Vegan Marmalade Recipe

There’s something magical about homemade marmalade. The way it captures the bright, zesty flavors of citrus while spreading sunshine on our morning toast is simply unbeatable. For those of us embracing a plant-based lifestyle, creating a vegan marmalade that’s bursting with natural sweetness and tangy goodness is easier than you’d think.

Vegan Marmalade Recipe

Creating vegan marmalade is a straightforward and rewarding process. This vibrant spread captures the tangy sweetness of citrus, crafted with only plant-based ingredients. Let’s dive into the step-by-step details to make this zesty delight right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what we’ll need to make our vegan marmalade:

• 6 medium oranges, preferably organic, washed thoroughly
• 2 large lemons, washed thoroughly
• 4 cups (32 oz) of water
• 3-4 cups of granulated sugar, based on desired sweetness
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract (optional, for a mild aromatic twist)

Equipment

• Large pot
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth
• Sterilized glass jars

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Citrus

1. Cut the oranges and lemons into thin slices, removing any seeds. Use a sharp knife to ensure even slices.
2. Save any juice that escapes during slicing as it adds to the vibrant citrus flavor.

2. Extract the Pectin

1. Collect the seeds and wrap them in a muslin cloth or cheesecloth. Citrus seeds are rich in natural pectin, which helps thicken the marmalade.
2. Tie the cloth securely and add it to the pot during the cooking process.

3. Start Cooking

1. Place the sliced citrus, saved juice, and the muslin-wrapped seeds into the large pot.
2. Pour in the 4 cups of water to cover the fruit.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens.

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4. Add Sweetness

1. Gradually add the sugar—start with 3 cups. Stir well to dissolve it completely.
2. Taste the mixture and adjust the sugar based on your preference, adding up to 4 cups. (Tip: Less sugar will result in a slightly tangier marmalade.)

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5. Achieving the Perfect Set

1. Let the mixture cook on low heat for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
2. Use the “cold plate test” to check the consistency. Place a small dollop onto a chilled plate, wait a moment, and push it with your finger. If it wrinkles slightly, your marmalade is ready.

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6. Final Steps

1. Remove the muslin cloth with the pectin-rich seeds, squeezing out any liquid back into the pot. (Be cautious, as it will be hot!)
2. Stir in the vanilla extract if using, for a subtle, fragrant note.

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Storage

Carefully ladle the hot marmalade into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or in a cool pantry if sealed properly for up to one year.

Storage Method	Shelf Life
Refrigerated	Up to 3 weeks
Cool, sealed pantry	Up to 1 year

Crafting your own vegan marmalade not only fills your home with the irresistible aroma of citrus but also ensures a wholesome, plant-based treat for your daily spreads.

Ingredients

Here are the essential ingredients for making our vibrant and flavorful vegan marmalade. Each component has been thoughtfully selected to bring out the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess while keeping it completely plant-based.

• 4 large organic oranges (approximately 2 pounds); washed thoroughly, peel included
• 2 medium organic lemons; washed and deseeded
• 6 cups of water
• 4 cups of sugar; use organic sugar to ensure it is vegan
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a hint of richness (optional but recommended)

Ingredients Notes

• Organic citrus fruits: It’s vital to use organic oranges and lemons as their peels are a crucial part of the marmalade, ensuring your recipe is pesticide-free.
• Vegan sugar: Verify the sugar is labeled vegan-friendly, as some processing methods may include animal products.
• Vanilla extract: This adds a subtle, warm undertone to the citrusy brightness, enhancing the depth of flavor.

Quick Reference Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Organic oranges	4 large	Washed, with peel, approx. 2 pounds
Organic lemons	2 medium	Deseeded, washed
Water	6 cups	Provides the base to extract flavors and pectin
Organic sugar (vegan)	4 cups	Sweetener, adjust to taste
Vanilla extract (Optional)	1 teaspoon	Adds warm undertone, intensifies sweetness naturally

Tools And Equipment

To create the perfect vegan marmalade, we need to ensure that we have all the necessary tools and equipment prepared. These items streamline the process and help achieve the desired consistency and flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the tools you’ll need:

Essential Tools

• Sharp knife: For slicing the oranges and lemons into thin, even pieces.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for safe and clean fruit preparation.
• Citrus juicer: Optional but helpful for extracting juice from the fruit.
• Large pot or saucepan: A heavy-bottomed pot works best to prevent scorching during cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the marmalade without scratching your cookware.
• Candy or food thermometer: To monitor the marmalade and reach the required setting point of 220°F.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise measurements of sugar, water, and optional ingredients.
• Metal ladle: Handy for pouring the hot marmalade into jars without spills.
• Funnel: A wide-mouthed funnel aids in transferring the marmalade into jars neatly.

Sterilization And Storage Tools

• Glass jars with lids: Use sterilized jars to store your marmalade and keep it fresh for longer.
• Tongs: Essential for handling hot jars during the sterilization process.
• Clean kitchen towel: Useful for drying jars after sterilization.

Pro Tip

When sterilizing jars, submerge them in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Let them air dry upside down on a clean towel before filling with your marmalade. This simple step ensures your homemade marmalade stays fresh and flavorful for weeks or months!

Tool	Purpose
Sharp knife	For slicing citrus fruit into thin, consistent pieces.
Cutting board	Provides a stable surface for safe preparation.
Large pot or saucepan	Evenly cooks the marmalade mixture and prevents scorching.
Candy thermometer	Precisely tracks the mixture’s temperature to ensure perfect setting consistency.
Glass jars with lids	Sterilized storage containers to preserve marmalade freshness and extend shelf life.
Funnel	Aids in transferring hot marmalade neatly and efficiently into jars.

Having these tools prepped and ready will make the process of crafting your vegan marmalade not just easier but a fun and rewarding experience! Every item plays an essential role in simplifying the steps and ensuring professional-quality results.

Directions

Creating vegan marmalade is a simple yet rewarding experience, filling your kitchen with the luscious fragrance of citrus. Follow these step-by-step directions to achieve perfect results.

Prep

1. Wash 4 large organic oranges and 2 medium organic lemons thoroughly under warm water to remove any residue or wax. Organic fruit ensures a pesticide-free marmalade.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice the citrus thinly, removing seeds as you go. For a smoother marmalade, you may also cut the peels into smaller strips.
3. Place the sliced fruit in a large pot and add 6 cups of water. Let the mixture sit covered for 12 hours or overnight to soften the peels and release natural pectin.

Cooking The Marmalade

1. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the fruit and water mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the peels have softened and the liquid has reduced by about a third.
3. Gradually add 4 cups of organic sugar, stirring continuously to dissolve. Ensure the sugar is certified vegan for a completely plant-based recipe.
4. If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Continue cooking for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Testing For Set

1. To test if the marmalade has reached the correct setting point, place a small plate in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.
2. Spoon a teaspoon of marmalade onto the chilled plate and let it rest for 1 minute. Run your finger through the marmalade; if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it is set. If not, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.
3. Use a candy thermometer for precision; the mixture should reach 220°F for proper setting.

Process	Temperature/Time
Cook until softening	Simmer for 30-40 minutes
Add sugar and vanilla	Simmer another 45-60 min
Check setting point	220°F on thermometer

Sterilizing The Jars

1. Wash glass jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Place the jars upright on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated 250°F oven for 10-15 minutes to sterilize.
3. Submerge lids in boiling water for 5 minutes and leave them to air dry on a clean kitchen towel. This step ensures the marmalade remains fresh.

Filling The Jars

1. Once the marmalade has set, use a sterilized funnel to carefully ladle the hot marmalade into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top.
2. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, ensuring an airtight seal.
3. Seal the jars with the sterilized lids and let them cool at room temperature. You’ll hear a slight “pop” as the jars seal.
4. Store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening and enjoy within 3 weeks, or store in a sealed pantry for up to 1 year.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing vegan marmalade ahead of time is a fantastic way to ensure you have a supply of this zesty treat ready for any occasion. Here are our top tips for making and storing marmalade efficiently without compromising its fresh, citrusy flavors:

1. Sterilize Your Jars in Advance

To extend the shelf life of your marmalade, it’s crucial to use sterile storage jars. Here’s how we do it:

• Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water.
• Place the jars in an oven preheated to 250°F (121°C) for 15 minutes.
• Boil the lids in water for 10 minutes.

Allow all components to cool before filling with marmalade to avoid breaking due to temperature differences.

2. Plan Batch Sizes

If you’re making vegan marmalade for both immediate use and long-term storage, divide it into smaller portions:

• 3–4 small jars for gifts or everyday use.
• 1–2 larger jars for preserving and later enjoyment.

By sectioning into various sizes, you can easily manage how often you open a jar, keeping the unused portions fresher for longer.

3. Refrigeration vs. Pantry Storage

Store unopened marmalade jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months. Once opened, move the jar to the refrigerator, where the marmalade will stay fresh for about 3 weeks. Here’s a quick reference:

Storage Type	Location	Shelf Life
Unopened Marmalade	Pantry	Up to 12 months
Opened Marmalade	Refrigerator	Up to 3 weeks

4. Freeze for Long-Term Convenience

Did you know you can freeze marmalade? Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving about ½ inch of space for expansion. Label the container with the date, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use.

5. Make Pectin in Advance

For a smoother process, prepare citrus pectin ahead of time. Boil some orange peels with water, strain, and store the liquid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze in ice cube trays for later use. This ensures you have natural, plant-based pectin ready when it’s marmalade time.

6. Use a Candy Thermometer

Since achieving the right marmalade texture is critical, keep your candy thermometer calibrated and handy. Test the temperature to ensure the mixture hits the setting point of 220°F. Preparing tools like this beforehand saves time during the cooking process.

Storage Suggestions

Proper storage is essential to maintain the vibrant flavor and freshness of our homemade vegan marmalade. Here are confident and easy-to-follow strategies to ensure your marmalade stays delightful for weeks or even months:

1. Sealed Pantry Storage for Unopened Jars

Once the marmalade has been properly cooked and jarred, store unopened jars in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight and heat. A tightly sealed sterilized jar can keep your marmalade fresh for up to 12 months without compromising the taste or texture.

• Tip: Label each jar with the preparation date to keep track of its shelf life.

2. Refrigeration for Opened Jars

After opening, we should refrigerate the marmalade. Opened jars should be sealed tightly and stored in the refrigerator to preserve their flavor and prevent bacterial growth.

• Shelf Life in Refrigerator: Up to 3 weeks for best results.
• Pro Tip: Use clean and dry utensils to prevent contamination when scooping out marmalade.

3. Freezing Marmalade for Long-Term Storage

For more extended storage, freezing is a fantastic option. Marmalade can be poured into freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving some space at the top to accommodate expansion.

Storage Method	Conditions	Anticipated Shelf Life
Unopened Pantry Jars	Cool, dark pantry	Up to 12 months
Opened Jars	Refrigeration	Up to 3 weeks
Frozen Marmalade	Freezer-safe containers	Up to 6 months

4. Avoid Direct Exposure

Direct exposure to light and heat can degrade the marmalade, leading to color and flavor loss. Always store jars in suitable conditions to maintain the rich citrus aroma and flavor profile.

5. Inspect Before Use

Before enjoying our marmalade, inspect it for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual odor, discoloration, or mold. This step ensures the marmalade is still at its peak quality.

Conclusion

Making vegan marmalade at home is more than just a recipe; it’s a rewarding experience that brings vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness to our table. By carefully selecting quality ingredients and following simple steps, we can create a spread that’s both delicious and plant-based.

With proper preparation and storage, our homemade marmalade stays fresh and flavorful, ready to brighten breakfasts or elevate desserts. Whether we’re making a single batch or preparing jars for long-term enjoyment, this recipe is a delightful way to embrace the art of vegan cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vegan marmalade made of?

Vegan marmalade is made from organic citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, water, vegan-friendly sugar, and optionally, vanilla extract. These ingredients are cooked together to create a naturally sweet and tangy spread.

Why use organic citrus fruits for marmalade?

Organic citrus fruits are free from pesticides, ensuring a healthier and more natural marmalade. They also enhance the flavor and quality of your homemade spread.

Can I use regular sugar instead of vegan sugar?

Vegan sugar is recommended because it is processed without bone char, making it suitable for a plant-based diet. Regular sugar may not meet vegan standards.

How do I sterilize jars for marmalade?

To sterilize jars, wash them in hot soapy water, rinse well, and heat them in an oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10-15 minutes. Sterilizing jars ensures the marmalade stays fresh longer.

How long does homemade vegan marmalade last?

Unopened jars can last up to 12 months when stored in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and consume the marmalade within 3 weeks. Frozen marmalade can last up to 6 months.

Can I freeze vegan marmalade?

Yes, vegan marmalade can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Ensure proper sealing to preserve flavor and freshness.

How do I know when the marmalade is ready while cooking?

Use a candy thermometer to test the temperature. The marmalade sets at around 220°F (104°C). Alternatively, do the “plate test” by placing a spoonful on a cold plate to check its consistency.

What tools do I need to make vegan marmalade?

Essential tools include a sharp knife, cutting board, large pot, wooden spoon, candy thermometer, measuring cups, and sterilized glass jars with lids. These tools simplify the preparation and storage process.

Can I prepare marmalade in advance?

Yes, sterilizing jars and preparing citrus pectin ahead can save time. Proper planning allows you to make larger batches for long-term storage or future use.

How should I store opened jars of marmalade?

Store opened jars in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks for the best flavor and freshness. Always inspect for signs of spoilage before use.