Originally, marmalade was made from quince, which is a fruit that looks like a pear. This variety of marmalade was expensive, so eventually someone decided to use oranges, which were cheaper compared to quince. Even though the quince was replaced, the name marmalade stuck.
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Types of Orange Marmalade
There are endless varieties of the texture of marmalade and arguments abound at the breakfast table to personal preferences. Amongst the most popular are:
- Thick Cut–the orange peel in the jelly is cut into thick chunks creating a tangy bitter flavor.
- Thin Cut–the orange peel is shredded finely resulting in a softer flavor and texture.
- Flavoured–endless varieties with added flavors; whiskey, Grand Marnier, ginger, or a mixture of citrus fruits. Purists think there should be nothing more than citrus and sugar.
- Vintage–marmalade left to mature for a denser, richer flavor.
- Black–made by the adding of brown sugar or black molasses.
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A Potted History of Marmalade
The name Marmalade comes from the Portuguese word Marmelos, a quince paste similar in texture to an orange spread popular long before the commercialization of marmalade in the late 18th century.
Despite the belief that marmalade was invented in Scotland by James Keiller and his wife, it was not—though due thanks must go to the Keiller who is generally credited with making the delicious breakfast preserve commercially available. The romantic notion of James Keiller discovering a cargo of bitter oranges being sold cheaply which his wife then turned into jam has long been outed considering the existence of recipes for similar jams dating back to the 1500s.
According to food historian Ivan Day, one of the earliest known recipes for a Marmelet of Oranges (close to what we know as marmalade today) comes from the recipe book of Eliza Cholmondeley around 1677.
The Easiest Orange Marmalade Recipe
FAQ
What is traditional British marmalade made from?
What is typical marmalade made of?
What is the secret ingredient in marmalade?
Why do they call it Marmelade?
What is marmalade made of?
Marmalade (from the Portuguese marmelada) is a fruit preserve made from the juice and peel of citrus fruits boiled with sugar and water. The well-known version is made from bitter orange. It is also made from lemons, limes, grapefruits, mandarins, sweet oranges, bergamots, and other citrus fruits, or a combination.
Where did marmalade come from?
The English recipe book of Eliza Cholmondeley, dated from 1677 and held at the Chester Record Office in the Cheshire county archives, has one of the earliest marmalade recipes (“Marmelet of Oranges”) which produced a firm, thick dark paste.
What fruit is used in marmalade?
A variety of fruit can be used, from grape to blackberry to strawberry, but it is not typically made with citrus fruit. Marmalade is made using primarily citrus fruit and includes the peel, often chopped into small pieces. It often has a chunkier texture thanks to the peel and sets up nice and thick similar to a jelly.
What does Marmalade taste like?
**Marmalade** is a type of fruit preserve made from the peel and pulp of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, or grapefruits. Unlike jams and jellies, which are made from the flesh of the fruit, marmalade is characterized by its slightly bitter flavor and the presence of citrus peel, which gives it a unique texture and taste.