Are you wondering how to make mandarin orange marmalade? Try this easy small batch mandarin marmalade recipe today.
I have always made homemade jams and jellies. If you’ve never tasted homemade jam, jelly, preserves, or marmalade, you don’t know what you’re missing – there is just no comparison to the store-bought kind.
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How to Make Mandarin Orange Marmalade
I’ve made several different jams and jellies throughout the years. I make raspberry and rhubarb jams many times throughout the year since we have them growing in our yard. And since my parents have grapes and apples in their yard, those are popular choices as well. Here is a blog post on everything you need to get started making jam no matter what type of fruit you choose.
I see some jams and jellies as special treats, and orange marmalade is one of them. I have made orange marmalade several times, but I had never tried making mandarin orange marmalade.
The mandarin orange is smaller and a bit sweeter than a traditional orange. I find them much easier to peel, and since I enjoy snacking on them so much, I decided it was time to learn how to make mandarin orange marmalade.
Mandarin Marmalade vs. Orange Marmalade
Mandarin orange marmalade has a milder taste than the traditional version, which is great if you’re looking for something a little different. This recipe makes a perfect amount of marmalade for a family since it’s a small batch. We generally only put marmalade on toast, so I don’t need as many jars as I typically would.
If you’re wondering what the heck the difference is between jam, jelly, and marmalade, I should probably explain:
- Jelly – Jelly is clear and free of fruit pieces because it uses strained fruit juice.
- Jam – Jam is thicker than jelly and contains the fruit’s pulp and seeds. It typically doesn’t include large pieces of fruit.
- Preserves – Preserves are thicker than jam. They contain the fruit’s seeds, pulp, and large pieces.
- Marmalade – Marmalade is a citrus fruit preserve and includes the fruit’s peel.
A great gift idea
Mandarin orange marmalade is a pretty gift to give. It looks festive from the red from the cranberries and orange and yellow from the citrus. If you need a pretty handmade present, put a jar of mandarin orange marmalade and homemade bread in a gift basket. It’s the perfect gift that anyone will enjoy!
How to Make Orange Marmalade
To start, peel the Halo mandarin oranges and Meyer lemons, then remove as much white pith from the peel as possible. Don’t throw away the peels because you’ll be using them in the marmalade! Instead, slice the peels into thin strips with a sharp knife.
Once you slice the peels, place them in a small pan with one cup of water and bring it to a boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer on low for about 20 minutes. While the peels are cooking, chop the Halo mandarin oranges and Meyer lemon very finely. If there are any seeds, remove them.
Next, add your chopped lemon and mandarin orange to the pan along with the sugar, and bring the mixture back to a boil. Let it boil uncovered until it gels (it usually takes about 10 minutes), and add the cranberry a few minutes before it gels. Next, remove it from the heat and ladle it into hot crystal jelly jars. You’ll want to process it for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath canner.
How do you know when marmalade is done?
If you let the marmalade sit for a moment and push the edge with a wooden spoon, it should hold its shape slightly before filling the space again. I’ve never had a problem following the steps for this mandarin orange marmalade.
How do you thicken homemade Marmalade?
If the marmalade is having a hard time thickening, you can mix a little bit of pectin with warm water, then add it to the marmalade and stir until it thickens. If you add the pectin directly to the marmalade, it might cause lumps.
This post from Kitchn is full of tips for helping your jam set up as well. And if you still cannot get your marmalade to thicken, don’t worry – you can still enjoy it as an ice cream topping. It still tastes great.
Jams, jellies, and marmalades are great for any occasion. Whether you need a gift idea or you want to enjoy a delicious treat, it’s one of the best things you can make – plus it’s quick and easy. Here are a few other recipes you’ll want to try if you liked this mandarin orange marmalade:
More recipes like my mandarin marmalade
So, if you want a few mandarin orange recipes, why not try one of these:
Related Reading
Mandarin Orange Marmalade
You will love this easy Mandarin orange marmalade recipe that makes a small batch.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1 Meyer lemon
- 3 Halo mandarin oranges
- 1 cup of water
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
Instructions
- Peel the Halo Mandarin oranges and Meyer lemons.
- Remove as much of the white pith from the peel as possible.
- Slice the peels very thinly in small strips with a sharp knife.
- Place the peels in a small pan with the water and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Chop the Halo Mandarin oranges and Meyer lemon very finely. Make sure to remove any seeds if there are any in the Meyer lemon.
- Add it to the pan with the sugar and bring it back to a boil.
- Boil rapidly, uncovered until it gels which usually takes me about 10 minutes.
- A few minutes before it gels, add the chopped dried cranberries.
- Remove it from the heat.
- Ladle it into hot crystal jelly jars and process 10 minutes in a boiling water bath canner.
Notes
If you are having problems getting the marmalade to thicken, you can add a bit of pectin to warm water and stir. Then add the mixture to the marmalade.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 126Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 31gProtein: 0g
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
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