Pescatarian Orange Marmalade
Bright, bittersweet, and deeply aromatic, this classic citrus preserve is the kind of thing that turns an ordinary piece of toast into something worth waking up for. The process is a beautiful exercise in patience — simmering orange and lemon peels until they turn tender and translucent, then coaxing the whole pot up to that perfect setting point where fruit, sugar, and natural pectin come together into glossy, spreadable gold. The cheesecloth technique here is the real secret weapon, pulling every bit of pectin from the pith and seeds so you get a reliable set without any commercial additives. A candy thermometer and the frozen-plate wrinkle test take the guesswork out of knowing exactly when you're done. Once jarred and processed in a water bath, these half-pints will keep on your shelf and make genuinely impressive homemade gifts. Slather it on buttered toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a glaze — the possibilities are as bright as the jars themselves.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
48 servings
- 2 lbs navel or seville oranges (about 4 medium), scrubbed
- 2 lemons, scrubbed
- 8 cups water
- 6 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- 1
Halve all the oranges and lemons. Squeeze the juice from each half into a large heavy-bottomed pot (at least 8-quart), catching the seeds and any loose pulp in a fine-mesh strainer set over the pot. Transfer the seeds and strained pulp to a double layer of cheesecloth; set the squeezed halves aside.
- 2
Using a spoon, scrape the white pith and any remaining pulp from the inside of each squeezed orange and lemon half and add it to the cheesecloth bundle — this pith is rich in natural pectin and is essential for the set. Tie the cheesecloth into a secure bundle with kitchen twine, leaving a long tail to tie to the pot handle.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!