Citrus Marmalade Recipe
This vibrant Citrus Marmalade is a delightful blend of grapefruit, lemons, and limes cooked slowly to create a sweet and tangy spread. Perfect for breakfasts or teatime, this homemade marmalade boasts a perfect balance of zest and sweetness with a luscious, slightly chunky texture from the finely cut citrus peel and pulp.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
- Total Time: 3 hrs 50 mins
- Yield: About 6-7 jars (approx. 250ml each) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Fruits
- 1 kg unwaxed citrus fruit (mixture of grapefruit, lemons, and limes)
Syrup and Setting
- 2.25 kg granulated sugar
- 2.5 liters cold water
- small piece of muslin cloth
- string for tying muslin
- Prepare Saucer: Place a small saucer in the freezer to chill for later use when testing the marmalade’s setting point.
- Simmer Citrus: Wash all citrus fruits thoroughly and remove the tops attached to the stalks. Place the whole fruits into a large saucepan with 2.5 liters of cold water. Bring to boil, then cover and simmer gently for 2 hours and 30 minutes or until the skins are tender enough to be pierced easily with a small knife.
- Remove and Cool Fruits: Using a slotted spoon, carefully scoop the fruits out of the simmering liquid. Set them aside to cool for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare Cooking Liquid: Measure out 1.5 liters of the cooking liquid (liquor) and pour it back into the saucepan. If you have less than 1.5 liters, top up with water to make it the required amount.
- Process Fruits: Halve the cooled citrus fruits and remove all the pips. Set pips aside. Slice the peel and flesh into thin strips about 0.2 cm thick, or to your preference for marmalade texture. Return all the peel and flesh, along with any juices, to the cooking liquid in the saucepan.
- Use Muslin with Pips: Place the reserved pips inside a small piece of muslin tied securely with string. Add this muslin bag to the pan; the pectin in the pips helps the marmalade to set.
- Add Sugar and Boil: Stir in all of the granulated sugar, then bring the mixture to a rapid boil while stirring frequently. Maintain a vigorous boil for 45-50 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 105°C, which indicates the setting point.
- Test Setting Point: To test if the marmalade is ready, remove a small amount and drop it onto the chilled saucer from the freezer. Let it cool for 1 minute, then gently push the edge with your finger. If the surface wrinkles or crinkles, it’s ready. If not, continue boiling and retest every 5-10 minutes.
- Cool and Jar: Once the marmalade has reached setting, allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Carefully remove the muslin bag with the pips using a slotted spoon. Stir the marmalade gently in one direction to remove air bubbles, then pour into sterilized jars and seal immediately with a lid.
- Storage: Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Properly sterilized and sealed, this marmalade will keep for up to one year.
Notes
- Using a variety of citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemon, and lime provides a complex and balanced flavor.
- The pips are crucial as they contain natural pectin, which helps the marmalade set perfectly.
- Be patient when boiling; reaching the correct setting temperature is essential for the right texture.
- Thinly slicing the peel to around 0.2 cm helps achieve the traditional chunky yet spreadable marmalade texture.
- Always sterilize jars and lids before filling to ensure long shelf life and prevent spoilage.
- Adjust sugar quantity if using less tart fruits, but sugar also helps preservation.
Keywords: citrus marmalade, homemade marmalade, grapefruit marmalade, lemon lime marmalade, preserve, jam, breakfast spread