old fashioned lime marmalade

Lime Marmalade is a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your breakfast table or afternoon tea. This old fashioned lime marmalade recipe captures the essence of traditional preserving methods without added pectin, making it a true labor of love. Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over desserts, or giving as a thoughtful gift, this marmalade stands out with its vibrant color and bold taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, crafting your own marmalade is a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart limes and optional lemon juice creates a unique taste that elevates any dish.
• Versatile Uses: Use it on toast, bake it into pastries, or add it to savory dishes for an unexpected twist.
• No Pectin Needed: This recipe uses traditional methods to achieve the perfect consistency without any artificial additives.
• Great for Gifting: Homemade marmalade makes for an elegant gift, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

To make old fashioned lime marmalade, having the right tools will streamline your process and yield the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large container
• Sharp knife or mandoline
• Food processor (optional)
• Large saucepan or jam pot
• Jars or containers for storage
• Hot water bath canner

Importance of Each Tool

• Large container: Ideal for soaking the limes overnight to extract maximum flavor.
• Sharp knife or mandoline: Ensures precise slicing of limes for even cooking and texture.
• Large saucepan or jam pot: Provides ample space for boiling the mixture without spills.

Ingredients

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

For the Marmalade

• 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)

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, you can quarter the limes and pulse 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. Continue boiling uncovered for about 40 minutes until the peels soften. Gradually add 6 cups of granulated sugar to the boiling mixture while stirring constantly until dissolved. Taste and add up to 1 additional cup of sugar if desired. Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Cook and Jar the 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 to prevent scorching. If too firm, add a little water. Cook until it starts to firm up but retains some syrup consistency—this can be checked using the cold plate test or by confirming that it reaches between 216°F to 218°F. Taste and add freshly squeezed lemon juice as desired; incorporate green food coloring if using. Let rest for 10 minutes while preparing your containers.

Stir the marmalade thoroughly before ladling into jars or containers. Leave 1/4 inch headspace for canning or about 1 inch if freezing. Process jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes (15 minutes above 6,000 feet). Cool jars for at least 24 hours before storing them away properly. Remember to refrigerate opened jars or any unsealed jars.

How to Serve old fashioned lime marmalade

Old fashioned lime marmalade is a versatile condiment that adds a zesty kick to various dishes. Its sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with both savory and sweet items.

Spread on Toast

• Perfect for breakfast, spread a generous layer on your morning toast or bagel for a citrusy start to your day.

Pair with Cheese

• Enjoy with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The contrast of flavors creates an exquisite taste experience.

Glaze for Meats

• Use the marmalade as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork. It provides a delightful sweetness that complements savory meats.

Add to Yogurt

• Stir into plain yogurt for a refreshing snack. The lime flavor brightens up the creaminess of yogurt wonderfully.

Enhance Salad Dressings

• Mix it into dressings for salads. A spoonful can add depth and sweetness to vinaigrettes.

Fill Cakes and Pastries

• Use as a filling in cakes or pastries. It works beautifully in tarts, adding a unique twist to traditional desserts.

How to Perfect old fashioned lime marmalade

Making the perfect old fashioned lime marmalade takes a little practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Choose fresh limes: Selecting ripe, juicy limes will enhance the flavor of your marmalade significantly.

• Slice evenly: Aim for uniform slices when cutting limes; this helps them cook evenly and improves texture.

• Monitor sugar levels: Start with less sugar if you prefer a tangier taste, but remember that sugar acts as a preservative.

• Test consistency: Use the cold plate test by dropping some mixture on a cold plate; if it holds its shape, it’s ready for jars.

• Seal properly: Allow enough headspace in jars when canning to ensure proper seals and prevent spoilage.

Best Side Dishes for old fashioned lime marmalade

Old fashioned lime marmalade pairs excellently with many side dishes, making it an ideal complement for various meals. Here are some delicious options:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as sharp cheddar, brie, and blue cheese balances well with the tartness of the marmalade.

2. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies like zucchini and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil create a great base for dolloping marmalade.

3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of lime marmalade.

4. Rice Pilaf: Lightly flavored rice pilaf can be elevated by serving it alongside spoonfuls of lime marmalade.

5. Savory Crepes: Serve thin crepes filled with spinach and cheese topped with a drizzle of lime marmalade for an unexpected twist.

6. Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette work beautifully when accompanied by a side of lime marmalade.

7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs perfectly, adding an extra zing when topped with lime marmalade.

8. Cornbread Muffins: Warm cornbread muffins served with lime marmalade make for an enticing combination at any meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making old fashioned lime marmalade can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the soaking step: Not allowing the limes to soak overnight can lead to a tougher texture in your marmalade. Soaking helps soften the peels, ensuring better flavor extraction.
• Using unripe limes: Choosing limes that aren’t fully ripe can result in a less flavorful marmalade. Always pick limes that are firm, heavy, and fragrant for the best taste.
• Not measuring sugar correctly: Sugar is crucial for preserving your marmalade. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy; too little or too much sugar can spoil the batch.
• Ignoring temperature tests: Failing to check the temperature during cooking may leave your marmalade too runny or overly thick. Use a candy thermometer or the cold plate test for best results.
• Overcooking: Cooking the marmalade too long can cause it to caramelize, changing its color and flavor. Keep an eye on it as it cooks to avoid this mistake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store opened jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
• Ensure jars are tightly sealed after each use.

Freezing old fashioned lime marmalade

• Pour into airtight containers or freezer-safe jars.
• Freeze for up to 1 year; leave space at the top as marmalade expands.

Reheating old fashioned lime marmalade

• Oven: Place jar in an oven-safe dish filled with warm water; heat at low temperature until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments (15-20 seconds) on low power, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and using old fashioned lime marmalade.

How do I make old fashioned lime marmalade without pectin?

You can make it by using just limes, sugar, and water. The natural pectin in the citrus peels will help thicken your marmalade.

Can I adjust the sweetness of my old fashioned lime marmalade?

Absolutely! You can taste and adjust sugar levels during cooking. Add more if you prefer it sweeter.

What can I use old fashioned lime marmalade for?

This versatile preserve is great on toast, as a filling for pastries, or even as a glaze for meats.

How long does homemade old fashioned lime marmalade last?

When properly stored, it lasts up to 3 months in the refrigerator or up to 1 year in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Making old fashioned lime marmalade at home is not only rewarding but also offers endless possibilities for customization. You can experiment with different citrus fruits or spices to create unique flavors. This tangy preserve makes a delightful addition to your pantry, perfect for sharing or enjoying at breakfast!

---

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH