Making your own marmalade isn’t just a kitchen task, it’s a journey into sweetness and tanginess that promises joy and sharing. When the star of your marmalade is Hale Groves’ fresh Grove Navel Oranges, the citrusy adventure becomes all the more vibrant.
This easy recipe eliminates the fuss of water baths and boiling jars, focusing on creating a delectable topping that’s both zesty and satisfying. With just three canning jars and simple ingredients, you’ll have homemade orange marmalade ready to enjoy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus 4 hours cooling)
Yield: 3 jars
Ingredients
- 4 Hale Groves Grove Navel Oranges
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Sterilize the jars: Ensure your canning jars and lids are sterilized. Run them through a dishwasher cycle with heat drying, or soak in 1 gallon of water with 1 tablespoon of bleach for 15 minutes, then air dry.
- Prep the oranges: Cut the oranges in half and slice into thin ⅛-inch pieces. Remove any seeds as you go.
- Create the marmalade base: Combine the orange slices, water, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer to thicken: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Let simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until it reaches the thickness of heavy syrup. The mixture will thicken more as it cools.
- Transfer to jars: Carefully spoon the hot marmalade into prepared jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Seal each jar with its lid.
- Cool and set: Allow jars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before using. This cooling period enhances the flavors and helps the marmalade set properly.
Tips for Success
Why Grove Navel Oranges? Their balanced sweet-tart flavor and thin, aromatic peel make them ideal for marmalade. They’re seedless (or nearly so), which saves prep time.
Testing for doneness: Place a small spoonful on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. The flavors develop and improve over the first few days.
Ready to make your own marmalade? Shop Hale Groves Grove Navel Oranges
Spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, or gift to friends and family. Enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness crafted right in your kitchen!