Marmalade is a type of preserve made of fruit, a substance called pectin, and a sweetener, similar to a jam or a jelly. Unlike jams and jellies, however, marmalades are usually made with citrus fruit, particularly oranges. They contain bits of the fruit, like a jam, but may also contain some of the peel or zest.
Marmalade's Origins
Although the origins of marmalade are unclear, it's known that King Henry VIII got a gift box of marmalade in 1524. It probably wasn't the orange preserve we know today; it was more likely a paste made of quinces and sugar, called marmeleda, that the Portuguese developed.
Modern marmalade was invented in the late 1700s in Dundee, Scotland. The Keiller family opened the first marmalade factory there in 1797. They used Seville oranges and shredded the peels. Keiller still makes their Dundee-style marmalade. There's also Oxford-style marmalade, which is thicker and darker in color.
At Breakfast and Beyond
Orange marmalade is a versatile preserve. It is commonly eaten at breakfast, as a topping for toast, biscuits, or crumpets, but it can top pancakes, waffles, and crepes as well.
It can also be used in cooking. It's been paired successfully with steak, ham, chicken, lamb, and pork. It makes moist cakes. It even makes a mean martini.
What's In It
Orange marmalade can be a pretty straightforward affair: a combination of oranges, water, and white sugar. However, some marmalade makers add lemon for some added zing, and it's possible to use a sugar substitute.
Pectin, an apple extract, is often added to help the marmalade gel, but it's not essential. In fact, the British figured out a long time ago that orange marmalade would set up just fine without any help from apples.
Where to Find It
Want to try it out before you commit to making your own? Several brands are available, including the classic Keiller's Dundee Orange Marmalade in its distinctive white jar. Golden Shred, Hero, and Bonne Mamam are imported from Europe, while Smucker's is one of the American brands. Low-sugar versions are also available, and some are kosher.
If you don't care for one, try another; they have different levels of sweetness.
Other Marmalades
While orange is most popular, any citrus fruit can make a marmalade, including grapefruits, lemons, limes, and blood oranges, or combinations thereof. For something entirely different, try Orange and Malt Whisky marmalade, by Tiptree.
Tags: citrus fruit, Orange marmalade, What Orange
