| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 267 | 0.3g | 0.1g | 68.7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 61g | 2.7g | 1.6g | 0.01g |
There’s a sweet, deep, rich recipe that I can’t help but love. The African Cherry Orange Marmalade. Coming from my heartland Nebraska roots, this isn’t exactly what you’d expect when you think of Midwestern comfort food. However, once you’ve had a taste of it spread over some wholesome, homemade bead, you’ll see just why it’s made its way into my recipe collection. This marmalade is jam-packed an infusion of unique, tangy African cherry and the classic, citrusy orange. It’s intensive flavor and bold hues make for a delightful break from your typical jelly or jam.
The Farm-to-Table Philosophy
African Cherry, or Agbalumo or Udara as it’s locally known, originates from Africa but has found a home in my Nebraska kitchen. This fruit-based treat captures the same farm-to-table freshness that I value in all my cooking. Aligned perfectly with my food philosophy, the ingredients shine in their natural splendor, inspiring a deep appreciation for our Earth’s bounty.
What’s to Love About This Recipe
What sets the African Cherry Orange Marmalade apart are a few key things. First, the unusually vibrant flavor profile of the African cherry; it is splendidly sweet yet tart, a perfect partner for the robust oranges. Second, this recipe delivers an excellent source of Vitamin C, courtesy of the African Cherry and oranges. Apart from tasting good, it also boosts immunity and contributes to your overall wellbeing. A spoonful of this marmalade is a delicious dose of health!
Having paired it with a variety of dishes, I can safely say that this marmalade serves as a robust accompaniment to several meals. It creates a harmony of flavors when spread over a slice of sourdough or a hot buttered crumpet. You could jive it up a notch and use it as a glaze for a succulent roast chicken. The Slovenian potica (or rolled pastry) is a dish strikingly similar to this recipe in terms of technique and patience, which might be a good reference for those looking for culinary inspiration.
If you are interested in learning more about African Cherry, click here to understand its origins and myriad health benefits. Furthermore, for those keen about other unique marmalade flavors, you might want to venture into BBC’s Marmalade Bread and Butter Pudding recipe for a British flair.
In summary, the African Cherry Orange Marmalade is much more than just a spread. It’s an adventure in a jar, waiting to unleash delightful flavors, unforgettable meals, and cozy heartland kitchen moments.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of African Cherry (Agbalumo/Udara)
- 2 large oranges
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of orange zest
- 1 packet of fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
- 1/2 cup of water
Method
Step One
Start by thoroughly washing the African cherries and oranges. Once cleaned, peel the oranges and African cherries, make sure to save the peel of one orange for the zest. Deseed the African cherries.
Step Two
In a blender, blend the African cherries, oranges, and 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Transfer the blended fruit into a large pot.
Step Three
To the pot, add sugar, lemon juice, and the orange zest. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Four
Once the sugar is dissolved, stir in the packet of fruit pectin. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full boil while stirring frequently.
Step Five
After the mixture has reached a full boil, reduce the heat to low and let the marmalade simmer. Continue to stir occasionally for about 30 minutes, or until the marmalade has thickened to your liking.
Step Six
Finally, carefully transfer the hot marmalade into sterilized jars, seal them tightly. Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. The marmalade will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cooled completely, the marmalade is ready to serve or can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
