a gentle rolling boil while stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a rich, concentrated consistency.
8. Verify marmalade’s readiness by placing a small amount on a pre-chilled plate; if the surface wrinkles when pushed, the preserve has reached optimal setting point.
9. Carefully ladle the hot marmalade into sterilized glass jars, leaving minimal headspace to ensure proper preservation.
10. Allow marmalade to cool completely at room temperature before securing lids, then store in a cool, dark pantry.

Notes

• Always choose ripe, fragrant oranges for the most vibrant marmalade flavor.
• Scrub citrus fruits thoroughly to remove any wax or surface residue before preparing.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise setting point if you’re unsure about the wrinkle test method.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on orange sweetness and personal preference, typically between 1:1 to 2:1 fruit to sugar ratio.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 80g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg