Marmalade
Marmalade is a sweet fruit preserve, usually made from citrus fruit and known for containing pieces of peel or rind.
Marmalade is a sweet fruit preserve, usually made from citrus fruit and known for containing pieces of peel or rind. In modern English, it most commonly refers to a citrus-based spread such as orange marmalade, eaten on bread or toast, especially at breakfast.
Definition
Marmalade is a preserve made by cooking citrus fruit with sugar and water to create a gelled spread. It is typically distinguished from jam by the inclusion of peel or rind pieces.
History and etymology
The word comes from Portuguese and earlier Galician forms related to quince jam. Historically, marmalade could refer to preserves made from quince, but modern English usage is mostly citrus-based.
Ingredients and varieties
Traditional marmalade is made with citrus fruit, often including the peel, and may use bitter orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, or mixed citrus. Variants differ by fruit type, cut of peel, sweetness, and bitterness.
Culinary use
Marmalade is commonly served as a breakfast spread on bread or toast. It can also be used in baking and as a filling or topping for desserts.
Key facts
- Marmalade is generally made from citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and kumquats.
- Its defining feature is the presence of peel or rind suspended in a sweet gelled base.
- The best-known traditional version uses bitter oranges, especially Seville oranges.
- The term originally referred to quince jam, but modern usage usually means citrus preserve.
- Marmalade is commonly eaten on toast, bread, crumpets, or scones.
Marmalade is widely available in Canadian grocery stores and is commonly used as a breakfast spread in Canadian households, especially in British-influenced food traditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is marmalade made from?
Is marmalade the same as jam?
What fruit is most often used for marmalade?
Where does the word marmalade come from?
How is marmalade usually eaten?
References
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marmaladeSupports: Definition as a sweetened jelly with pieces of fruit and fruit rind.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MarmaladeSupports: Modern definition, citrus-based ingredients, common fruits used, and general culinary use.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/marmaladeSupports: Definition as a sweet, slightly bitter spread made by cooking fruit such as oranges with sugar; typical breakfast use.
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/marmaladeSupports: Definition, breakfast use, and etymology from Portuguese marmelada.
- The Spruce Eats — https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-marmalade-1807033Supports: Common ingredients, traditional use of Seville oranges, and serving suggestions.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/marmaladeSupports: Marmalade as a jellylike concentrate of prepared juice and sliced peel.