old fashioned lime marmalade

Lime Marmalade is a delightful and tangy preserve that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your breakfast table. The old fashioned lime marmalade recipe showcases the boldness of fresh limes, creating a sweet yet tart spread perfect for toast, pastries, or even as an ingredient in savory dishes. Its vibrant color and unique taste make it an ideal addition to any occasion, from brunch gatherings to holiday gift baskets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, anyone can master this classic marmalade.
• Bold Flavor: Enjoy the intense and refreshing taste of real limes, enhancing your meals with every bite.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect on toast, as a cake filling, or paired with cheese; the applications are endless!
• No Added Pectin: Made in the traditional way without commercial pectin for a more authentic flavor and texture.
• Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own preserves from scratch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your old fashioned lime marmalade, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large container for soaking limes
• Sharp knife or mandoline
• Large saucepan or jam pot
• Stirring spoon
• Jars or containers for storage
• Hot water bath setup (canning equipment)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large container: Essential for soaking limes overnight, ensuring they soften properly.
• Sharp knife or mandoline: Helps achieve uniform slices for even cooking and texture in the marmalade.
• Jam pot: A wide base allows for even heat distribution while boiling, preventing scorching.
• Canning equipment: Necessary to safely store your marmalade for long-term use.

Ingredients

Lime Marmalade is a sweet, tangy preserve made the old-fashioned way without added pectin. Packed with bold citrus flavor.

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs limes (approximately 12 to 14 medium limes)
– 8 cups water
– 6 to 7 cups granulated sugar
– Juice of 1 to 2 fresh lemons (optional, recommended)
– A few drops green food coloring (optional)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make old fashioned lime marmalade

Step 1: Prepare the Limes

Wash the limes thoroughly. Cut off the blossom and stem ends, discarding them. Slice the limes thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline, then quarter each slice. Alternatively:
1. Quarter the limes.
2. Pulse them in a food processor until evenly chopped but not mushy.
Combine the limes with 8 cups of water in a large container, stir well, cover, and let sit overnight.

Step 2: Boil the Lime Mixture

In a large saucepan or jam pot, bring the lime mixture to a boil and continue boiling uncovered for 40 minutes until the peels soften. Gradually:
1. Add 6 cups of granulated sugar to the boiling mixture.
2. Stir constantly to dissolve completely.
3. Taste and add up to 1 additional cup of sugar if desired.
Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 6 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Cook and Jar Your Marmalade

Prepare jars or containers for storage and set up a hot water bath if canning. Bring the lime mixture back to a boil over high heat while stirring continuously:
1. Prevent scorching by adding little water if necessary.
2. Cook until it starts to firm up but retains some syrup consistency; use either:
– The cold plate test
– Confirming temperature is between 216°F – 218°F.
3. Taste and add freshly squeezed lemon juice as desired.
4. Add green food coloring if using.
Let rest for 10 minutes while preparing containers.

Stir thoroughly before ladling into jars or containers:
– Leave 1/4 inch headspace for canning or 1 inch for freezing.
Process jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes (15 minutes above 6,000 feet). Cool jars for 24 hours before storing; refrigerate opened jars or unsealed jars.

How to Serve old fashioned lime marmalade

Old fashioned lime marmalade is a deliciously versatile spread that adds a bright, citrusy flavor to many dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this tangy preserve.

On Toast and Bread

• Classic Toast: Spread a generous layer of lime marmalade on warm buttered toast for a delightful breakfast.
• Bagels: Use it as a unique topping on bagels with cream cheese for a refreshing twist.

With Cheese

• Cheese Platter: Pair lime marmalade with sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Add a thin layer inside your grilled cheese sandwich for an unexpected flavor boost.

In Desserts

• Drizzle over Ice Cream: Pour warm lime marmalade over vanilla ice cream for a zesty dessert option.
• Lime Tart Filling: Use it as a filling in tarts or pastries for added citrus flavor.

How to Perfect old fashioned lime marmalade

To ensure your old fashioned lime marmalade turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• bold Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh limes for the best flavor and aroma in your marmalade.
• bold Measure Sugar Carefully: Adjust the sugar based on your taste preferences but remember that sugar helps in preservation.
• bold Test Consistency: Perform the cold plate test to check if your marmalade has reached the desired thickness before jarring.
• bold Sterilize Jars: Make sure your jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
• bold Cool Properly: Allow jars to cool completely after processing; this ensures a good seal and better preservation.

Best Side Dishes for old fashioned lime marmalade

Old fashioned lime marmalade pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their flavors. Here are some great options to consider serving alongside it.

1. Pancakes: Serve fluffy pancakes topped with lime marmalade instead of syrup for a unique breakfast treat.
2. Roasted Chicken: Glaze roasted chicken with lime marmalade before baking for a sweet and tangy finish.
3. Fruit Salad: Toss fresh fruit in lime marmalade for an easy, flavorful side dish at any meal.
4. Scones: Enjoy warm scones with a dollop of clotted cream and a smear of lime marmalade for an afternoon tea delight.
5. Savory Muffins: Pair savory muffins, like cheese or herb variations, with lime marmalade for an interesting flavor contrast.
6. Charcuterie Board: Include lime marmalade on your charcuterie board as a complement to meats and cheeses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making old fashioned lime marmalade can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can lead to a marmalade that is too sweet or too tart. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.

• Skipping the overnight soak: Failing to let the lime mixture sit overnight can result in tough peels. This step allows the limes to release their flavors and soften properly.

• Overcooking the mixture: Boiling for too long may cause your marmalade to become too thick or burnt. Keep an eye on the cooking time and perform the cold plate test.

• Using insufficient sugar: Sugar not only sweetens but also helps with preservation. If you don’t use enough, your marmalade may spoil quickly. Taste and adjust as necessary during cooking.

• Ignoring sterilization of jars: Not properly sterilizing your jars can introduce bacteria, leading to spoilage. Always sanitize jars before filling them with your delicious marmalade.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or jar.
• Can last up to 3 weeks in the fridge.
• Make sure it is cooled before sealing tightly.

Freezing old fashioned lime marmalade

• Use freezer-safe containers or jars.
• Can be frozen for up to 1 year.
• Leave extra headspace in jars as the marmalade expands when frozen.

Reheating old fashioned lime marmalade

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the jar in for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches desired warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make old fashioned lime marmalade without sugar?

You can reduce sugar, but this may affect both flavor and preservation. Adjust accordingly while keeping safety in mind.

How do I know when my old fashioned lime marmalade is set?

The cold plate test is effective; place a spoonful on a chilled plate and tilt it. If it holds its shape, it’s ready!

What other fruits can I mix with old fashioned lime marmalade?

You can experiment by adding fruits like oranges or lemons to enhance flavor and create unique combinations.

How long does homemade old fashioned lime marmalade last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 3 weeks in the fridge and up to 1 year in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This old fashioned lime marmalade recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal addition to your breakfast table or dessert platter. Its versatility allows for creative variations—consider adding other citrus fruits or spices to customize your batch. Don’t hesitate; try making this delightful preserve today!

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Old Fashioned Lime Marmalade

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• Author: Divine
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings (1 tablespoon each) 1x

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Description

Lime Marmalade is a vibrant, tangy preserve that brightens up your breakfast and adds a unique twist to your culinary creations. This old-fashioned recipe highlights the bold flavors of fresh limes without any added pectin, resulting in a delightful balance of sweet and tart. Perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or using as a cake filling, this marmalade is a versatile addition to any meal. Plus, making it from scratch gives you the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or gifting it in decorative jars during the holidays, Lime Marmalade is sure to impress with its delicious taste and eye-catching color.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs fresh limes (12–14 medium)
• 8 cups water
• 6–7 cups granulated sugar
• Juice of 1–2 fresh lemons (optional)
• Green food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Wash limes and slice thinly. Combine sliced limes with water in a large container; let sit overnight.
2. Boil the lime mixture for 40 minutes until peels soften. Gradually stir in sugar until dissolved. Let sit for 6 hours or overnight.
3. Return to boil, stirring continuously until thickened (216°F – 218°F). Add lemon juice and food coloring if desired.
4. Ladle into sterilized jars, leaving headspace for canning or freezing. Process jars in hot water bath for preservation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Preserve
• Method: Canning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use fresh limes for optimal flavor. Adjust sugar based on personal taste but keep preservation in mind. Perform the cold plate test to check consistency before jarring.